Is It Safe to Travel to Israel Right Now? Here’s the Reality from a Local Guide
- hawaritareq
- Aug 12, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
"This article about travel safety in Israel was originally written in August 2025, before the announcement of the end of the war in Gaza, declared by the American administration and confirmed by many countries during the Peace Summit in Egypt. This announcement has significantly improved the overall travel situation in Israel.
Please note that some parts of this blog reflect conditions prior to the peace announcement."
With everything happening in the news, it’s natural for travelers to wonder: Is it safe to visit Israel right now? As a licensed guide living in Jerusalem and working in the field for 8 years, I want to share the reality on the ground — the good, the challenges, and why this moment can still be a meaningful and safe time to visit the Holy Land.
All Major Tourist Sites Are Open
Literally all major tourist sites in Israel are open, including religious, historical, and cultural landmarks. Some churches and institutions have adjusted their opening hours, but this is mainly due to the current low volume of tourists — not direct security threats.
Life Goes On — Sometimes More Vibrant Than Ever
Last week, I went with my family to the beach in Tel Aviv and could barely find a parking spot because it was so full! And that’s just one of the many beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast. People are out swimming, walking, and enjoying life. I even captured a short video just moments before a beautiful sunset.
Just yesterday, I took a video at one of the shopping avenues in Jerusalem, only a few meters from the Old City walls. The streets were bustling with life, people enjoying the evening, shops open, and the city glowing with activity. I am adding this video to the blog so you can see for yourself.
What about our airport? Here is a very recent article I’d like to share with you from Yediot Ahronot - one of Israel’s largest and most widely read daily newspapers.
“Thursday will mark Ben Gurion Airport’s busiest day of summer, with 78,000 passengers expected to pass through on about 470 international flights, making August 2025 the busiest month since the Gaza war began”
“The surge surpasses the airport’s busiest day since Operation Rising Lion began in June and positions August 2025 as the busiest month since the onset of the war in Gaza in October 2023, with an estimated 2.1 million international passengers.”
The full article can be read here: https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/s1lzrclogx
Personal Experience Guiding Groups
In the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of guiding three groups from South Africa and one from Mexico. Despite concerns, these travelers came here, experienced the sites, and returned home safely. You can see how happy and relaxed they were in the posts I’ve shared on my social media.
The Economic Reality: Another Tough Year for Local Guides
Like so many in the tourism community, 2024 has been one of the hardest years of my life. Last year, my income dropped by 96%, and this year, it’s still down about 90% compared to what I was used to. Yes! You've read that right! These aren’t just numbers — they represent real struggles, uncertainty, and sacrifices. Yet, despite all of this, my passion for sharing the rich stories and spirit of my country has never wavered. Every traveler I have the honor to guide brings a spark of hope and renewed purpose, reminding me why I love what I do, even in the most challenging times.
This difficult situation is happening just a short time after the tourism industry had started to recover from the global pandemic, making the impact even more painful for all of us.
This week, I received heartbreaking news that shows how deeply this struggle is affecting those of us working in tourism. I learned that a 66-year-old man I know, the owner of a tour agency in Jerusalem, passed away due to health complications and today was his funeral. May his soul Rest in Peace! Another very close friend, a driver in tourism in his early 50s, suffered a heart attack a few days ago at 2 a.m. but miraculously survived after two surgeries and is now recovering. These personal losses hit us hard, reminding us of the emotional and physical toll the current situation takes on our community.
The Situation Remains Unpredictable — But There Are Ways to Prepare
I want to be honest — the situation here is still unpredictable, and we are not living in perfect times. Things can change quickly. However, throughout what we’ve been through, there has always been a way out through Jordan or Egypt, even if airlines suddenly cancel flights.
For that reason, I recommend travelers pay a bit more for flight insurance – if possible when planning a trip to the Holy Land. It’s a small investment that can save a lot of stress later.
I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but if you think that waiting a few more weeks before planning your next visit will resolve things, you might be mistaken. The current situation could continue for another year or two. That’s why it’s important to plan with this reality in mind and be prepared — so you can still enjoy your trip confidently, no matter what happens.
And as strong believers who come here with a message of faith, it’s essential to hold onto that faith throughout your journey. This land has witnessed countless challenges before, yet hope and faith have always been its foundation.
As the Bible reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Let this promise guide and encourage you as you prepare for your trip.
A Unique Advantage: Fewer Crowds, More Comfort
One surprising benefit of visiting now is the low number of tourists. For example, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which used to have waits of three hours, now welcomes visitors with almost no waiting. This means a peaceful, intimate experience and the chance to see far more in less time.
This means you get a more comfortable, peaceful visit, with the possibility to see many more sites in one day. For travelers who dream of the Holy Land, this is a rare and precious opportunity.
What Clients Say About Safety
Here is a short video I took of one of my recent clients sharing how safe he and his group felt while visiting Israel during these times.
If visiting the Holy Land has been a dream of yours, don’t let fear stand in your way. I’m here to provide answers to your questions, share the latest updates, and help you plan a safe and meaningful journey.
One of my clients, Omayra Martinez from the United States, shared about her experience when she left me the following review:"Another important thing, he will make sure of your safety. Highly recommended!"
This kind of personal care is exactly what I strive to provide every day.
Contact me today, and let’s make your journey to the Holy Land a reality.
Tareq Hawari
Licensed Tour Guide | Holy Land Steps
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