Security Alert: Israel, U.S. Embassy Closure June 18-20, June 18

As a result of the current security situation and ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, 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.

Given the security situation and in compliance with Israel Home Front Command guidance, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday, June 18) through Friday (June 20). This includes the Consular Sections in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. There will be no passport (emergency or regular) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad services.

We have no announcement about assisting private U.S. citizens to depart at this time. The Department of State is always planning for contingencies to assist with private U.S. citizens’ departure from crisis areas. We will alert the U.S. citizen community if there is additional information to share regarding departure options. U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive the latest updates.

The U.S. Embassy is aware that third parties are assisting U.S. citizens in departing Israel. While we are not able to endorse any providers, we understand some have been able to successfully help U.S. citizens.

Ben Gurion Airport remains closed, and there are no commercial or charter flights operating from there. Seaports in Israel are also closed.

Land crossings to Jordan are currently operating and are scheduled to be open on Wednesday, June 18, with the following hours:

Allenby/King Hussein Bridge: 0800 – 1430.
The Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing: 0830 – 1430.
The Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing: 0800 – 2000.

For those crossing the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, an E-visa is mandatory before crossing. This can be obtained at https://eservices.moi.gov.jo.

Visa on arrival is available at the Northern and Southern crossings. Cost is 40 JOD/$56. Credit card machines are available but not always functioning, so cash is preferred.

Flights are available from Jordan on a limited basis. Please check with your airline and expect delays and cancelations.

The land crossing to Egypt at Taba is also operating and is open 24 hours a day. There are international flights available at Sharm el Sheikh. U.S. citizens need to have valid passports with at least six months validity as well as $25 in USD cash per person for the visa on arrival and a 700 EGP Sinai tax. Once across the border, it is an approximate 4-hour drive to Sharm el Sheikh. Please note that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula, as access is highly regulated by the Government of Egypt.

Before traveling to the border crossings, U.S. citizens should consult the Israel Home Front Command guidance. Please check the status of Ben Gurion Airport and the land crossings here.

This alert is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.

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, , the West Bank, and Jerusalem, including the Old City.

U.S. citizens can find additional information below 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:

Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.
Be aware of your surroundings.
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.
Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings.
Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence.
Monitor local media.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.