Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Israel Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 31 Aug 1993 15:13:07 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Israel ============================================================ Israel - Consular Information Sheet August 31,1993 Country Description: The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. The territories occupied and administered by Israel are the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem. The United States considers that the status of these territories should be determined through direct negotiations. Entry Requirements: Passports, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required. A three-month visa may be issued for no charge upon arrival, and may be renewed. Anyone who has been refused entry or experienced difficulties with his/her visa status during a previous visit can obtain information from the Israeli Embassy or nearest consulate regarding the advisability of attempting to return to Israel. For further entry information, travelers may contact the Embassy of Israel, 3514 International Dr., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 364-5500, or the nearest Israeli Consulate General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Houston. Security Measures: The Israeli Ministry of Defense administers the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel has strict security measures that may affect visitors. Prolonged questioning and detailed searches may take place at the time of entry and/or departure at the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and at Ben Gurion Airport. At the Allenby Bridge, American citizens with Arab surnames may encounter delays or obstacles in bringing in cameras or electronic equipment. Items commonly carried by travelers such as toothpaste, shaving cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or destroyed. During searches and questioning, access may be denied to U.S. consular officers, lawyers, or family members. Should questions arise at the Allenby Bridge, U.S. citizens can telephone the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance at (02) 253-288. If questions arise at Ben Gurion Airport, U.S. citizens can phone the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at (03) 517-4338. Areas of Instability: Palestinian demonstrations on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have led to violent confrontations between the demonstrators and Israeli authorities, resulting in the wounding or death of some of the participants. Such incidents can occur without warning. Stone-throwing and other forms of protest can escalate. Violent incidents such as stabbings have occurred in East Jerusalem; the area is especially dangerous for tourists using public transportation or traveling by car in parts of East Jerusalem less frequented by tourists. Vehicles have been damaged. Frequently, United States government employees are instructed not to travel to parts of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem because of unsettled security conditions. Persons contemplating travel to the West Bank or East Jerusalem may consult with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, and in the case of travel to the Gaza Strip, with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, for current information on the advisability of such travel. It is useful for U.S. citizens to carry their U.S. passports at all times. Rocket attacks from Lebanese territory can occur without warning close to the northern border of Israel. In the Golan Heights, there are live land mines in many areas and some minefields have not been clearly marked or fenced. Visitors who walk only on established roads or trails will reduce the risk of injury from mines. Arrests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip: U.S. citizens arrested or detained in the West Bank or Gaza on suspicion of security offenses often are not permitted to communicate with consular officials, lawyers, or family members in a timely manner during the interrogation period of their case. Youths who are over the age of fourteen have been detained and tried as adults. The U.S. Embassy is not normally notified of the arrests of Americans in the West Bank by Israeli authorities, and access to detainees is frequently delayed. Medical Facilities: Modern medical care and medicines are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional health information. Information on Crime: The crime rate is moderate in Israel and the occupied territories. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Terrorism: Although U.S. citizens are not targeted for attack, frequent terrorist incidents in the Occupied Territories, as well as within Israel, sometimes have involved U.S. citizens. Dual Nationality: It is our understanding that Israeli citizens who are naturalized in the United States retain their Israeli citizenship, and their children are considered Israeli citizens as well. In addition, children born in the United States to Israeli parents acquire both U.S. and Israeli nationality at birth. Israeli citizens, including dual nationals, are subject to Israeli laws requiring service in Israel's armed forces. U.S.-Israeli dual nationals of military age who do not wish to serve in the Israeli armed forces may contact the Israeli Embassy to obtain proof of exemption or deferment from Israeli military service before going to Israel. Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem can obtain updated information on travel and security within Israel and the Occupied Territories. Embassy and Consulate Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, is located at 71 Hayarkon Street. The mailing address is PSC 98, Box 100, APO AE 09830. The telephone number is (972-3) 517-4338. The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem is located at 27 Nablus Road. The mailing address is PSC 98, Box 100, APO AE 09830. The telephone number is (972-2) 253-288 (via Israel). After working hours, the telephone number is (972-2) 253-201. There is a U.S. Consular Agent in Haifa. The address and telephone number is 12 Jerusalem Street, Haifa 33132, telephone (972-4) 670-616. No. 93-216 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 8, 1993 to include information on reporting the loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad.