israel tourist office london

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza.

Areas near Gaza

FCDO advises against all travel to the area close to the border with Gaza that includes:

• south-west 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

The West Bank

FCDO advises against all travel to the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem and Route 1 between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Northern Israel

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• 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’)
• Beit Hillel
• Even Menachem
• Granot Ha’Galil
• Ramot Naftali
• She’ar Yeshuv

The rest of Israel and the OPTs

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel and the OPTs .

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in Israel and the OPTs

On 7 October 2023 there was a large-scale terrorist attack by Hamas in southern Israel. Hamas continues to launch rockets into Israel and the Israeli Defence Forces are conducting significant military activity in Gaza.

There is also increased military activity by the Israeli Defence Forces around Gaza, within the West Bank and on Israel’s northern border.

There are continued exchanges of rocket and small arms fire over Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and a potential increase in rocket attacks and other incidents of violence across Israel and the OPTs , including the West Bank.

We recognise this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks. 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. To find these:

• visit the Israeli Home Front Command website (available in Israel only)
• call 104 if you are in Israel

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders (air and land) in Israel and the OPTs could close at short notice. Check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.

Before travelling within Israel or  the OPTs , check the local measures in place, that roads are open and, where appropriate, that scheduled train and bus services are operating.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you’re affected by a crisis abroad .

Travel within or out of Israel or the OPTs is at your own risk. You are encouraged to follow the advice of local authorities, for example on which routes are open or when to take shelter.

Travelling to Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing continues to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.

If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, you should make contact with us as soon as possible.

If you are a UK visa holder who meets all of the following criteria, you can contact us to request support to leave Gaza:

• you have a spouse/partner or a child aged 17 or under currently living in the UK; and
• you hold valid permission to enter or remain in the UK for longer than 6 months

Contact FCDO by calling:

• +44 176 766 7600 (UK number)
• +972 (0)3 725 1222
• +972 (0)2 541 4100

Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk, and dependent on the permission of the Egyptian and Israeli authorities. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the Egypt travel advice .

Help and support in Israel and the OPTs

Contact your travel provider and insurer.

Contact your travel provider and your insurer. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Help from FCDO in Israel and the OPTs

Consular support is severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

If you need consular assistance call:

Help from other organisations 

Keep up to date with local travel advice through local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit .

Concern for friends and family

If you are in the UK and concerned about a friend or family member who is in Israel or the OPTs call FCDO on 020 7008 5000. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice 

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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Israel Embassy in London

Map and directions, working days and office hours, services offered, how to behave at the embassy, historical insights.

The Israel Embassy in London is one of the most important and significant diplomatic missions of this country. It deals with issues related to visa and migration processes, as well as provides services for registration and legalization of documents.

Where is the Israeli Embassy in London located? It is at 18 Grosvenor Gardens, Mayfair, London W1K 4DF. Here are some options to get to the embassy:

• By metro: the nearest station is Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line). From there, you can walk or take a taxi.
• By bus: Several public transport vehicles with numbers 8, 10, 13, 14, 22, 38, 52, 74, 87, 94, 196, 274 and 390 stop near the embassy. You need the “Hyde Park Corner” stop.
• By taxi: You can call a taxi from any area of London.
• By car: If you choose this option, please note that parking in the embassy area may be limited or expensive. It is better to leave your car in a paid parking lot and get to the embassy on foot.
• By bike: This option is possible, but not recommended. Traffic outside the embassy is heavy and there are no cycle paths in central London.

Мake sure to check the opening hours of London Israeli Embassy before your visit.

In addition to Saturdays and Sundays, employees of the Israeli Embassy rest on national and religious Jewish holidays. It also does not operate on important holidays in the UK, which are non-working. If the holiday date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the day off is postponed to the nearest date.

The Israeli Embassy in the UK offers a variety of services to Israeli citizens and anyone interested in Israel. Here are the main ones:

• Processing and issuing various types of visas to visit Israel, including tourist, student, work, and visitor visas.
• Registration of marriages between Israeli citizens and foreigners, as long as both partners agree and have prepared all the necessary documents.
• Provision of civil and consular services for legalization of documents, certification of copies, execution of birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates, request and translation of documents.
• Assisting Israeli citizens with a variety of issues related to passport renewal, civil registration, proof of Israeli citizenship, and support in emergency situations.
• Advising tourists on entry into Israel, accommodation, transportation, health insurance, and other aspects of travel.

