Our team is ready to assist our constituents during this time. Please see below for resources.
Worldwide Caution
With increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. Citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. Citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. Citizens should:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists;
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas; and
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter and visit travel.state.gov.
State Department Resources
The State Department has a 24/7 coordinating group that is working to assist U.S. Citizens. If you are looking to contact the U.S. Embassy in Israel, you may fill out this form or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.
U.S. Citizens in Israel should enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for ongoing updates. Find the latest security alerts from the U.S. Embassy in Israel here.
The situation in Israel is still unpredictable; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning. Please continue to follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
Departure from Israel for U.S. Citizens
Commercial flights are available but extremely limited. Some U.S. Citizens have been successful departing Israel into Jordan via the border crossings, including Allenby Bridge. The State Department encourages you to take advantage of those options if possible.
The U.S. government is facilitating transportation for U.S. Citizens to leave Israel by air or sea.
The State Department began offering departure assistance to U.S. Citizens who have completed the crisis intake form beginning on Friday, October 13, but it will take some time to schedule everyone seeking to depart.
Chartered transportation will be to nearby safe locations, not back to the United States. You will not be able to choose your destination or mode of transportation – the State Department will assign you to the next available departure.
You will be asked to sign an agreement to repay the U.S. government prior to departure. If you accept this assistance, you should be prepared to arrange your own lodging and onward travel from the safe location to your final destination. U.S. Embassy officials will be available to help you when you arrive via the charters.
American citizens who want to leave Israel on U.S. government-chartered transportation must submit a Crisis Intake Form. After submitting a Crisis Intake Form, American citizens can expect an email from the State Department with additional guidance imminently. Please check your spam/junk mailboxes if you do not receive an email.
Departure from Gaza for U.S. Citizens
The military conflict between Israel and Hamas is ongoing, making departure options for U.S. Citizens complex. The State Department is working on potential options for departure from Gaza for U.S. Citizens. Please complete the crisis intake form at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake to provide contact information should the State Department need to reach out to you on short notice. The State Department has U.S. government officials working 24/7 to try to assist.
The State Department anticipates that the situation at the Rafah crossing will remain fluid and unpredictable. If you assess it to be safe, the State Department suggests that you may wish to move closer to the Rafah border crossing – there may be very little notice if the crossing opens, and it may only open for a limited time.
For U.S. Citizens in neighboring countries
For the most up-to-date information and guidance from the State Department for neighboring countries in the region, please visit the following:
- Lebanon: https://lb.usembassy.gov/
- Jordan: https://jo.usembassy.gov/
- Egypt: https://eg.usembassy.gov/
- Cyprus: https://cy.usembassy.gov/
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates by email.
If you need additional assistance, the team in our district office is here to help please call 713-353-8680 or 202-225-2571.
