UK Government Eases Israel Travel Advisory Before Final Evacuation Flight

Key Takeaways

• UK eases Israel travel advisory as of June 27, 2025, advising against all but essential travel to most regions.
• Final UK evacuation flight from Tel Aviv scheduled for June 29, 2025; no further flights planned.
• Land borders to Jordan and Egypt remain open but can close suddenly; commercial flights have resumed.

The UK Government Eases Israel Travel Advisory as Final Evacuation Flight Nears: What British Nationals Need to Know

The UK government has changed its travel advice for Israel 🇮🇱, moving from a strict warning against all travel to a more flexible approach. As of June 27, 2025, British nationals are now advised against all but essential travel to most of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. However, the government still warns against any travel to certain high-risk areas, including Gaza, the immediate Gaza border, parts of the West Bank, and the northern border with Syria. This update comes just before the final scheduled UK government evacuation flight from Tel Aviv, set for Sunday, June 29, 2025. No more evacuation flights are planned after this date, as commercial travel options have improved and demand for government help has dropped following the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

This article explains what these changes mean for British nationals in Israel, the steps they should take, and the broader impact on travel, tourism, and consular support.

What Has Changed in the UK Government’s Travel Advisory?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice on June 27, 2025. The new guidance is less strict than the blanket ban that was in place since June 15, 2025, after the outbreak of the Israel-Iran war. Now, the FCDO:

• Advises against all but essential travel to most of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
• Continues to advise against all travel to Gaza, the immediate Gaza border, certain governorates in the West Bank, and the northern border with Syria.

This change reflects improved security conditions after the ceasefire, but the FCDO remains cautious. The situation can still change quickly, and there is a risk of sudden violence, demonstrations, or border closures.

Key areas where all travel is still discouraged:
– Gaza and the immediate Gaza border
– Certain parts of the West Bank
– Northern border areas near Syria

For the most up-to-date official advice, travelers should check the FCDO’s travel advice for Israel.

Final UK Government Evacuation Flight: Details and Deadlines

The UK government has organized six evacuation flights from Tel Aviv since the crisis began. The final scheduled evacuation flight is set to depart on Sunday, June 29, 2025. After this, no more government flights are planned unless the security situation changes or demand increases.

Important points about the evacuation flights:
– Six flights in total: Five have already taken place, successfully helping British nationals leave Israel.
– Final flight: Scheduled for June 29, 2025, from Tel Aviv.
– No further flights planned: The operation is ending due to lower demand and more commercial flight options.

If you are a British national in Israel and want to leave on the final evacuation flight, you must act quickly.

Steps to take:
1. Register your presence: Use the FCDO’s Register Your Presence portal to let officials know you are in Israel and may need help.
2. Respond promptly: If you are contacted about the evacuation flight, reply quickly to secure your place.
3. Monitor your email and phone: The FCDO will use these to communicate important updates.

The FCDO has stated: “Evacuation flights will end if there is not sufficient demand. We will keep the situation under review.” This means that if not enough people register, the final flight could be canceled or changed.

Land Border Crossings: Options and Limitations

For those who cannot or do not wish to take the evacuation flight, land border crossings to Jordan 🇯🇴 and Egypt 🇪🇬 remain open. However, these crossings can close without warning, and travelers should check the latest information before making plans.

Current opening hours for main border crossings:
– Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (Jordan): 8am–2:30pm
– Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein (Jordan): 8:30am–2:30pm
– Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba (Jordan): 8am–8pm
– Taba (Egypt): Open 24 hours

What to expect at the borders:
– FCDO officials are present at crossings to help British nationals.
– No onward transport: The UK government is no longer providing transport from the border crossings due to low demand.
– Border status can change: Crossings may close suddenly if the security situation worsens.

If you plan to leave Israel by land, check the latest opening hours and conditions, and be prepared for possible delays or changes.

Commercial Flights: More Options Available

Commercial flights from Tel Aviv and other regional airports have resumed. This gives British nationals more choices for leaving Israel without relying on government evacuation flights.

Key points about commercial travel:
– Flights are operating: Airlines have restarted regular services from Tel Aviv.
– Book early: Seats may be limited, especially if the situation changes.
– Ground transport: Buses and taxis to airports and border crossings are running, but may be affected by security alerts.

If you choose to leave by commercial flight, book your ticket as soon as possible and stay updated on any changes to flight schedules.

Insurance and Travel Risks: What You Need to Know

Travel insurance is a major concern for anyone considering travel to or from Israel at this time. The FCDO warns that insurance may be invalidated if you travel against official advice. This means that if you go to areas where the FCDO advises against all travel, your insurance might not cover you.

What travelers should do:
– Check your policy: Read the terms carefully to see what is covered.
– Contact your insurer: Ask if your policy is still valid given the current FCDO advice.
– Avoid high-risk areas: Traveling to places with a “no travel” warning could leave you without insurance protection.

This is especially important for people planning to stay in Israel or travel to the Occupied Palestinian Territories for work, study, or family reasons.

Impact on Tourism and Group Travel

The UK government’s travel advisory has a big effect on tourism and organized group trips. Even though civil defense guidance in Israel has returned to normal, organized tours, educational trips, and youth programs remain suspended until the FCDO relaxes its advisory further.