The mission organizes cultural and educational events: exhibitions, lectures, seminars and conferences.

It is necessary to seriously prepare for a visit to an important diplomatic mission of the country. In your mind’s eye, imagine what questions you might be asked. Find out from people who have already visited the Israeli embassy in London. Be calm, don’t be nervous. If you’re doing well, you don’t have to worry.

Here are some more tips to help you solve problems during one visit.

• Prepare for your visit to the embassy in advance: gather all the necessary documents, make a list of questions and prepare all the necessary visa applications and questionnaires.
• Find the Israeli Embassy in London address and contact information. This can usually be done through search engines or on the official website of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Write down the opening hours of the embassy and specify what documents you need to have with you.
• Arrive at the embassy in advance. You may have to wait your turn, especially if you are applying for a visa.
• Be polite and patient with the embassy staff. They can be busy, so don’t rush or annoy them.
• If possible, find out in advance what language the embassy staff speaks so that you can communicate with them without any problems.
• Feel free to ask questions and clarify details if something is not clear to you.

After submitting the documents, you may be asked to come back for the result later. In this case, comply with all the deadlines provided and be sure to bring all the documents you may need.

Since then, the embassy has been actively working to strengthen ties between Israel and the UK in the fields of politics, economy, culture and education.

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EmbassyLondon.org

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Embassy of Israel in London Contact Details

Embassy of Israel in London is generally the office which legally represents the Israeli Government in United Kingdom. Israeli entry visa requirements for residents of United Kingdom and relevant facts about Israel are available here.

Embassy of Israel London, the United Kingdom.

The embassy of Israel contact details in London, the United Kingdom, are presented down below. If you require information such as Israeli visas, visa application forms, and other travel information please use the dropdown menu, below.

Embassy of Israel London Address: 2 Palace Green, Kensington London W8 4QB

Embassy of israel london email address: [email protected], embassy of israel london website: http://embassies.gov.il/london, embassy of israel london phone numbers: (+44) 20 7957 9500.

If for any unknown reason, the details listed right here are wrong, why not tell our staff by contacting us here .

Services Offered By Israeli Consulate in London the United Kingdom

The Israeli Consulate in London provides a variety of services to Israeli nationals and other nationals living permanently or temporarily in the United Kingdom:

• Consular Assistance
• Applying for Israeli Passports
• Legalising documents (Notarial Services)
• Visas, Migration and Citizenship

Please Note: We are here to offer general info on the foreign embassies in London, the United Kingdom and has no affiliation with the Embassy of Israel or the Israeli consulate or the visa section in London the United Kingdom. To learn more information click on Disclaimer Information .

About Notarial Services or Legalising Documents at The Israeli Embassy in London the UK

When using the notarial services or requesting legalising documents at the Israeli Embassy in London, all documents relating to the notarial services must be presented in the correct form and you must provide the correct instructions for the notarial service you require. Generally, the consular officers at the Israeli consulate will require you to produce the original documents, and these services are usually offered at certain times only.

Please refer to the Israeli embassy London website for more information.

If you are unsure of the legislative requirements relating to the notarial service you require, you should seek independent legal advice.

It is important to understand that neither the Israeli Government nor the Israeli embassy in London guarantees the legal effectiveness of the notarised document or the accuracy of its content. Generally, there are different amounts of fees charged for notarial services that are non-refundable.

How do I contact the Israeli Embassy in London?

If you require consular assistance during business hours while in the United Kingdom you can contact (+44) 20 7957 9500. Alternatively, you can try emailing the nearest Israeli consulate on [email protected]. Please note that, generally, the consulate staff does not respond to any inquiries related to Israeli visa matters directed to this email address.

What can the Israeli embassy in London help with?

