Travel Warning: Israel

October 12, 2000
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza at this time due to continuing tensions and violence.

Violent clashes and confrontations continue to take place throughout the West Bank and Gaza. Violence has also taken place in Israel and Jerusalem. U.S. Government employees who live in East Jerusalem have been relocated for the time being, and U.S. Government employees have been prohibited from traveling to the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, including the Old City and urged to avoid the Jaffa section of Tel Aviv. Private U.S. citizens should defer travel to these areas at this time. Private American citizens who reside in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza are advised to stay at home or relocate to a safe location. U.S. citizens throughout Israel, the West Bank and Gaza should exercise caution and avoid any large crowds or demonstrations.

The U.S. Consulate General facility on Nablus Road in Jerusalem has been temporarily closed. U.S. citizens who require emergency passport issuance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. For other emergency services, U.S. citizens may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7230 or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7355.

For further general information on travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.