Travel disruptions, visa processing delays, and consular office closures in Israel and Palestine are ongoing due to hostilities between Israel and the Hamas militant organization.
Israel
The government of Israel extended the validity period for all valid visas held by foreign nationals in the country. Visa extensions will remain in place until November 9, 2023. After this period, if there is no further notice, a visa extension must be carried out as per the usual procedures.
The government of Israel has temporarily closed several visa and work permit processing offices throughout the country. Continue to check the government’s website for the latest updates.
Ben Gurion Airport, Israel
The Ben Gurion airport announced the cancellation of many flights to the airport. Airport officials are working on a plan for departures and landings of incoming and outgoing flights. Check here for more information.
Argentina
The government of Argentina announced that its Consulate of Argentina in Tel Aviv is preparing a registry of those Argentine citizens who are in Israeli territory and may require evacuation. The government also recommends that all nationals who have air tickets or who can purchase them onboard as soon as possible the commercial flights available from Ben-Gurion Airport, which continues to operate.
Cyprus
The government of Cyprus advised travelers to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel and Palestine. Cypriot citizens are also advised to remain alert, and to register on their online registration platform for Cypriots abroad.
Germany
The government of Germany updated its travel advice for Israel and strongly advised its citizens against travel to Israel and the Gaza Strip. German nationals are, therefore, requested to follow the Federal Foreign Office’s travel and security advice and to enter or, if necessary, update all personal information in the register for emergency contact.
Finland
The government of Finland will provide evacuation assistance to Finnish citizens and permanent residents currently residing in Israel and Palestine. Travelers in the region are advised to register their travel plans by clicking here. The Foreign Ministry will contact and inform everyone who has registered their travel plans about the evacuation flight. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs upgraded its travel advice for Israel on October 8, 2023, and advises against all but essential travel to Israel. The government shared that its consular post in Israel will remain open and operational.
Hong Kong
The authorities of Hong Kong advised all residents to avoid non-essential travel to Israel and Palestine. Those already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to their safety, and avoid protests and large gatherings of people. Due to the volatile security situation, the government also reminded residents to avoid all travel to Gaza and its vicinity and areas along the border with Syria and Lebanon. The Security Bureau will continue to monitor the situation in Israel closely, and issue updates through the media, the bureau’s mobile app, and the outbound travel alert webpage.
Luxembourg
The government of Luxembourg advised against travel to Israel and the region until further notice. The government also recommends that all Luxembourg nationals who have not yet registered their presence on the LamA platform – Lëtzebuerger am Ausland – do so and report their presence to the Consular Assistance of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Singapore
The government of Singapore advised against travel to Israel until further notice. In addition, Singaporean citizens should follow instructions from the local authorities and take the necessary precautions for their safety. Singaporeans traveling to Israel should e-register with MFA if they have not already done so. Singaporeans who require consular assistance are advised to contact the Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Singaporeans should avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Israel’s borders with the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria. Singaporeans are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to the region.
Taiwan
The authorities of Taiwan advised that Taiwanese nationals who plan to travel to Israel and the Palestinian areas pay attention to the development of the local situation. In addition, the government recommends that Taiwanese nationals engaged in business travel activities in Israel must be vigilant and pay attention to their safety.
United Kingdom
The government of the United Kingdom (UK) ‘s visa processing office, TLS, announced the temporary closure of its offices in Gaza, Jerusalem and Ramallah. The office will remain closed until further notice.
The government of the United Kingdom (UK) ‘s visa processing office, TLS, announced the temporary closure of its offices in Tel Aviv. The office will remain closed until further notice.
Envoy Global and CIP’s team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as further information is released. Contact either your Envoy or CIP team through the Platform’s Communication Center for specific insights on travel and consular office closures.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