The purpose of an Israeli embassy in London is to assist Israeli citizens living, working or traveling in the United Kingdom. The Israeli embassy offices which are located in London can offer multiple services to Israelis abroad, such as issuing emergency passports in the event of Israeli passports got lost or stolen, issuing visas to Israel and legalising documents for Israeli citizens.

Can you get an Israeli visa from an Israeli consulate in London?

Most visa applicants permanently living in the United Kingdom can get their Israeli visa from the accredited Israeli consulate to your city or town in the United Kingdom. As a general rule, a permanent resident of the United Kingdom is allowed to apply for a non-immigrant visa, such as a tourist visa or business visa or student visa, or any other type of temporary visa, at the nearest visa issuing Israeli consulate or embassy in the United Kingdom.

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• Help centre
• Travel advice

Israel travel advice

On this page:

Israel travel alerts

Tel aviv travel update.

Last updated: Wednesday 24 th April 2024 5:06pm (UK Time)

Please check the travel advice for all countries in your itinerary .

Entry requirements

You must check all requirements before heading to the airport.

Please visit  https://corona.health.gov.il/en/  for the latest entry requirements. 

Travel bans

For fully vaccinated travellers.

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions in place.

Exit Statement Form 

All Israeli citizens and residents aged 16 years and older, must show clearance to leave Israel, you will receive the clearance after submitting the exit statement form

Your passport must be valid for the period of your intended stay. You may require longer validity by Embassy consular departments.

The Israeli border control won't stamp your passport. Instead, you'll be given a printed card called an "Electric Gate Pass". You'll need this in order to leave the arrival terminal and continue to collect your baggage. You are advised to keep the card with you at all times.

If you need more information, please contact the  Israeli Embassy in London .

Most UK and EU passport holders don't need a visa to enter Israel if visiting for 90 days or less. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days you'll need to apply for a visa.

If don't hold a UK or EU passport, please  check if you need a visa  before travelling.

For non vaccinated travellers

All Israeli citizens and residents aged 16 years and older, must show clearance to leave Israel, you will receive the clearance after submitting the  exit statement form

It will be your personal choice to wear a face mask onboard. Masks remain available for anyone still wishing to wear one during the flight.

Airport guides

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

If you are travelling with electrical items such as laptops or cameras you may be asked at customs to pay a refundable deposit.

For more information please visit the  gov.uk website .

Help topics

Israel Government Tourist Office

Location & hours.

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180 Oxford Street

London W1D 1NN

United Kingdom

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TOURIST INFO

When you travel, part of the fun is discovering new things. However, it always helps to get the inside scoop on how to get things done quickly and easily. Below are some tips and tourist information to get your trip off on the right foot!

Is Tel Aviv Gay Friendly?

Tel Aviv is known for it's gay friendly atmosphere and there is no shortage of attractions specifically for the gay community. From the awesome parties at amazing clubs and bars to the sunny chilled beaches, the gay scene in the city is hot, wild and like the city itself - definitely non stop

Since Israel is a major global tourist destination, direct flights are available from most major US and European cities. Connecting flights can be found from all major hubs.

Electricity

Electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. The electric outlets used are types H and C. Most H outlets can also accept type C European two-pronged plugs.

Value-added tax refunds

Foreign tourists may request VAT refunds on purchase made during their visits. Be sure to keep your receipts. More information about VAT refunds can be found  here .

Currency exchange

The local currency is the shekel, and there are plenty of places to change money at the airport throughout the city. When you exchange currency, make sure you are getting a realistic rate. You can check on the official exchange rate  here:  To find the change spot nearest you:  Click Here  Most businesses do not accept foreign currency, so we recommend that you buy shekels. You can also pay almost everywhere with international credit cards. To check the cost of things compared to the cost at home, you can do quick conversions  here:

Getting from the airport to Tel Aviv

Never fear. Getting from the airport to Tel Aviv is simple and there are several options:

•  By bus  – El AL Junction: Kavim 475 & 500, Egged 268. Service: Egged every 2-3 hours. Fare: Kavim – NIS 12.60 NIS, Egged – NIS 14.70

•  By train  – There is a train station at the airport and there are four stations in Tel Aviv: Tel Aviv Central Station, Ha’hagana, Ha’Shalom and University. Trains run every 20-30 minutes. Check with your hotel to see which station is best. Fare: about NIS 10.50.

