Is Golan Heights Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

The Golan Heights is a famous tourist destination in Israel due to the fact that it features numerous archeological sites, gorgeous mountains, streams, and waterfalls.

Tourists are amazed by the region as it boasts 62 ancient synagogues that have been found dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Besides its strategic military importance, the Golan Heights is an important water resource for the country.

Golan Heights is definitely worth visiting and enjoying its beauties, but only during the peaceful periods.

Warnings & Dangers in Golan Heights

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally, the Golan Heights region is a risky place for a visit due to the fact that there are frequents battles between Syria and Israel fighting for the territory.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

If you decide to take a taxi, make a deal about the price prior to starting the ride. There is a possibility of being pickpocketed in public transport.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As this is an unstable area, you can easily be pickpocketed and our suggestion is to take care of your possessions more than you would do in other cities.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Just as in all parts of Israel, the possibility of the area being flooded during winter exists.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

This area is not so frequently visited and the possibility of being mugged is not so high, but be aware of your surroundings and careful when paying.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorism risk is high in all parts of Israel, and this area is especially dangerous when this risk is in question. Get familiar with the current happenings prior to coming there.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

During the war, tourists are not present there and locals are not accustomed to them. So, even when they visit this area, they should not worry about being scammed.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There were no incidents involving crimes against female travelers, but women should always be careful.

So... How Safe Is Golan Heights Really?

When people think about Israel, they tend to believe that this is not a safe destination for travel and that is the reason why they sometimes avoid visiting this beautiful country.

One destination that is frequently visited by tourists in Golan Heights and generally speaking this is not such a dangerous destination in the periods when Israel is not in war with Syria.

Reports state that Israel is extending its buffer zone in the Golan Heights between itself and Syria.

This means that this area of Israel is far from safe, and is going deeper in the war.

As in any other country, you need to be precocious as you can never predict what can happen and you should get acquainted with the current situation in the specific area before starting your journey.

Especially avoid taking pictures of people in Muslim and Orthodox Jewish areas or military or police personnel.

You need to carry identification with you at all times and do not attract too much attention.

No matter whether you are visiting for a few days or a few weeks, you need to take care of yourself and your personal belongings.

How Does Golan Heights Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Entering Israel as a tourist is allowed without a visa. However, you will have to leave the country after a period of up to 3 months.

Currency

Israel's official currency is called the ‘shekel’. Shekels are abbreviated as either ILS or NIS and tourists should look for banks with ATMs so as to exchange their money.

Weather

This area is having a pretty pleasant climate, being that temperatures in summer are not too high, while the winters are mild with a lot of rainfall.

Airports

You can reach the Golan Heights by plane if you land on Megido Airport or Rosh Pina Airport in Israel.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance which will cover medical problems, luggage lost, missed flights and many other unexpected occurrences is obligatory when coming to Israel.

Golan Heights Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Israel - Safety by City