How To Travel - UK FCO-style

Let's continue our UK Day.

Here's the latest update on security conditions and instructions from the British FCO website:

Israel and the Occupied Territories

We advise against all but essential travel to the West Bank. Terrorist groups continue to maintain the intent and capability to kidnap foreign including British nationals, particularly in Nablus and the northern West Bank. On 23 January 2007, three French diplomats were held for several hours in Nablus by an armed group before being released. On 26-28 January 2007 factional violence in Gaza spread to the West Bank, increasing the threat of kidnapping and street violence.

There are frequent demonstrations in Ramallah and elsewhere in the West Bank, some of which have turned violent. There is a possibility of demonstrations throughout the West Bank and Gaza on Friday 9 February, in response to construction work being carried out in the Old City of Jerusalem. For immediate, specific information about planned demonstrations or any other events which may affect the local security situation, you should register with the Consulate-General in Jerusalem.

We strongly advise you to maintain a high level of vigilance when travelling anywhere in East or West Jerusalem, and to follow local advice. There are frequent demonstrations in the Old City, which have the potential to turn violent. If you visit the Old City you should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Around 150,000 British tourists visit Israel and the Occupied Territories every year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Israel and the Occupied Territories involves replacing lost or stolen passports and in helping those who have encountered security problems while in the Occupied Territories. Since September 2006, a number of British nationals have not been able to enter Israel or the Occupied Territories unless they agreed for their passports to be stamped. We are also aware that many people have difficulties on entry and exit at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv. Our ability to intervene in these incidents is limited, as Israel has the right to refuse entry to anyone they wish.

Whew, they recognize a bit of our sovereignty.


(Kippah tip: FB)