•  By taxi  – If going by regular taxi, be sure to follow the signs and catch a cab from the official taxi stand only. Here the dispatcher can tell you the price upfront.

To help you get oriented with the layout of the city, here you can find a  map of Tel Aviv .

Getting around town

Tel Aviv has lots of options for moving about the city. For those of you who like public transportation, two bus companies operate in Tel Aviv:  Egged  and  Dan  . Both websites provide information on fares, lines and timetables. The bus drivers do not automatically stop at each bus stop, so it’s important for you to let them know when you want to get off.

Another option is renting a bike or even electric bike to ride around the city. One place to do that is Pole Position, located at 13 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv. Phone: 03-5252134. Click here to visit their  website . Another option is  Tel-O-Fun .

Just remember that when the temperatures climb, you may find it difficult to ride around the city. Be sure to take a big bottle of water with you!

Need to take a longer trip? Try the train – you can find information about tickets, timetables and rates on the  Israel Railways website .

And like in any big city, you can always hail a cab. Here in Israel, taxis have two sets of rates – a day rate and a night rate that is higher. And if you have any issues with the driver, their name and number appear on a plate positioned on the side.

The weather

The weather in Israel is one of its strongest selling points. Here’s what you can expect as the summer approaches. In May, expect temperatures of 25°C-29°C during the day and 17°C-20°C at night. In June – 29°C-31°C during the day and 20°C-23°C at night. You can find detailed information about average weather conditions  here .

When you’re out and about in the sun all day, don’t forget to drink lots of water.

useful numbers

The following are some useful numbers that are always good to have on hand.

Ben-Gurion International Airport: 03-9754260

Tel Aviv Tourist Information Office: Tel Aviv Promenade, 46 Herbert Samuel Street. Tel: 03-5166188

Jaffa Clock Tower Tourist Information Center: 2 Marzuk VeAzar St. (near the Clock Tower)

Tel Aviv Tourism Info   website

Tel Aviv, Israel’s Non-Stop City, voted as the world’s top gay destination. Isn’t it time for you to find out why? Make Tel Aviv your vacation spot this summer!

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Tel Aviv flights resuming on Ryanair for summer – but Israel remains on ‘no-go’ list for tourists

‘i don’t think tel aviv will be a significant tourism destination this year’ – ryanair boss michael o'leary, article bookmarked.

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Low-cost airline Ryanair has confirmed to The Independent that flights will resume in June from around a dozen points in Europe to Tel Aviv.

The airline’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, said the crucial issue is if the authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport reopen the low-cost Terminal 1.

“If they reopen Terminal 1, we will be able to restart our operations,” he said. “We would hope to go back, and would expect to go back, unless the security situation changes.

“I don’t think Tel Aviv will be a significant tourism destination this year, but there’s lots of people who have friends or relatives living and working in Tel Aviv, or living and working in the UK , and they do need to reunite.”

Five years ago, competition between airlines flying from the UK to Israel stepped up with Virgin Atlantic entering the fray – offering long-haul standards on the link between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv .

Sir Richard Branson even took to the street markets in Jaffa to promote the new route.

But since the attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023, and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, links between the UK and Israel have shrunk drastically.

Virgin Atlantic now says: “We have taken the difficult decision to extend our pause on flying to and from Tel Aviv up to and including 4 September 2024.

“The safety and security of our customers and our people are our number one priority and our flying programme to Israel remains under constant review.”

Earlier this month British Airways said its much-reduced schedule from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv will continue through the summer. At present only a daily short-haul Airbus A320 flies the route – with an additional en route stop at Larnaca in Cyprus, which extends journey times by 80 minutes.

This was due to go nonstop from the start of June, but the plan has now been deferred until July.

BA says: “This extension will mean that some existing bookings from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv between end of May and end of June will no longer meet minimum connection times and will need to re-booked.”

In addition, a planned new overnight service by British Airways on the route between 23 June and 1 September has been axed.

