The State Department has issued a worldwide travel warning urging travelers to stay alert due to the increased risk of terror attacks against citizens.
The statement reads: “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.”
It continues to advise travelers to:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists
- Enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergecny overseas
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter
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The State Department issued an update after the travel announcement was issued explaining that commercial and charter flights will remain limited out of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
“We urge those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available,” the state department said. “Flight departures will continue on a rolling basis from Ben Gurion International Airport through at least Sunday, October 22.”
It added: “Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3 if you wish to depart Israel. U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait.”
It said some US citizens have been able to depart from the West Bank and Israel into Jordan via border crossings, including Sheikh Hussein and Allenby Bridge.
“We encourage U.S. citizens to take advantage of those options if possible and safe to do so,” the state department said.
It strongly encourages affected citizens to fill out a crisis intake form.
The US also said officials are working “24/7” to identify “potential options for departure from Gaza for US citizens.”
“We anticipate that the situation at the Rafah crossing will remain fluid and unpredictable,” the state department said. “If you assess it to be safe, you may wish to move closer to the Rafah border crossing – there may be very little notice if the crossing opens, and it may only open for a limited time.”
The travel update also included information for US citizens in Lebanon. It encouraged citizens to “make appropriate arrangements to leave the country.” Commercial flights are the only options that remain available.
It also recommends for citizens who choose not to depart to prepare contingency plans for emergency situations.
State Department contact information:
State Department – Consular Affairs 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) and +1-606-641-0131
U.S. citizens in Israel please call the local number (03-519-7426)
U.S. citizens in Lebanon please call the local number (961-4-543 600)
