The Department of State has issued a Worldwide Caution for American citizens due to increasing tensions in many parts of the world, the possibility of terrorist attacks, protests, or acts of violence against American persons and interests. Citizens of the United States should:
- Maintain vigilance in areas commonly visited by tourists.
- Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and facilitate emergency contact while abroad.
- Keep up with the Department of State’s updates on Facebook and Twitter, and visit travel.state.gov for information.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Israel and the West Bank
Charter Flights from Ben Gurion Airport, Available Until October 22
There is still limited commercial availability from Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. State Department recommends that United States citizens wishing to depart use the charter flights offered by the United States Government while they are still available. Ben Gurion International Airport will continue to offer flight departures on a fixed schedule at least until Sunday, October 22. If you wish to depart Israel, please proceed to Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion International Airport. U.S. Embassy staff will assist you and provide you with details about your flight. Expect to wait.
Some American citizens who wanted to leave the country have managed to enter Jordan from the West Bank and Israel via the Sheikh Hussein and Allenby Bridge. The U.S. State Department strongly encourages people from the United States to take advantage of these opportunities.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Gaza
The fact that Israel and Hamas are still at war makes it difficult for Americans to decide how to leave the country. The U.S. Government is developing ways for Americans to leave Gaza. To try and assist in this, U.S. Government officials are working around the clock. In the event that the government needs to contact you immediately, please fill out the Crisis Intake Form if you have not already done so.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Lebanon
American nationals residing or visiting Lebanon are advised by the U.S. State Department to make the necessary preparations to depart the nation; commercial flights are still accessible. If they want to stay, they should make backup plans in case of emergencies. To enable the U.S. State Department to get in touch with you quickly, do fill out the Crisis Intake Form if you haven’t already.
How to Reach the U.S. Government by phone:
State Department – Consular Affairs 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) and +1-606-641-0131
U.S. citizens in Israel please call the local number (03-519-7426)
U.S. citizens in Lebanon please call the local number (961-4-543 600)
United States Travel Advisory System Overview
The old “Travel Alert” and “Travel Warning” designations have been replaced with a new four-tiered system called the Travel Advisory system.
The following is advised by the level numbers:
- Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
- Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
- Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
- Level 4 – Do Not Travel
Nations having a Travel Advisory level of two or higher will furthermore be designated with a risk indicator.
A risk indication is a letter that stands for a particular reason behind the level number of the travel advisory. Additionally, it offers specific advice for Americans visiting that nation. Several danger indicators may be present in a single nation, depending on the security and stability of its surrounding areas. C (crime), T (terrorism), U (civil unrest), H (health), N (natural disaster), E (time-limited event), K (kidnapping/hostage taking), and O (other) are examples of potential risk indicators.