Security Message for U.S. Citizens

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem advises U.S. citizens in, or considering travel to, Jerusalem, the West Bank or Gaza to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness in light of the current environment. Individuals and groups opposed to the recent announcement that the U.S. government recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and plans to relocate its Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem may target U.S. government facilities, U.S. private interests and U.S. citizens. Potential targets include public events, such as demonstrations, holiday events and celebratory gatherings; hotels, clubs and restaurants popular with U.S. citizens; places of worship; schools; shopping malls and markets; tourism infrastructure; public transportation and airports. U.S. citizens should carefully consider risks to their personal safety and security at sites and events that are potential targets. In addition, U.S. citizens in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza should avoid non-essential movements and events that attract attention.

The prohibition on personal travel by U.S. government employees to Jerusalem’s Old City and in the West Bank, to include Jericho and Bethlehem remains in effect. This includes portions of routes 1, 443 and 90 that pass through the West Bank, and the immediate vicinity of the Old City and its gates. In addition to these restrictions, U.S. government employees and their family members in Jerusalem have been instructed to avoid non-essential movements and events that attract attention in the city.

For further information:

See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution  , Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza , Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza  .

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

The Consulate General in Jerusalem is located at 14 David Flusser, telephone (972) (2) 622-7230. The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, located at 71 Hayarkon, telephone (972) (3) 519-7575. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance outside of business hours, you may call the emergency after-hours number either in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7551 or Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7250.

Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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