As tensions flare in the Middle East in several countries, events which have included attacks on U.S embassies and military outposts, the United States Department of State has issued a “Worldwide Caution” advisory to all American citizens who are traveling abroad.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. citizens should:
-Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
-Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
-Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.”
An additional update has been published online for U.S citizens in the Middle East:
“Information for U.S. Citizens in Israel & the West Bank
Charter Flights from Ben Gurion
Commercial availability remains limited out of Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. government is facilitating charter flight transportation for U.S. citizens; we urge those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available. Flight departures will continue on a rolling basis from Ben Gurion International Airport through at least Sunday, October 22. Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3 if you wish to depart Israel. U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait.
Some U.S. citizens seeking to depart have been successful departing the West Bank and Israel into Jordan via the border crossings, including Sheikh Hussein and Allenby Bridge. We encourage U.S. citizens to take advantage of those options if possible and safe to do so.
U.S. citizens who wish to depart with U.S. government assistance must express their interest via our crisis intake form. Do not fill out this form if you have already completed it – we have your information, and duplicate requests delay our response.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Gaza
The military conflict between Israel and Hamas is ongoing, making identifying departure options for U.S. citizens complex. We are working on potential options for departure from Gaza for U.S. citizens. We have U.S. government officials working 24/7 to try to assist. If you have not already done so, please complete the crisis intake form to provide contact information should we need to reach out to you on short notice.
We anticipate that the situation at the Rafah crossing will remain fluid and unpredictable. If you assess it to be safe, you may wish to move closer to the Rafah border crossing – there may be very little notice if the crossing opens, and it may only open for a limited time.
Information for U.S. Citizens in Lebanon
We recommend that U.S. citizens in Lebanon make appropriate arrangements to leave the country; commercial options currently remain available. We recommend that U.S. citizens who choose not to depart prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. If you have not already done so, please complete the crisis intake form to provide contact information should we need to reach out to you on short notice.
Status of U.S. Mission Operations in Israel and Lebanon
Please also be aware that the U.S. government has authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from Mission Israel and Lebanon.
Contact Information for U.S. Citizens:
U.S. citizens worldwide are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
U.S. citizens in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza who would like our assistance should fill out the crisis intake form. Do not fill out this form if you have already completed it – we have your information, and duplicate requests delay our response.
U.S. citizens in Lebanon can reach the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizens Services unit by email.
Reach us 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)”
