The United States Embassy in Israel has announced that it is currently unable to evacuate or directly assist American citizens who wish to leave the country due to the worsening security situation in the region.
In a notice shared with U.S. citizens through its official X account, the embassy stated that all U.S. government staff and their family members have been instructed to remain indoors and stay close to their residences until further notice because of ongoing security risks.
The embassy explained that it does not have the capacity at this time to organise evacuations or provide direct help to Americans trying to exit Israel. Instead, citizens were encouraged to make personal travel arrangements if they intend to leave the country.
To support those seeking departure routes, the embassy provided information about available exit options. According to the advisory, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism began operating shuttle services to the Taba Border Crossing on March 2. Americans who wish to use the service must first register through the ministry’s evacuation form.
However, the embassy stressed that it cannot recommend or discourage the use of the shuttle service and warned that the U.S. government cannot guarantee the safety of anyone who chooses to use it. The information, it noted, is provided solely as a courtesy.
For individuals planning to travel to Jordan, the embassy advised taking a shuttle to Eilat and then using a taxi to reach the Yitzhak Rabin Border Crossing. Bus pickup points include the Herzliya Train Station parking lot, Haifa Yad HaShmona Train Station parking lot, Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium East parking area, and the Tel Aviv Savidor Center Train Station parking lot.
The advisory also stated that the Taba land border into Egypt remains open 24 hours a day, although some travellers may be required to pay a visa fee. Authorities recommended paying the toll online in advance through the official portal, noting that the payment is valid only for the selected date and cannot be changed or refunded.
Flight options from Egypt’s Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh airports remain limited. Meanwhile, the southern Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba crossing into Jordan accepts its last passengers at 7:00 p.m. Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport is still operating but with a reduced number of flights, mainly run by Royal Jordanian Airlines.
The embassy urged Americans in Israel to remain alert and strictly follow instructions issued by Israel’s Home Front Command. It warned that security incidents may occur without warning and that the situation could change rapidly.
It also cautioned that travel restrictions affecting U.S. government personnel and their families may expand at any time, including to areas of Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Regarding emergency safety measures, the embassy said that a “red alert” siren may sound in cases of rocket attacks, mortar fire, or hostile aircraft activity. Residents were advised to treat every alarm as genuine, immediately seek shelter, and familiarise themselves with the nearest protected spaces.
Americans were further encouraged to rely on official sources such as the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website and related mobile apps for up-to-date security information.