Britain’s biggest budget airline, easyJet , has cancelled all its Israel flights until the start of the aviation winter season at the end of October. An airline spokesperson said: “As a result of the continued evolving situation in Israel, easyJet has now taken the decision to suspend its flights to Tel Aviv for the remainder of the summer season until 27 October.”

Wizz Air is offering regular low-cost flights between London Gatwick and Tel Aviv .

The Israeli airline El Al has continued to fly between London and Tel Aviv throughout the conflict, except when events such as the attack by Iran have closed Ben Gurion airport.

The Foreign Office advises against travel to Israel.

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Politics latest: Polls open in local elections in England and Wales - as senior figure expected to announce SNP leadership bid

England and Wales are holding a series of elections, with several regional mayors and police and crime commissioners being decided as well as council seats up for grabs. Polling stations will be open until 10pm. In Scotland, a leadership battle could start today in the SNP.

Thursday 2 May 2024 09:30, UK

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• Polls open across England and Wales  I How to watch Sky News coverage
• Elections taking place across 107 local authorities in England
• Mayoral contests are also taking place, including for London mayoralty 
• Twenty-five London Assembly seats are up for grabs
• A by-election is taking place in Blackpool South
• Voters across England and Wales will elect 37 police and crime commissioners (PCCs)
• John Swinney expected to declare bid to become new leader of the SNP
• Connor Gillies : Swinney expected to be 'unity candidate'
• Live reporting by  Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Kate Forbes narrowly lost out to Humza Yousaf in last year's SNP leadership contest.

Ms Forbes has told Sky News she is considering entering the race again in the wake of Mr Yousaf's resignation.

The former finance secretary faced backlash during her campaign last year after admitting she would have voted against gay marriage in Scotland when it was made legal a decade ago.

The Free Church of Scotland member also told Sky News that having children out of marriage is "wrong" and something she would "seek to avoid".

However, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch stressed that "in a free society you can do what you want".

Ms Forbes had argued that "continuity won't cut it".

After losing to Mr Yousaf by 48% to 52%, she said: "If we are to continue to win elections, we need to continue to listen and maintain trust."

Ms Forbes turned down the role of rural affairs minister, which at the time was seen as a demotion.

Although her views on social issues remain unpopular with some of her MSP colleagues, she was one of the few SNP ministers who did not delete her WhatsApp messages during the COVID pandemic.

Ms Forbes would face resistance from the Scottish Greens, who have previously ruled out working with her.

SNP colleague Fergus Ewing is backing Ms Forbes, saying she is "head and shoulders" above any other potential candidate.

Candidates in the race for London mayor are casting their votes this morning. 

Current mayor of London and Labour Party candidate Sadiq Khan was pictured arriving at a polling station in south London with his wife Saadiya Khan and dog Luna. 

Conservative Party candidate Susan Hall arrived at a polling station in London's Hatch End Lawn Tennis Club. 

The full list of London mayoral candidates is as follows:

• Sadiq Khan - Labour Party
• Susan Hall - Conservative Party
• Zoe Garbett - Green Party 
• Howard Cox - Reform UK
• Rob Blackie - Liberal Democrat
• Femy Amin - Animal Welfare
• Count Binface - Count Binface
• Natalie Campbell - Independent
• Amy Gallagher - Social Democratic Party
• Tarun Ghulati - Independent
• Andreas Michli - Independent
• Brian Rose - London Real
• Nick Scanlon - Britain First

London is one of a number of mayoral races taking place across England today. 

By Jenness Mitchell , Scotland reporter

John Swinney is a name that has kept coming up since Humza Yousaf announced his resignation as SNP leader and Scottish first minister this week.

He's received the backing of party heavyweights like Stephen Flynn and Ian Blackford, and was the first to announce he's giving "very careful consideration" to running for the leadership.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Swinney said: "I've been somewhat overwhelmed by the requests that have been made of me to do that, with many, many messages from many colleagues across the party."

There and back again?

Mr Swinney stood down as deputy first minister following Ms Sturgeon's shock resignation in 2023.

The MSP for Perthshire North, who was finance secretary under Alex Salmond's government, has the experience to hold the fort following Mr Yousaf's departure.

