Update for Americans in Israel

(Oct. 14, 2023) — If you or someone you know are U.S. citizens in Israel, please read and share the below information to help support and protect those who want to return to the United States.

The U.S. government is facilitating transportation for U.S. citizens to leave Israel by air or sea. U.S. citizens who wish to depart with U.S. government assistance must express their interest via the Department of State’s crisis intake form. Do not fill out this form if you have already completed a copy – the Department of State has your information and duplicate requests will delay their response time.

The Department of State began offering departure assistance to U.S. citizens who have completed the crisis intake form starting Friday, October 13th, but it will take the agency some time to schedule travel plans for everyone seeking departure. Chartered transportation will be to nearby safe locations, not back to the United States. You will not be able to choose your destination or mode of transportation – the State Department will assign you to the next available departure.

Commercial flights are also available, but are extremely limited. Some U.S. citizens have been successful departing Israel into Jordan via border crossings, including Allenby Bridge. The Department of State encourages Americans in Israel to continue taking advantage of those options if possible. 

Also, please be sure to monitor the Embassy/Consulate website regularly, as this is where the most current information is available. Israel is at: https://il.usembassy.gov/ . The latest update is at: https://www.state.gov/u-s-government-to-assist-u-s-citizens-in-departing-israel/ . Updates are also posted on the Embassy website: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.

Finally, please enroll in the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://step.state.gov/. This is the system that the local Consulate uses to send emergency alerts and information to citizens overseas. The more information the Consulate has about how many U.S. Citizens are impacted and where they are, the better they can make plans to assist.

If you or someone you know are in Israel and need assistance, please contact the Department of State at 1-833-890-9595 or please feel free to contact our office for assistance at 925-933-2660.

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