Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Potential for Violence and Unrest in and Around Jerusalem Old City

Due to heightened security conditions and the potential for violence in the Old City, U.S. government employees are restricted from entering the Old City from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. through Tuesday, October 13 without prior approval from the U.S. Consulate.  U.S. government employees are permitted to be in the Old City outside these hours.  Similarly, U.S. government employees are restricted from the West Bank for other than Mission-critical business through Tuesday, October 13, subject to approval of the U.S. Consulate.  Personal travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, which is still allowed, must be approved by the U.S. Consulate in advance of travel.  We recommend that private U.S. citizens take into consideration these restrictions and the additional guidance contained in the Department of State’s travel warning for Israel, Gaza and the West Bank when making decisions regarding their travel.

For further information: