Canada Ups Israel Travel Advisory to Highest Risk Level

The Government of Canada is once again advising Canadians to avoid all travel to Israel.

On Aug. 3, Global Affairs Canada issued an updated travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, warning Canadians of “the ongoing regional armed conflict and the unpredictable security situation.”

The alert warns that the military activity could impact commercial flight departures from the area, noting that the Canadian government should not be relied on for departure or evacuation. Canadian citizens and permanent residents already in the region, as well as their spouses and dependent children, should make sure their travel documents are up to date in case an evacuation order is issued.

Global Affairs Canada previously set Israel and the West Bank’s travel advisory to “avoid all travel” on April 12, downgrading the alert to “avoid all non-essential travel” later that month.

The upgraded travel alert is due to increased tension in the area, resulting from the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah official Fouad Shukur in Lebanon. Hostilities have escalated in Lebanon, and there is a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory.

Global Affairs Canada also updated the advisory for Lebanon to “avoid all travel” on July 30, citing the volatile military conflict with Israel.

Many airlines, tour operators, and cruise lines have cancelled Israel itineraries since the country’s conflict with Hamas began in October, 2023.