The options to depart section was updated. There are not any changes to shelter in place or embassy operations sections.
· We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. If you want to leave the Middle East, the U.S. government is ready to assist by providing you the latest information about the departure options available. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens. New or updated information below is indicated in bold.
· Please continue to check your email for additional information or last-minute changes.
· If you choose not to take advantage of available departure options, including commercial options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy.
Options to Depart Israel
· The security situation in Israel continues to make travel out of the country difficult. Starting on March 23 at 5:00 p.m., the Government of Israel announced there is a maximum of one flight departure from Ben Gurion Airport per hour with no more than 50 passengers. Americans seeking assistance on commercial flights should contact airlines directly.
· The fastest option to depart Israel at this time is to take one of the available overland routes, including to Egypt or Jordan.
· You can check the status of land crossings here .
· Commercial air opportunities are readily available from airports in Jordan and Egypt.
· The Israeli Ministry of Transport has provided an application form for foreign nationals in Israel to request support departing Israel during an emergency. The United States deeply appreciates Israel’s cooperation in helping Americans return home.
· Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .
· Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.
U.S. Embassy Bus Service to Amman, Jordan
· U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is offering bus service to the Amman, Jordan International Airport via the Jordan River Sheikh Hussein crossing for U.S. citizens.
· If you are interested in assisted departure via bus to Amman, please fill out this online form .
· As buses are scheduled, we will send you details about the date and time of departure and the meeting place. Departures are currently available from the Jerusalem area and the Tel Aviv area.
· Travelers using this route are responsible for booking and paying for their onward travel from Amman airport, and are encouraged to do so before boarding the bus. We can provide hotel accommodation as part of the bus registration process if a flight connection requires an overnight stay in Amman. When we confirm your seat on a bus, please let us know if you need this support.
· Bus travelers should consider leaving behind valuables, including religious items, that cannot easily be replaced.
· Travelers to Jordan will need to obtain the following and pay the associated fees:
o A visa on arrival is available at the King Hussein crossing for $60 USD (payable in USD cash only).
o A departure fee of 110 shekels (payable in NIS cash only).
Land Crossing to Egypt
· The land crossing to Egypt at Taba is operating and scheduled to be open 24 hours a day.
· There are several ways to travel from Taba to the airport in Sharm-El-Sheikh: shared minibuses and private taxis are readily available.
· Transportation is also available overland from Taba to Cairo, though this drive is 8-9 hours and will pass through Sharm-El-Sheikh due to security restrictions on other roads.
· Travelers using this route are responsible for booking and paying for their travel to and from Taba, as well as their onward travel from any Egyptian airport.
· U.S. Embassy Cairo recommends that all travelers have at least $115 USD (cash) per person to cross the Taba border, with some extra USD in cash for any unexpected expenses. ATMs at the crossing are unreliable and quickly run out of cash. Several banks in Jerusalem, particularly Bank Leumi and Bank of Agudat Israel, operate ATMs that dispense USD, especially in the city center and major commercial areas like Mamila and Malha. Bank Leumi branches, in particular, offer 24/7 USD withdrawals. Please note that withdrawal in USD may have a higher fee than in shekels.
Travelers to Egypt will need to obtain the following and pay the associated fees:
· A 30-day Egyptian visa available on arrival at Taba for $30 USD, payable in cash. This visa permits travelers to enter the Sinai Peninsula and to board flights departing from Sharm El-Sheikh, including those that transit through Cairo. Alternatively, travelers may obtain a free entry stamp at the Taba border crossing that only permits travel within South Sinai.
· A letter of guarantee is required and available on arrival at the Egyptian arrivals terminal for $20 or $25 USD cash.
· An Egyptian Taba border exit fee for $60 USD cash.
Air Travel
· Ben Gurion Airport is operating limited flights.
· Americans seeking assistance on commercial flights should contact airlines directly.
· For your safety and in compliance with Government of Israel limitations on sizes of gatherings, do not go to Ben Gurion airport unless you have a ticket.
Shelter in Place
· U.S. Embassy Jerusalem has directed all U.S. government employees to shelter in place. We recommend all Americans do the same. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.
· In the event of missile, rocket fire, or hostile aircraft intrusion, a “red alert” siren may be activated. Follow the instructions from local authorities and the Israeli Home Front Command and seek shelter immediately.
Actions to Take
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
· Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space .
· Download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time alerts for rockets, missile attacks, and armed UAV intrusions. Free commercial applications, such as “Red Alert: Israel,” are also available.
· Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
· Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
· Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
· In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
· Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
· Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
· Follow the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp. Download WhatsApp at whatsapp.com/download.
· Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance
· U.S. Department of State 24/7 Task Force: call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or +1-888-407-4747 when calling from the U.S. and Canada.
· Israel Police: call 100
· Israel Ambulance: call 101
· U.S. Embassy Jerusalem: JerusalemACS@state.gov
· U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv: TelAvivACS@state.gov
