What Experts in Security Advise About Traveling Internationally During the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, thousands have lost their lives and over 1 million individuals have been displaced from the Gaza Strip, marking this as one of the deadliest conflicts in Gaza's history.

As people around the world watch the ongoing violence with horror and sorrow, many who have international travel plans are left anxious and uncertain about the safety of their journeys.

The global tension arising from the conflict has escalated to a point where the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory last week, highlighting the risks of terrorist attacks, protests, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests globally. As a result, the State Department is urging U.S. travelers abroad to exercise heightened caution.

Additionally, the State Department recommends that international travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important updates and alerts in case of emergencies while traveling abroad.

Dan Richards, the CEO of Global Rescue, a security and travel risk management firm, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, highlights that the State Department’s global alert, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and potential terror threats are leading to heightened concerns among travelers worldwide, particularly in the Middle East.

Richards emphasizes that terrorism and warfare in a country can severely diminish traveler confidence in the entire region, as people navigate a significantly altered risk landscape.

Amid the violent confrontations in Israel and Gaza, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have erupted in cities across Europe, such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome, alongside vigils that denounce antisemitism and express solidarity with Israel.

In light of these developments, here are essential insights for travelers to consider.

What is the current status in Israel and the Middle East?

On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise and deadly attack in southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and the capture of over 200 hostages who are currently held in the Gaza Strip, according to the Associated Press. In retaliation, the conflict has escalated, leading to at least 1,400 Israeli deaths and more than 5,400 injuries. The toll on Palestinians is also severe, with estimates of over 6,500 deaths and more than 18,000 injuries. Israeli authorities have severed power, water, and fuel supplies to Gaza, although two aid convoys arrived over the weekend, followed by a third on Monday, delivering food, water, and medical supplies.

Zev Faintuch, a senior intelligence analyst at Global Guardian and a former member of the Israel Defense Forces, warns that the crisis is set to worsen significantly. He believes that Israel will eventually launch a ground invasion of Gaza, which could provoke a response from Lebanese Hezbollah, potentially escalating into a regional conflict. This may involve the U.S. and extend to areas like Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf states, with unrest likely spreading to Jordan and Egypt. The key question, he notes, is not if unrest will occur, but when, particularly if Hezbollah joins the fight.

Concerns regarding the possibility of an expanding war in the region are escalating, as reported by the Associated Press.

Julian Moro, senior vice president and regional security director at International SOS, indicates that an Israeli ground offensive in Gaza could compel Iran and its allied forces to retaliate. Lebanon and Syria are particularly at risk, as pro-Iranian groups there might seek to counter Israeli actions in Gaza.

Despite the tensions, Moro expresses optimism that hostilities will not escalate into other nations in the region. He asserts that countries will likely avoid direct involvement in the conflict unless their national security is directly threatened.

However, he notes that a single miscalculation by either party—be it human error or a technological glitch—could trigger a swift escalation and broadening of the conflict.

Is traveling to the Middle East safe?

In the aftermath of the turmoil, many flights to and from Israel have been halted, including those operated by United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and other major airlines.

Although Ben Gurion International Airport is still operational, the State Department is warning U.S. citizens that the number of commercial flights to and from Israel is now extremely limited. The U.S. government is arranging charter flights for American citizens, including departures on October 26 and October 29, for those wishing to leave Israel.

In its most recent Israel travel advisory, the State Department cautions that "terrorist groups, individual terrorists, and other violent extremists are actively planning potential attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. These attacks could occur with little or no warning, targeting tourist sites, transportation hubs, shopping centers, and local government buildings. Violence may arise in Israel and the Palestinian territories unexpectedly."

The security and risk management firm Crisis24 advises travelers to think twice about any nonessential trips to Israel and the Palestinian territories "until the situation stabilizes, especially in central and southern Israel."

"Hostilities are likely to persist in Israel and along the Israel-Gaza border between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants," states Crisis24.

Tour operators offering land trips in the region and cruise lines with stops in Israel have either canceled or modified their itineraries. Global tour operator Intrepid has announced the cancellation of all tours in Israel and the Palestinian territories, while G Adventures has also canceled all of its tours to Israel.

Celestyal, a cruise line based in Athens, Greece, is currently monitoring the situation and has decided to temporarily suspend all port calls to Israel.

