The Passport Office Community,
In light of escalating tensions globally, we are here to share urgent travel updates from the Department of State. Your safety is paramount, and we strongly recommend you follow the guidelines provided by the State Department.
Worldwide Caution: Key Recommendations from the State Department
- Stay alert in tourist-frequented locations.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): This ensures you receive timely information and alerts while assisting authorities locate you during emergencies.
- Follow the Department of State: Stay connected via Facebook and Twitter, and visit travel.state.gov for the latest updates.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Gaza: State Department Guidelines
If you are currently in Gaza, please promptly complete the crisis intake form to provide contact information. The situation at the Rafah crossing is anticipated to remain unpredictable. If deemed safe, consider moving closer to the Rafah border crossing.
U.S. citizens seeking to depart Gaza through the Rafah crossing should consult the Palestinian Customs Authority’s list. If your name and those of your immediate family are on the list, proceed to the Rafah crossing on the specified day with your U.S. passports and other valid travel documents.
Flights from Ben Gurion: Israel & the West Bank – State Department Directives
Ben Gurion Airport remains open with available commercial flights. Before traveling to the airport, please check with your airline for the latest information. Note that no further U.S. government-chartered flights are planned.
For those needing assistance to depart Israel, including financial aid for plane tickets, contact the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.gov or the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv at TelAvivACS@state.gov.
Departure over Land Borders: Israel & the West Bank – State Department Guidance
Some U.S. citizens have successfully departed the West Bank and Israel into Jordan via various border crossings, including Allenby Bridge and Sheikh Hussein. The State Department encourages those considering departure to explore these options if safe to do so.
For the status of land border crossings, please check:
- Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (Israel-West Bank): 02-548-2600
- Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein Crossing (Israel-Jordan near Beit Shaan): 04-609-3410
- Yitzhak Rabin/Arava Crossing (Israel-Jordan near Eilat): 08-630-0555
- Menachem Begin Crossing (Israel-Egypt near Eilat): 08-636-0999
U.S. citizens needing assistance to depart the West Bank should complete the Crisis Intake Form.
Consular Services: Israel & the West Bank – State Department Directives
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Branch Office in Tel Aviv have resumed appointments for regular passports and consular services. Appointments must be made through the Combined Appointment System, with walk-ins accepted for U.S. citizens without a valid passport before 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, visit the State Department Website.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Lebanon: State Department Advisory
Due to the unpredictable security situation, it is strongly recommended that U.S. citizens in Lebanon leave now while commercial flights are available. Review available flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport and prepare a crisis plan independent of U.S. government assistance.
Complete the crisis intake form for swift communication in urgent situations.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Iraq: State Department Guidance
Monitor local media for updates and avoid protests and large gatherings. Be aware of potential demonstrations related to ongoing events in Gaza, which may spread rapidly throughout Iraq. For assistance, contact the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizens Services unit.
Status of U.S. Mission Operations: Israel, Lebanon, and Iraq – State Department Directives
Family members and non-emergency personnel may be authorized to depart from Mission Israel and Lebanon. Increased security threats led to the departure of eligible individuals from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General Erbil.
Contact Information for U.S. Citizens – State Department Channels:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.
- Use the provided contact numbers or email the respective embassy/consulate for assistance.
Your safety is our priority. Follow the guidance of the State Department, stay informed, and remain vigilant. We are committed to providing urgent travel updates as the situation evolves.
Safe travels,
