Rep Anna Eshoo

Conflict in Israel - Guidance for American Citizens

Congresswoman Eshoo is closely monitoring the security situation in Israel and Gaza and staff are standing by to provide assistance in any way possible to constituents.   If you require emergency assistance while in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza, contact the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem by email at JerusalemACS@state.gov for those in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza or TelAvivACS@state.gov for those in Israel outside of Jerusalem. It is very important that you reach out to the US Embassy so they can communicate with you directly.  If you are seeking additional assistance from our office, fill out a privacy release here. 

Worldwide Caution - Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. 

Resources from the Department of State

How can I obtain assistance from the Department of State during this crisis?

Contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or at the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv.

  1. contact the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem by email at JerusalemACS@state.gov 
  2. By phone: U.S. Citizens can call the Embassy at the phone numbers on our website: S. Citizen Services – U.S. Embassy in Israel (usembassy.gov)(+972-2-630-4000)
  3. You may also wish to  contact the auditor for the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority at TZ@piba.gov.ilto report discrimination at an airport or Port of Entry or you can report discrimination at a checkpoint with the West Bank or Gaza to COGAT: inquiries@cogat.gov.il or +972-03-6977577

Where can I find the latest updates?

How can I find someone who is missing in Israel?

Where can I find information on flights and border crossings?

  • Ben Gurion Airport remains open with commercial flights available.  Please consult directly with your airline and check the operating status of Ben Gurion Airport  before traveling to the airport. There are no further U.S. government-charted flights planned.
  • Rafah Crossing:

    • Individuals seeking to depart Gaza: As of May 7, the Israel Defense Forces control the Gaza side of the Rafah Crossing. Since that day, the Rafah Crossing between Egypt and Gaza has remained closed. As soon as the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem receives information regarding new exit procedures from Gaza to Egypt, including when crossings resume, we will communicate this to the public immediately.

      This remains a complex situation with serious implications for the safety and security of U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens in Gaza in need of assistance should contact JerusalemACS@state.gov. U.S. citizens in Gaza are reminded that the U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there.

      The U.S. government does not control who is permitted to depart Gaza or enter Egypt. Individuals must assess their own safety and risks in attempting to cross the border. Individuals permitted to enter Egypt will likely receive a 72-hour Egyptian visa; all those who cross should have a plan for onward travel from Egypt in this timeframe. U.S. citizens, LPRs and their immediate family members who successfully enter Egypt and require further consular assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo via the U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.  Individuals may apply for a U.S. visa at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate; U.S. immigration laws and regulations will apply.

    • Additional details can be found here: Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East (Updated May 10th, 2024)

What services are available at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the branch office in Tel Aviv?

  • No appointments are necessary for U.S. passports. You can see the details, including hours of operation, here.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Branch Office in Tel Aviv have resumed appointments for consular services. Appointments must be made through the Combined Appointment System. Appointments are free and third-party services to make appointments are not required or recommended.  For more passport and consular assistance information, visit the Embassy website.

Can Israeli Citizens travel visa free to the U.S.?

Can U.S. Citizens with a Palestinian Authority (PA) ID/Passport Apply for Permits for Short-Term Visits to Israel?

  • Yes, see here for the FAQ - as of December 8, U.S. citizens with valid U.S. passport who also hold a Palestinian Authority (PA) ID/passport and are resident in the West Bank may again apply for a permit (“US Tourist Approval”) to enter Israel through the Al-Munassiq app or apply for a B2 permit (admission paper) to enter Israel at Allenby Bridge in order to transit through the West Bank to Israel (and return as appropriate) for up to 90 days.
  • All U.S. citizens with a valid B2 permit may also travel between Israel and the West Bank.  For more information, visit the Government of Israel’s webpage: Entry-Exit Information: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.  If your U.S. passport has already been associated with your PA ID in the Al-Munassiq app, you do not need to do it again.

Who can I talk to if I am denied entry or experience discrimination? 

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling on your U.S. passport and you were denied entry to Israel for a short term visit up to 90 days (denial of entry does not mean that you were re-directed from a vehicle crossing to a pedestrian crossing), or you wish to report your travel experience (even if you were admitted to Israel) you can contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or at the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv.

What other regional security warnings are in effect?

  • The Department of State released the following Regional Security Alerts for Egypt, Jordan, Cyprus, and Lebanon:

Are there other resources available?