Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem

March 4, 2026

Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem – March 4, 2026 

Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza

Event

The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share up-to-the-minute information you need to make informed decisions about your safety. The U.S. government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available.

U.S. Citizens should complete the Crisis Intake Form to let the U.S. Embassy or consulate know they are requesting assistance. Do not submit this form more than once. The form is available at the following link: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake .

If you would like departure assistance please call: From U.S. and Canada: +1 888-407-4747, all other locations: +1 202-501-4444. If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, 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.

Authorized Departure

On February 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S.

government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave

Israel. If safe to do so, American citizens are encouraged to depart using commercial or publicly available means.

Maintain Shelter in Place

The U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv continue to maintain shelter-in-place for all remaining emergency personnel and family members. 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. U.S. citizens should also consult the Israel Home Front Command guidance .

All in-person routine ACS services are canceled through March 6, and in-person emergency services remain postponed. Americans should contact JersualemACS@state.gov or TelAvivACS@state.gov in case of emergency.

The following is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.

As of March 4, there were limited flight options from the airports in Taba (Arkia and TUS ) and Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt.

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has begun operating shuttles to the Taba Border Crossing. These shuttles are only for “tourists.” To be added to the passenger list for a shuttle, you must register via the Ministry’s evacuation form . U.S. Embassy cannot make any recommendation (for or against) the Ministry of Tourism’s shuttle.  The information is provided as a courtesy. The current shuttle departure times are as listed:

Thursday, March 5, 2026

10:00 AM: Jerusalem, Teddy Stadium Parking Lot

10:00 AM Tel Aviv, Savidor Center Train Station Parking Lot

2:00 PM: Jerusalem, Teddy Stadium Parking Lot

The land crossing to Egypt at Taba  is operating and scheduled to be open 24 hours a day. The journey from Taba to Sharm el-Sheikh is approximately three to four hours by road. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport offers commercial flight connections to international destinations. U.S. consular officers may be present in Taba for limited assistance.

U.S. Embassy Cairo recommends that all travelers have at least $85 USD (cash) per person to cross the Taba border. ATMs at the crossing are unreliable and quickly run out of cash.

Travelers may obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at Taba for $30 USD (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. Travelers may obtain a free entry stamp at the Taba border crossing. This stamp permits travel within South Sinai only and does not authorize onward travel to Cairo or other Egyptian governorates. Travelers wishing to travel beyond South Sinai must obtain the standard 30-day visa on arrival. All travelers must also pay $20 USD (cash) for a letter of guarantee required by the local authorities (issued by Bright Star Tours), and $35 USD (cash) for a Taba border exit fee.

Passengers who wish to cross to Jordan may take the shuttle to Eilat and continue independently (by taxi) to the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing .

The King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan, is 4.6 miles (7.5 km) from the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing and accessible by taxi. There are regularly scheduled flights on Royal Jordanian Airlines .

Before traveling to the border crossings, U.S. citizens should consult the Israel Home Front Command guidance .

The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans 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.

Americans 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: 

Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with local and international emergency numbers.
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 devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and 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 major news outlets for official guidance.
Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
Pay close attention to official communications from the local government and the U.S. Embassy.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive the latest updates on local security.