Lebanon

The State Department advises U.S. citizens in Lebanon to arrange their departure from the country "while commercial air travel options are still available." It further states, "We encourage U.S. citizens who choose to remain to develop contingency plans for emergency scenarios."

Faintuch strongly advises individuals in Lebanon to leave immediately, stating, "If Hezbollah enters the conflict, all transportation options in Lebanon will disappear instantly."

Iraq

Regarding Iraq, Faintuch emphatically advises American citizens to leave the country immediately.

The State Department advises U.S. citizens in Iraq to stay updated on media reports and to steer clear of protests and large gatherings. It warns that demonstrations related to the ongoing events in Gaza could rapidly spread across Iraq.

Jordan

Security experts warn that Jordan, home to a significant Palestinian population, may see an uptick in protests against Israel's actions in Gaza.

"Nevertheless, the country is likely to avoid direct involvement in the Israeli conflict, focusing on its own national security. Travelers to Jordan should take security precautions, including avoiding areas of protest and remaining vigilant about their surroundings," advises Moro from International SOS.

Egypt

Moro recommends that "traveling to Egypt at this time should generally be safe, but it's crucial to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings while traveling."

Currently, safety and security in Egypt are "somewhat better than in Jordan," according to Faintuch from Global Guardian. However, he cautions about the presence of anti-Western sentiment, including in Egypt.

What about other areas in the Middle East, including nearby Gulf countries and Türkiye?

Regarding the broader Middle East beyond the borders with Israel, Moro advises Israeli nationals in countries across the Middle East and North Africa to "exercise caution and keep a low profile in the coming days due to increased tensions."

For U.S. travelers, Moro states, "It is currently acceptable to travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates with standard security measures in place."

Philip Ballard, chief communications officer at group travel specialist HotelPlanner and a former U.S. Navy anti-terrorism and force protection officer, emphasizes that the Middle East is a vast region.

"The Middle East is enormous," Ballard points out, noting that "Dubai is located 1,000 miles from Israel and is not connected to the conflict. Dubai is safe."

Faintuch adds, "We are much less worried about anti-Western sentiment in the Gulf. These societies are more integrated with our markets and companies. However, the concern remains that if the conflict escalates regionally or involves the U.S., those countries could face repercussions from Iran."

Is traveling to Europe safe?

Tensions have escalated globally beyond the Middle East, with Europe witnessing protests and attacks in reaction to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

"Travelers should stay vigilant and expect increased security measures in urban areas, tourist sites, key government locations, and public transportation in the upcoming weeks," advises International SOS.

In light of potential backlash against U.S. travelers due to anti-Western sentiment, security experts also recommend that Jewish and Muslim travelers remain alert to the possibility of further extremist attacks in Europe and around the globe.

France

On October 13, the French government raised its security alert status to the highest level, "Emergency Attack" (Urgence Attentat), following a terrorist incident in Arras, northern France, where a French teacher lost their life, according to the French news agency Le Monde.

"Consequently, both residents and visitors in France may encounter increased security measures in public spaces, including airports, public transportation, places of worship, tourist attractions, schools, major sporting events, and large shopping centers," the U.S. Embassy in France informs American citizens.

The embassy advises U.S. citizens in France to steer clear of protests and areas with heavy police presence, exercise caution around large gatherings, stay updated through local media, maintain a low profile, and inform friends and family of their location.

Belgium

Belgian authorities have raised the threat level to four, the highest on a four-tier scale, indicating a ‘very serious’ threat, following an attack in Brussels. The overall threat level for the country has been elevated to three, signaling a ‘serious’ threat,” notes International SOS.

The U.S. Embassy in Belgium issued a warning regarding a large-scale demonstration planned in Brussels over the weekend and reported that smaller protests are occurring with considerable frequency.

Similar to the situation in France, the embassy in Belgium advises U.S. citizens to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. They also recommend keeping a mobile phone ready with local emergency numbers programmed (dial 112 for Europe-wide emergencies; reach Belgian police at 101) while remaining alert and vigilant in popular tourist spots.

What is the current global security situation?

According to Faintuch from Global Guardian, "It has been a long time since the world has experienced conditions like we see today."

He notes that since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the world has largely been free of interstate conflicts until last year when Russia invaded Ukraine. Faintuch states, “We now inhabit a very different world—first Ukraine, now Israel and the Middle East, but tomorrow it could also involve China and Taiwan. Major events like this tend to have a cascading effect. The global security framework is unraveling. The world has fundamentally changed since pre-COVID.”