Statements from tour operators:
– UJIA Israel Experience and the Jewish Agency for Israel: Both have said they will not resume tours until the FCDO changes its advice.
– Tourism sector: The continued advisory is a major barrier to restarting group travel, even as conditions in Israel improve.

This means that families, students, and community groups hoping to visit Israel will need to wait for further updates before making plans.

Consular Support: How the UK Government Is Helping

The FCDO has made it clear that the safety and security of British nationals is the top priority. Officials are working around the clock to support those affected by the crisis.

Ways the UK government is helping:
– Assistance at border crossings: FCDO staff are present to help with paperwork and answer questions.
– Register Your Presence portal: British nationals can sign up to receive updates and information about evacuation flights or other support.
– Consular support: Help is available for urgent needs, including lost passports or medical emergencies.

Contact information for urgent help:
– FCDO Newsdesk: Email [email protected] or call +44 20 7008 3100 (available 24/7).

For more details, visit the official FCDO travel advice page for Israel.

Step-by-Step Guidance for British Nationals in Israel

If you are a British national currently in Israel, here’s what you should do:

1. Register Your Presence: Sign up on the FCDO’s portal to let officials know you are in the country and may need help.
2. Monitor FCDO Updates: Sign up for email alerts and check the travel advice page regularly for changes.
3. Evacuation Flight Registration: If you want to leave on the final evacuation flight, make sure you are registered and respond quickly to any messages from the FCDO.
4. Land Border Crossings: Check the latest opening hours and be ready for possible changes. FCDO staff can help at the crossings, but you must arrange your own onward travel.
5. Commercial Travel: If not using the government evacuation, book commercial flights or arrange ground transport as soon as possible.

Special note for those in Gaza: British nationals in Gaza face severe restrictions, and there are currently no independent exit routes available. The FCDO is monitoring the situation and will provide updates if conditions change.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The UK government’s strict travel advisory was first put in place on June 15, 2025, after the outbreak of the Israel-Iran war. Before this, the advice was less strict, warning only against non-essential travel to most of Israel except for certain high-risk zones.

The recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran has led to a gradual return to normal life in Israel. This allowed the UK government to ease its advisory and begin winding down evacuation operations. However, the situation remains unpredictable, and the FCDO can change its guidance quickly if needed.

Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected

• UK Government: Focused on citizen safety, ending evacuation flights as commercial options return and demand drops.
• Israeli Authorities: Working to restore normal life and help foreign nationals leave if they wish.
• Tour Operators: Waiting for further relaxation of UK advisories before restarting group trips.
• Travelers: Must make careful decisions about safety, insurance, and travel plans, with official support still available but winding down.

Policy Implications: What Does This Mean for the Future?

• Travel Advisory: The FCDO will keep reviewing and updating its advice as the situation changes. If stability continues, further relaxation is possible.
• Evacuation Flights: No more government-chartered flights are planned after June 29, 2025, unless the security situation gets worse or demand rises.
• Tourism: Group tours and educational trips will likely start again only after the FCDO relaxes its advisory further.
• Border Crossings: These remain open for now but could close suddenly. Travelers should stay alert and check for updates.

Practical Takeaways for British Nationals

• Act quickly if you want to leave on the final evacuation flight.
• Register your presence with the FCDO to get the latest updates.
• Check your insurance before traveling or making plans.
• Monitor official channels for any changes in the security situation or travel advice.
• Be prepared for sudden changes, especially at border crossings.

Official Resources and Contacts

• FCDO Travel Advice for Israel: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/israel
• Register Your Presence Portal: Available through the FCDO travel advice page
• FCDO Newsdesk: [email protected] | +44 20 7008 3100 (24/7)
• Israel Ministry of Tourism Coordination Form: Link available via official Israeli tourism and FCDO channels

Summary Table: UK Travel Advisory and Evacuation Status for Israel (as of June 28, 2025)

Looking Ahead: What Should Travelers Expect?

The situation in Israel remains fluid. The UK government will keep reviewing its travel advice and may change it again if the security situation improves or gets worse. British nationals should stay alert, act quickly if they need help, and always check official sources for the latest information.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the easing of the travel advisory and the end of evacuation flights show that conditions are improving, but risks remain. Travelers must weigh their options carefully and make decisions based on the most current advice.

For the latest updates and official guidance, always refer to the UK government’s travel advice for Israel.

In summary: The UK government is winding down its evacuation operation in Israel as the security situation improves. British nationals should register with the FCDO, check their insurance, and make travel plans based on the latest official advice. The final evacuation flight is set for June 29, 2025, and no further flights are planned unless the situation changes. Stay informed, act quickly, and use official resources to stay safe.

Learn Today

FCDO → Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, UK government department managing travel advice and consular support.
Evacuation flight → Government-organized flights to safely remove nationals from crisis zones like Tel Aviv to the UK.
Occupied Palestinian Territories → Areas including the West Bank and Gaza under Israeli occupation with travel restrictions.
Register Your Presence → An FCDO portal where British nationals in crisis zones notify officials of their location.
Travel advisory → Official government guidance on where travel is safe or discouraged based on security conditions.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UK government has eased its Israel travel advisory and is ending evacuation flights by June 29, 2025. British nationals must register presence and act swiftly. While commercial flights resume, high-risk areas remain off-limits, and border crossing hours vary with potential sudden closures amid ongoing security concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com