# Canada Issues Highest Travel Warning for Israel and Palestine: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know
If you’re an Ottawa resident planning travel to Israel or Palestine, or have family in the region, this update demands your immediate attention. On March 30, 2026, the Government of Canada escalated its travel advisory to **Level 4 — Avoid All Travel** for both Israel and Palestine, the highest warning level possible.
This advisory applies to all areas, including Jerusalem, reflecting the serious deterioration of security conditions. For Ottawa travellers, this means the Canadian government is explicitly recommending against any travel to these destinations due to ongoing military operations and rapidly changing security threats.
## What’s Changed and Why It Matters
The latest update specifically addresses land border crossing conditions during the Passover holiday period, but the overarching concern remains the active military conflict affecting the entire region. Drones, missiles, and other projectiles can strike targets throughout Israel and Palestine without warning. A nationwide state of emergency is currently in effect in Israel.
The security environment in Palestine is particularly concerning, with dire humanitarian conditions, extensive infrastructure damage in Gaza, and volatile conditions throughout the West Bank. Jerusalem, a destination many Canadians visit for religious and cultural reasons, is under the same avoid-all-travel warning.
## Critical Safety Risks
The primary concern is the unpredictable military situation. Strikes can occur anywhere, at any time, with little to no advance warning. Infrastructure disruptions may affect access to essential services, including medical care, transportation, and communication networks.
Canadians currently in the region are advised to shelter in place but should leave at the earliest safe opportunity while commercial flights remain available. The situation can deteriorate rapidly, potentially limiting or eliminating departure options.
## Health and Safety Preparation
While the current advisory recommends avoiding all travel, those with essential reasons to travel to the Middle East region should prioritize comprehensive health preparation alongside security planning. Even in stable times, travellers to this region need protection against diseases like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and other region-specific illnesses.
A pre-travel health consultation becomes even more critical during conflict situations. Ottawa travellers should discuss not only routine vaccinations but also how to assemble a comprehensive medical kit, access emergency care in unstable environments, and manage chronic conditions when medical infrastructure may be compromised.
Travel health physicians can provide guidance on medication supplies, documentation of medical conditions, and contingency planning for health emergencies—all essential considerations when commercial and medical services face disruption.
## Take Action Now
If you have upcoming travel plans to Israel or Palestine, contact your airline or tour operator immediately about cancellations or postponements. Register with Global Affairs Canada’s Registry of Canadians Abroad to receive location-specific updates and information about potential evacuation options.
Travelling to Israel and Palestine? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.