Location: Location: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Event:
The Government of Israel announced updated guidelines and restrictions regarding personal movements and social distancing to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These guidelines include remaining within 100 meters of your home, reduced public transport, and the closure of places of worship, schools, commercial/dining establishments, heritage sites, and parks/beaches. For a full list of guidelines, please visit the Israeli Ministry of Health website and guidelines.
U.S. citizens who live in or seek to travel to the United States should arrange for immediate departure to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain in Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza for an indefinite period. Flight cancellations and suspensions can occur with little or no warning, making availability limited and unpredictable. As of March 26, commercial flights departing Ben Gurion Airport to the United States remain available on the following airlines, but are subject to change at any time: United Airlines and El Al. While flights remain available from Ben Gurion Airport to other international locations which may provide connections to the United States, airlines continue to cancel flights or suspend operations. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe. Please check the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem COVID-19 website for future updates.
The Embassy is not able to assist with arranging commercial travel options. If your travel has been disrupted or to make travel arrangements, please contact your airline: United Airlines (Local: 03-5116787, U.S.: 18002258610) or El Al (Local: 03-9771111).
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Warning Level 3 – Avoid Nonessential Travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. As of March 25, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that travelers from CDC Level 3 or Level 4 countries who are asymptomatic may enter the United States and travel to their final destination and self-quarantine upon arrival. For further information on COVID-19 and returning to the United States, please visit the CDC website.
Embassy Jerusalem and Branch Office Tel Aviv have suspended routine consular services. If you are a U.S. citizen and require an emergency service, please write to the appropriate consular office (JerusalemACS@state.gov or TelAvivACS@state.gov). Emergency services are available in Jerusalem (Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 11:00) and Tel Aviv (Monday – Thursday, 08:00 – 11:00). For further updates, please check the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem website regularly.
Actions to Take:
- Encourage all U.S. citizens to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St.
Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/ - U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St.
Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: TelAvivACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/ - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747or 202-501-4444 - Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Country Information
- Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Travel Advisory
- Enroll in Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security updates
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