Due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the governments of Finland and the United Kingdom have announced updated travel advisories regarding travel to and from Israel. Government-supported flights have been arranged for the repatriation – or removal to safe third countries – of Finnish and U.K. nationals out of Israel while the situation remains unsafe.
According to the U.K. authorities, the Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice.1
As noted on the Finnish Embassy’s (in Israel) Facebook page, flights have been organised to repatriate Finnish nationals and Finland residents/nonresidents from Israel.2 Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice for those planning to travel to Israel.3
Similarly, the U.K. government has also updated its travel advice for those intending to travel to Israel4 and Is asking British nationals in Israel to tell the U.K. government if they are in Israel and to follow plans laid out to support their departure from Israel.5
This GMS Flash Alert provides a brief update with respect to the situation as it impacts employers and their employees in Israel or employees with plans to travel to Israel. Please note this situation is fluid and policies are changing rapidly. It is advised that interested/concerned parties check with their travel agents, immigration counsel, and/or global mobility professionals for up-to-date developments.