He ruled himself out of the 2023 leadership race, citing that he had to put his young family first.

Mr Swinney said he's got "lots of things to think about".

He added: "There's the whole question of my family. And I have to make sure that I do the right thing by my family, they are precious to me.

"I have to do the right thing by my party and by my country. So, there's lots to be thought about, and I'll give all of that consideration in the days to come."

It wouldn't be an election day without pictures of dogs at polling stations - and we are happy to oblige. 

Cinna, an eight-year-old rescue dog from Greece, is pictured arriving at a polling station at St Alban's Church in south London.

And Cinna seems keen to make a mark... 

We will be sure to bring you more dog updates throughout the day. 

John Swinney is expected to launch his campaign this morning to become leader of the SNP for a second time ( see post at 6.45am ).

Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies says we can expect an announcement at around 10.30am this morning. 

Connor says Mr Swinney already has the backing of most of the current Scottish cabinet and prominent SNP figures. 

He says there is a sense Mr Swinney should be a "unity candidate"; however, there are others who see him as an establishment figure "at a time for change".

Former finance minister Kate Forbes, who narrowly lost out to Humza Yousaf in last year's leadership election, has also expressed an interest in standing, although she has not declared.

Connor says he understands talks have been taking place between the Forbes camp and the Swinney camp and there is some speculation over whether a deal can be struck which will see the pair running on a single ticket.

Connor says he is told Ms Forbes will be watching Mr Swinney's pitch "very closely".

Voters have started casting their ballots across England and Wales

People are pictured arriving here at St Alban's Church in south London. 

Polling stations opened at 7am. They will close at 10pm tonight. 

People voting in local elections in England will need to provide photo ID.

It is the second year the requirement has been in place - but in 2023,  14,000 people couldn't cast their ballot because they didn't take ID to the polling booth.

There are 22 different types of ID you can use - and if you don't have any of them, you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate.

Here's everything you need to know to avoid being caught out:

Polls have opened for a series of elections across England and Wales. 

More than 2,600 council seats are up for grabs across 107 councils in England, along with mayoral races, including for the London mayoralty, and 25 London Assembly seats.

A total of 37 police and crime commissioners will also be decided at ballot boxes in England and Wales.

And a new MP will be chosen for the seat of Blackpool South in a by-election.

John Swinney is expected to declare his bid to become the new leader of the SNP later today, Sky News understands.

It comes after Humza Yousaf announced he was standing down as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister following his decision last week to cut power-sharing ties with the Scottish Greens - a move which saw his leadership collapse.

Mr Swinney previously served as SNP leader between 2000 and 2004; later becoming Nicola Sturgeon's number two from 2014 to 2023.

He is considered a front-runner for the top job once again, having garnered support from senior figures within his party, including from the SNP's Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn.

The Perthshire North MSP is expected to make a statement in Edinburgh on Thursday morning.

However, he could face competition from the party's former finance minister Kate Forbes, who narrowly lost out to Mr Yousaf in last year's leadership election.

Read more here:

Blackpool, once the most famous town in British politics, is today back on the political map.

The UK's premier party conference venue since the 1920s hasn't staged an autumn conference since 2007.

But now, with a high-profile by-election in Blackpool South, the town's back in the news and top politicians have been heading to Blackpool again.

Speaking in Blackpool in October 2007, the leader of the opposition goaded a new prime minister who'd become leader of his party unopposed to call a general election.

Sound familiar? But it wasn't Sir Keir Starmer challenging Rishi Sunak. Then it was David Cameron taunting Gordon Brown, just weeks after he'd succeeded Tony Blair as prime minister.

Blackpool is steeped in political history. To be fair, the Conservatives did hold their 2022 spring conference there, but that's a much smaller event compared to the big autumn jamborees.

The glorious Winter Gardens, a vast Victorian palace of entertainment, and the famous Imperial Hotel, where prime ministers going back decades stayed, are part of political folklore.

