Safety in Israel

Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?

If you’re thinking about visiting the Holy Land, you’re not alone, and you’re not overreacting by asking about safety first. The real question is simple: Can you travel responsibly with wise planning and a team that will not take unnecessary risks?

Here is our answer.

Our Bottom Line

We will not operate a tour if we believe our travelers could be at risk. Over the last four decades, we’ve taken more than 38,000 travelers to Israel without incident involving our groups. When conditions are questionable, we have canceled or postponed tours.

If your family is nervous, this is what you can tell them: We make decisions based on verified updates and real-time local guidance, not headlines.

You can also talk with a Reservations Coordinator about your dates and itinerary. We’ll answer your questions plainly and tell you what we’re seeing right now.

How We Decide Whether It’s Safe to Operate an Israel Tour

Israel’s security picture can shift quickly, and headlines don’t always reflect the on-the-ground reality in the places Christian travelers actually visit.

So we take a layered approach that considers:

• Governmental guidance and restrictions (and how they apply to travel routes)
• Trusted local partners on the ground who see conditions in real time
• Route, timing and site decisions that can be adjusted quickly if needed

We monitor conditions closely so you can book with confidence and travel with peace of mind.

What Day-to-Day Travel in Israel Feels Like

In many everyday settings, the rhythm of life feels normal: from visitors' hotels to restaurants and markets to major city centers.

It also helps to separate regional security concerns from day-to-day travel safety. In practical terms, the most common issues travelers may encounter are the same tourist-area concerns found around the world, things like pickpocketing in crowded places or theft from unattended belongings.

Why You’ll See Security in Israel, and Why It’s Normal

You’ll notice a visible security presence in public places. Don’t let that alarm you. Israel takes public safety seriously, and you’ll often see police and security personnel in busy areas.

You may also see soldiers in uniform. While that can feel unfamiliar at first, most travelers quickly find the soldiers to be warm and helpful to visitors.

Israel Is Modern, Comfortable and Built for Travelers

Most people come for ancient and biblical sites, but the country itself is thoroughly modern. Visitors can expect excellent hotels and restaurants, clean beaches and modern transportation options alongside the sacred places that make this journey unforgettable.

Israel’s culture of hospitality—attentive service, fresh cuisine and a genuine eagerness to care for guests—is part of the experience. Tourism has long been a significant part of life in Israel.

If Your Itinerary Includes Bethlehem or Jericho

Occasionally, ministry partners request that tours include biblical sites like Jericho or Bethlehem, or plans that require travel near or through parts of the West Bank. We understand why this raises questions.

When and if our itineraries include these areas, we do so thoughtfully:

• Using properly licensed guides
• Coordinating routes carefully
• Adjusting plans based on real-time conditions

If you have questions regarding your Israel tour’s itinerary, ask us directly. We’ll tell you whether these sites are included and what safeguards are in place.

Why Headlines Can Feel Scarier Than Your Route

“But we just saw on the news…” is one of the most common concerns we hear, often from family members back home. We understand.

What headlines don’t always communicate is that events can be fast-moving, localized and can change by the hour.

That’s why we don’t build decisions on the volume of coverage. We decide based on verified updates, official governmental guidance and trusted partners on the ground.

Simple Safety Habits We Recommend

These are the same habits we share for all international travel destinations:

• Follow the instructions of our staff and local guides.
• Watch for pickpockets and unethical street vendors in crowded tourist areas.
• Keep valuables secure, lock your passport in the hotel safe and bring only what you need on day trips.
• Use caution when traveling alone; spend free time with a small group.

FAQ

What happens if conditions change after I book?
If operating the tour becomes irresponsible or conditions become questionable, we will postpone or cancel the tour.

How do you decide what’s “safe enough”?
We weigh governmental guidance, trusted local updates and the practical reality of the routes and sites travelers will visit.

Will I be in high-risk areas?
Most itineraries focus on primary Christian sites where travel routines are well established. If your itinerary includes Bethlehem or Jericho, we handle routing and licensing carefully and adjust based on real-time conditions.

What should I tell my family?
Tell them you’re not going alone and that you’re traveling with a team that monitors conditions closely, adjusts routes when needed and will not operate a tour if risk becomes unacceptable.

Ready for a Clear Answer for Your Dates?

If Israel is on your heart, don’t let uncertainty keep you stuck.

Call to speak with a Reservations Coordinator and ask the questions you actually care about: your dates, your itinerary and what we’re watching right now.

Additional Information

• Our latest Israel travel updates
• U.S. Department of State Website
• Israel Packing Tips