The US Department of State has raised its travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to Level 4 — “Do Not Travel” — in light of the rapidly deteriorating security situation stemming from ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.
The updated advisory, issued on Monday, also authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government personnel and family members from the region. It cites escalating risks of armed conflict, terrorism, and civil unrest across Israeli territories and Palestinian regions.
“Violence may erupt without warning,” the advisory stated, cautioning that American citizens in the region face significant risk from missile strikes, UAV incursions, and terrorist attacks, particularly in crowded public spaces such as malls, transportation hubs, and government facilities.
The warning comes as retaliatory strikes between Israel and Iran entered their fourth consecutive day, resulting in at least 224 fatalities in Iran and 24 in Israel, according to official sources. Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles towards Israel following last week’s Israeli offensive targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure.
The advisory underscores severe restrictions:
- Gaza Strip: Total travel ban. The US government cannot provide emergency consular services here.
- Northern Israel: No travel within 4 km of the Lebanon and Syria borders due to military activity.
- Gaza-Israel & Egypt crossings: Remain shut; travelers in Gaza warned of potential indefinite stay.
- West Bank: Travel limited to designated routes and checkpoints only; official and personal movements by US personnel heavily restricted.
US citizens are urged to:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts.
- Prepare personal emergency plans including wills and DNA samples.
- Download local emergency alert apps such as the Home Front Command Red Alert.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem may impose sudden additional restrictions on staff travel, including access to the Old City of Jerusalem, due to escalating regional risks. Travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, remain highly possible.
As part of contingency measures, the advisory recommends Americans reconsider any non-essential travel and ensure medical evacuation insurance, as local healthcare may not suffice for trauma or mental health emergencies.
With no foreseeable de-escalation and airspace tensions high, the State Department reiterated that Americans in Gaza should not expect US-assisted evacuation and must secure self-sufficient survival arrangements.