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Rwandan opposition leader voices doubts Kigali will stick to UK asylum deal

Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza says her banning shows Rwandan government does not adhere to international law

A Rwandan opposition leader who has been banned from standing for election has cast doubt on whether her government will stick to the terms of the deportation deal agreed with Rishi Sunak.

Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza told the Guardian that the Rwandan government’s refusal to allow her to stand or leave the country to see her ill husband showed that the government under Paul Kagame did not adhere to international law.

On Tuesday, she launched a claim in the east African court of justice, saying she should be allowed to oppose the president in July’s general election.

In the UK, Sunak has been building towards operationalising plans to forcibly remove UK asylum seekers to Rwanda .

Umuhoza said: “The fact that I keep seeking justice in regional courts such as this one illustrates that anyone who dares or is perceived to challenge the Rwandan government can’t have fair justice in Rwanda.

“We must question the effectiveness of Rwanda’s judiciary system and the Rwandan government’s commitment to its international obligations, especially at this time it has entered into a controversial immigration partnership with the UK.”

Umuhoza has taken her case to the court in Arusha, Tanzania, in an attempt to oppose Kagame, the president since 2010 who has been accused of running a dictatorship. In the last election, he won 98.8% of the vote.

She was disqualified from running after spending eight years in jail after what human rights groups including Amnesty called a flawed trial. She had been found guilty of collaborating with a terrorist organisation and “minimising the genocide”.

The African court on human and peoples’ rights found there had been violations of her right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as her right to defence.

Umuhoza was released in 2018 after receiving a pardon from Kagame. She spent five of her eight years in jail in solitary confinement.

She is asking the east African court to overturn a March ruling of the Rwandan high court that refused her application on the grounds that it determined that some conditions imposed on her release from prison in 2018 had still to be met.

In her claim, she said she had been jailed on trumped up charges after expressing opposition to Kagame and that these charges continue to be used to stop her from standing for election.

Umuhoza’s case also says that since 2010, she has been denied any opportunity to leave Rwanda to see her husband, who is gravely ill in Holland, or her children, despite multiple requests.

Kagame’s only known challenger in the July election is the Green party leader, Frank Habineza, who secured 0.45% of the vote in 2017. All other legally registered opposition parties back the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front.

Umuhoza’s Dalfa Umurinzi (Development and Liberty for All) movement is not officially registered in Rwanda.

Numerous allies of Umuhoza have disappeared. she has claimed. They include Iragena Illuminée, a nurse who disappeared on her way to work, and Boniface Twagirimana, who disappeared while in prison.

A UK Home Office document released on Monday night raised serious questions about the safety of opposition politicians and journalists in Rwanda, days after the country was declared safe by parliament.

The report, an updated “country information note”, said opponents of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) had been “forced into exile or assassinated” .

It referenced the findings of the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI), which highlighted the regime’s “strong authoritarian grip over the country”.

The BTI said: “Detractors, particularly those within circles of power, are not tolerated, and many have either been targeted and forced into exile or assassinated. Repression has also been aimed at other forms of opposition, specifically non-RPF political adversaries, journalists and civil society activists.”

“There is minimal space for power-sharing, genuine political diversity, an independent and thriving civil society or freedom of expression.”

The document also highlighted concerns by the US-based Freedom House that the opposition politician Venant Abayisenga was “forcibly disappeared or killed” after being cleared in a 2020 trial.

Human Rights Watch had documented 30 cases where activists and journalists had died, disappeared or been jailed from 2019 to 2022, the report said.

A Rwandan government spokesperson said: “Victoire Ingabire is neither an opposition leader nor a defender of democracy. She is an unrepentant criminal who was convicted of plotting to overthrow the government in collusion with violent militias based in the [Democratic Republic of the Congo, and attempting to reignite ethnic division in Rwanda. She also consistently lies about being held in ‘solitary confinement’, which does not exist in the Rwanda correctional facilities.

“Victoire Ingabire’s trial heard damning testimonies from her accomplices, and included overwhelming evidence of her guilt, part of which was provided by Dutch authorities.

“Thankfully the Rwandan justice system upheld the rule of law and disqualified her from standing for office. In countries around the world, including in the UK, criminals are not allowed to run for office, Rwanda is no different.”

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