The event, options to depart, and mission operations sections were updated. There are not any changes to the shelter in place section.
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.
The Department of State is continuously assessing the availability of commercial air and ground transportation options and will continue to share information with U.S. citizens.
If you choose not to take advantage of available departure 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
· 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.
Air Travel
· Ben Gurion Airport is open for limited commercial flights.
· Americans should strongly consider privately booking and departing on one of these commercial flights if they believe it is safe to do so.
· Visit the airline websites for flights and booking information: El Al , Israir , Arkia , Air Haifa .
For your safety and in compliance with Government of Israel limitations on sizes of gatherings, please do not come to the airport unless you have purchased a ticket yourself or you have been contacted directly by an airline to inform you that you have been confirmed on a flight.
Departure by Land
· Americans seeking to depart Israel should also consider overland routes to Taba, Egypt, where commercial options to depart the region are operating.
· 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 Sharm-El-Sheikh: shared minibuses and private taxis are readily available. Transportation may also be arranged 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.
· Visit the TUS website to find information about flight availability and purchasing tickets.
· 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 will need to obtain the following and pay the associated fees:
o 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 permits travel within South Sinai only and does not authorize onward travel to Cairo or other Egyptian governorates. However, travelers wishing to travel beyond South Sinai must obtain the standard 30-day visa on arrival.)
o A letter of guarantee required by the local authorities (available on arrival, issued by various agents inside the Egyptian arrivals terminal) for $20 or $25 USD (cash).
o An Egyptian Taba border exit fee for $60 USD (cash).
· Before traveling to the border crossings, U.S. citizens should also consult the Israeli Airport Authority for status updates and continue following the Israeli Home Front Command guidance.
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 .
Shelter in Place
· U.S. Embassy Jerusalem has directed all U.S. government employees to shelter in place. We recommend all Americans in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.
Embassy and Embassy Branch Office Operations
· The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv have suspended all routine consular services through March 20, 2026. We will continue to assist you wherever you may be located across the Middle East. Our 24/7 Task Force provides around-the-clock information and assistance.
· Emergency passport services are generally available at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, no appointment required. This week, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv will be closed Friday, March 20 in observance of Eid Al Fitr. No services will be available on that date. All required documents necessary for emergency passport services can be found on the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem website. No cashier services will be available, and all application fees must be paid in advance via pay.gov.
· U.S. citizens should email JerusalemACS@state.gov or TelAvivACS@state.gov in case of emergency.
Red Alerts and Israeli Home Front Command
In the event of missile, 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 the Israeli Home Front Command and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. For a map of the available bomb shelters, please use this link , provided by the Israeli Mapping Center. 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). 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
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
· Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile (available on devices within Israel) to receive real-time alerts for rockets, missile attacks, and armed UAV intrusions.
· 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
