Also in the news...
UK seeks business views on response to US tariffs
Government begins process seeking business views on response to US tariffs
UK/Viet Nam: Free Trade Agreement
This treaty was presented to Parliament in April 2025.
How AI Is Fueling Creative Innovation for Startups Abroad
When most people think about starting a business overseas, their minds immediately jump to logistics: registering the company, navigating local laws, and finding office space. But one of the most exciting (and often overlooked) aspects of expanding internationally is tapping into the global pool of innovation especially in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI).
Support for UK businesses helping to rebuild Ukraine
Department for Business and Trade (DBT) initiatives to support UK businesses helping to rebuild critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
Now is the time to generate growth together with India
£400m of trade and investment wins from UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue set to boost the British economy.
The Occupied Palestinian Territories
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of The Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Summary
Still current at: 24 October 2023
Updated: 23 October 2023
Latest update: To clarify: FCDO now advises against all travel to the West Bank excluding Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and against all travel to the following locations:
- Gaza
- the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
- within 5km of the border with Lebanon. The Israeli military has announced that the area is a closed military zone and entry into the area is prohibited
- the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
- within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)
- the area close to the border with Gaza that includes:
- southwest of Ashkelon
- south of route 35 and west of route 40 as far as Tlalim, not including Be’er Sheva
- west of Be’er Sheva
- north of route 211
- recently evacuated communities in northern Israel:
- Beit Hillel
- Dan
- Eilon
- Even Menachem
- Goren
- Granot Ha’Galil
- HaGoshrim
- Liman
- Matsuva
- Ramot Naftali
- Sasa
- She’ar Yeshuv
- Snir
- Tzivon
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDOadvice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDOadvises against travel.
Register your presence
If you are in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, you are advised to register your presence with the FCDO. We can then share important updates, including information to support you to leave the country. Fill in the form for every member of your family or group who is a British national.
Conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
There was a large scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel. There are Israeli air strikes into Gaza.
The Israeli military announced on 13 October that the entire population of Gaza north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours.
We advise following this advice issued by the Israeli authorities. We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks.
Events in Israel/OPTs are fast moving and the situation has potential to deteriorate quickly and without warning. This could disrupt air and road links out of the country. If your reason to remain in Israel and the OPTs is not essential you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
If you are in an area affected by the fighting, follow the instructions of Israeli Home Front Command.