What should Britons in Israel and Lebanon do? Travel advice from Foreign Office for travellers in the regions

British travelers have been advised by the UK Foreign Office about the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to activate.

Warnings from the British Government after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday.

Air raid sirens have sounded across Israel, and the military says more than 4,500 rockets have been fired since the weekend.

But what exactly should British travelers do in Israel and Lebanon? Read all you need to know about the latest travel tips below.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

The Foreign, Cooperation and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to Israel and the West Bank, except for essential travel.

“There is a risk of violent incidents in Israel and the West Bank, including stabbings, shootings, arson, attacks on vehicles, and stone-throwing attacks on people and vehicles.

“Those incidents involved protesters (both Israeli and Palestinian), Israeli security forces, and civilians (including Israeli settlers). There is a risk that tourists or passers-by could be involved in any of these types of incidents.”

Additional advice on its website says that if you are in an area affected by the fighting, you should follow instructions from Israel’s Home Front Command.

This can be done by visiting the Israel General Front Command website (only available in Israel) or by calling 104 if you are in the country.

What should I do if my flight to Israel is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled, you have a number of different options.

You are legally entitled to a full refund, which includes other airline flights that you will not use on the same booking, such as return or return journeys.

You are also entitled to a replacement flight to get you to your destination.

If a canceled flight delays you by two hours or more, you have a legal right to help with expenses.

If your proposed replacement journey has delayed you by two hours or more and you have been given less than two weeks’ notice, you are legally entitled to compensation.

Which regions to avoid in Israel?

Along with advice against all travel to the West Bank and Israel, the Foreign Office is warning Britons against all travel to Gaza, Shebaa Farms and Ghajar, which are within 500m (‘Blue Line’) east of the border with Lebanon. Metula.

This includes the northern edge of the city and within 500m of the border with Syria (the “Alpha Line”), southwest of Ashkelon, south of Route 35 and west of Route 40 to Tlalim, excluding Beer Sheva. , the area west of Beer Sheva and the area north of Route 211.

Which airlines still fly to Israel?

EasyJet

EasyJet has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv until Friday.

The airline said: “Due to the developing situation in Israel, we have suspended our flights to and from Tel Aviv until October 13.

“We will contact customers due to travel to and from Tel Aviv on these dates via email and SMS with the details provided at the time of booking and check-in.

“Any easyJet-only customers whose flights have been canceled will be able to claim a voucher for the full cost of their flight, a refund or transfer their flights free of charge to a future trip.

“If you are an easyJet holiday customer traveling before 21 October, we offer to change your destination without a change fee or cancel your holiday and get the full cost of your holiday back as an easyJet holiday credit, book an alternative holiday later.

Ryanair

In a Ryanair statement regarding the cancellation of flights to and from Tel Aviv Airport, it said: “Unfortunately, we have had to cancel flights to Tel Aviv Airport from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 October due to operational restrictions beyond Ryanair’s control.

“Affected passengers will be informed of their options to either change their flight or receive a full refund via email/SMS.”

Ryanair said it apologizes for these unavoidable cancellations and advises customers to check its app for updates.

British Airways

British Airways said in a statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation in Israel and our flights are currently operating.

“If you are due to travel with us to or from Tel Aviv up to and including October 22, 2023, but no longer wish to travel, you can change your travel dates for free.”

It continues. Please contact our team on 0800 727 800 or if you are calling from outside the UK please call +44 203 2500145. If you booked with a travel agent or third party, please contact them directly.

“We are looking into this situation and will update this page if anything changes.”

Virgin Atlantic

The airline board says: “Due to the ongoing situation in Israel, some of our flights to and from Tel Aviv may be delayed or canceled. Anyone who has booked would be advised to travel to check the status of their flight on the website before leaving for the airport.

WizzAir

WizzAir said all flights to Tel Aviv have been canceled from Monday today. Affected passengers will be notified via SMS or email.

Further updates on flights from Israel to Israel after October 10 will be released in due course. If you plan to travel on flights to Israel in the coming days, please actively check Flight Info for the latest updates on your departure.’

Can I get a refund for a canceled holiday in Israel?

Customers who have booked to travel to Israel and need to travel there immediately can cancel free of charge and receive a full refund subject to advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This applies equally to British Airways Holidays and easyJet Holidays customers.

However, your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel against the FCDO’s advice.