In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the US State Department has released updated information for Americans visiting the Middle East, including details on charter flights departing Tel Aviv this week.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the possibility of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent acts against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution,” the U.S. department said of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
Travelers from the United States are urged to reconsider their travel to Israel and the West Bank and to stay away from Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq. American citizens who want to leave Israel and the West Bank with assistance from the U.S. government must complete a form crisis intake form.
Information for US Citizens in Israel and the West Bank
Charter flights from Ben Guion
Limited commercial flights are currently available from Ben Gurion Airport. We advise US citizens wishing to depart to use US government charter flights while they are still accessible. Departure from Ben Gurion International Airport is scheduled for Thursday, October 26 and Sunday, October 29. If you plan to leave Israel, go to Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion International Airport. US Embassy staff will assist you with accurate flight information. Be prepared for possible wait times.
Lebanon travel Advisory
The US Department of State has assigned a Level 4: Do not travel to Lebanon alertly.
Due to the unpredictable security situation with rocket and artillery fire between Israel and Hezbollah or other armed terrorist organizations, it is not recommended to travel to Lebanon. Due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping, and the Beirut Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens, you should seriously reconsider traveling to Lebanon.
Due to the unstable security situation in Lebanon, on October 17, 2023, the Department authorized the voluntary, temporary departure of some non-emergency U.S. government officials and family members from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.
Do not travel to:
- The border with Syria because of terrorism And armed conflict
- The border with Israel because of the potential for armed conflict
- Refugee settlements because of the potential for armed clashes
The US Department of State has assigned a Level 4: Do not travel to Iraq alertly.
Travel near Iraq’s northern borders is discouraged due to the continued threat of terrorist attacks, military fighting, airstrikes and civil instability. Americans should especially stay away from locations near armed organizations in northern Iraq, as these groups have been targeted by airstrikes by the armed forces of neighboring countries.
Protests, strikes and demonstrations are the order of the day throughout the country. These sudden, rapidly changing events often disrupt traffic, transportation and other services; occasionally they even become violent.
