Security Alert: Israel, Update 1 (Marh 26, 2026)

The security situation in Israel makes departures difficult. The Government of Israel currently limits Ben Gurion Airport to one departing flight per hour with no more than 50 passengers.
The fastest option to depart Israel is by land to Egypt or Jordan. Commercial air opportunities are available from airports in Jordan and Egypt; contact airlines directly.
You may apply for Israeli government assistance to depart using their emergency online form  for foreign nationals.

U.S. Embassy Bus Service to Amman, Jordan

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem is offering bus service to Amman, Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport via the Jordan River Sheikh Hussein crossing .
If you are interested in assisted departure via bus to Amman, please fill out this online form .
Departures currently operate from the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv areas. You will receive date, time, and meeting point details when a bus is scheduled.
Travelers must book and pay for their own flights from Amman and are encouraged to book before boarding the bus. Most direct flights to the United States depart early in the day; you may need to stay overnight in Amman. Limited hotel support may be available through the bus registration process for those needing an overnight stay.
The U.S. Embassy recommends travelers carry at least $60 USD and 110 shekels in cash for visas and fees at the border.

Land Crossing to Egypt

The land crossing to Egypt at Taba  is open 24 hours a day. 
Transport from Taba to Sharm El-Sheikh is available via shared minibuses and taxis; overland transport to Cairo is also available (approximately 8–9 hours via Sharm El-Sheikh).
Travelers must arrange and pay for travel to and from Taba, as well as onward air travel from Egyptian airports.
U.S. Embassy Cairo recommends carrying at least $115 USD cash per person for visas, Egyptian letter of guarantee, and exit fees, plus extra for unexpected costs. ATMs at the crossing are unreliable.

Air Travel

Ben Gurion Airport  is operating limited flights. Contact airlines directly for commercial flight options.

Shelter in Place

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem has directed all U.S. government employees to shelter in place and recommends U.S. citizens do the same. Stay 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.

Embassy Operations 

Emergency passport services are generally available in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 11:00 am, except for U.S. and local holidays.
More information can be found on the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem website.

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.
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

Israel Police: call 100
Israel Ambulance: call 101
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.
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem: JerusalemACS@state.gov
U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv: TelAvivACS@state.gov

Warning Info