In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. State Department has released updated information for Americans visiting the Middle East, including details on charter flights departing from Tel Aviv this week.

“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,” the U.S. State Department said on Thursday.

Travelers from the United States are urged to reconsider their travel to Israel and the West Bank and to stay away from Gaza, Lebanon, and Iraq. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Israel and the West Bank with U.S. government assistance must complete a crisis intake form.

Information for U.S. Citizens in Israel & the West Bank

Charter Flights from Ben Gurion

Limited commercial flights from Ben Gurion Airport are currently available. We advise U.S. citizens who want to leave to consider using charter flights provided by the U.S. government while they are still accessible. Departures from Ben Gurion International Airport are scheduled for Thursday, October 26, and Sunday, October 29. If you intend to leave Israel, please head to Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion International Airport. The U.S. Embassy personnel will assist you with precise flight information. Be prepared for potential wait times.

Lebanon Travel Advisory

The U.S. State Department has assigned a Level 4 – Do Not Travel alert to Lebanon.

Due to the unpredictable security situation with rocket and artillery fire between Israel and Hezbollah or other armed terrorist organizations, it is not advisable to travel to Lebanon. Due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping, and the limited ability of the Beirut Embassy to assist American citizens, you should seriously reconsider travel to Lebanon.

Due to the unstable security situation in Lebanon, on October 17, 2023, the Department authorized the voluntary, temporary departure of some non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members from the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.

Do Not Travel to:

Iraq Travel Advisory

The U.S. State Department has assigned a Level 4 – Do Not Travel alert to Iraq.

Travel near Iraq’s northern borders is discouraged because of the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, military combat, airstrikes, and civil instability. Americans should especially stay away from locations near armed organizations in northern Iraq, as these groups have been the target of airstrikes by the armed forces of neighboring countries.

Protests, strikes, and demonstrations are commonplace throughout the country. These sudden, fast-moving events often disrupt traffic, transportation, and other services; occasionally, they even turn violent.

The post U.S. Updates Travel Advisory Information For The Middle East appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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By: Maria Valencia
Title: U.S. Updates Travel Advisory Information For The Middle East
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/u-s-updates-travel-advisory-information-for-the-middle-east/
Published Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:25:30 +0000

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