Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Event: Security Alert
As a result of the current security situation throughout the region, the U.S. Embassy has directed that all U.S. government employees and their family members continue to shelter in place in and near their residences until further notice.
The U.S. Embassy is not in a position at this time to evacuate or directly assist Americans in departing Israel.
The following is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttles to the Taba Border Crossing as of March 2. To be added to the passenger list for a shuttle, you must register via the Ministry’s evacuation form . The U.S. Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle. If you choose to avail yourself of this option to depart, the U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety. The information is provided as a courtesy to those wishing to leave Israel.
Passengers who wish to cross to Jordan may take the shuttle to Eilat and continue independently (by taxi) to the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing.
Buses will be stationed at meeting points across the country, including Herzliya: Train Station Parking Lot
Haifa: Yad HaShmona Train Station Parking Lot
Jerusalem: Teddy Stadium, East Parking Lot
Tel Aviv: Savidor Center Train Station Parking
The land crossing to Egypt at Taba was also operating and is scheduled to be open 24 hours a day. There is a visa fee for some travelers. U.S. citizens who are not exiting the Sinai region for other parts of Egypt do not have to pay the fee. Security conditions can change without warning, closing any border crossing.
How to Pay: It is highly recommended to pay in advance via the official website: https://borderpay.metropolinet.co.il/en/home-3/ .
Note: The toll is valid only for the specific date of purchase and cannot be changed or refunded.
As of March 2, there were limited flight options from the airports in Taba and Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt.
On March 2, the Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing into Jordan accepts the last passengers at 1900.
The Queen Alia International Airport is open on Monday, March 2. Flights with Royal Jordanian Airlines were available from Jordan on a limited basis. Please check with your airline and expect delays.
Before traveling to the border crossings, U.S. citizens should consult the Israel Home Front Command guidance. Please check the status of the land crossings here .
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness – including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, such as mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.
In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel (including the Old City of Jerusalem) and the West Bank.
U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire and hostile aircraft intrusion in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza:
Mortar and Rocket Fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion: In the event of mortar or rocket fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real. Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness Information. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts. Free commercial applications, such as Red Alert: Israel, are also available.
Actions to Take:
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: TelAvivACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747or 202-501-4444
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information
Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory
Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
