Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Israel Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 7 Mar 1994 13:37:23 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Israel ============================================================ Israel - Consular Information Sheet March 4, 1994 Warning: The Department of State advises all American citizens to avoid travel to East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip at this time due to the violence stemming from the murders of Palestinians in Hebron on February 25. However, current security conditions do not preclude the travel of U.S. citizens to the immediate vicinity of the U.S. Consulate General facility at 27 Nablus Road, East Jerusalem, for the purpose of obtaining consular services. Note: For detailed information on areas of instability in Israel, as well as the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, refer to the appropriate paragraphs below. 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 Israeli Ministry of Defense administers the occupied territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The United States considers that the status of all the aforementioned 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 exerienced 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. Arab-Americans who have overstayed their tourist visas during previous visits to Israel or the occupied territories can expect, at a minimum, delays at ports of entry (including Ben Gurion airport) and the possibility of being denied entry. To avoid such problems, such persons may apply for permission to enter at the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate before traveling. 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: 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 all points of entry to Israel or the occupied territories. American citizens with Arab surnames may expect close scrutiny at Ben Gurion airport and the Allenby Bridge from Jordan. For security reasons, delays or obstacles in bringing in or departing with cameras or electronics equipment are not unusual. Items commonly carried by travelers such as toothpaste, shaving cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or destroyed for security reasons, especially at the Allenby Bridge. 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 - The Territories Occupied and Administered by Israel: Following the killings of Palestinians in Hebron on February 25, 1994, the Israeli government closed the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The West Bank has since been partially reopened. Travel restrictions may be re-imposed with little or no advance notification, and curfews placed on cities or towns in the occupied territories may be extended or, if lifted, reimposed. Palestinian demonstrations in 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 participants. Demonstrations and similar incidents can occur without warning. Stone-throwing and other forms of protest can escalate. Violent incidents such as stabbings have occurred. Vehicles have been damaged. U.S. citizens were warned by the Department of State on February 25, 1994, not to travel to the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem (including the Old City) because of unsettled security conditions. The U.S. Government is limiting travel by employees and dependents to the Occupied Territories. Although the Department of State has warned all U.S. citizens against traveling to East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General at 27 Nablus Road, East Jerusalem, remains open. While conditions in parts of East Jerusalem have been volatile, the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General is only one block from the major north/south highway. The facility is easily accessible by taxi or private vehicle and is guarded both by private security guards and Israeli police. Current security conditions in the immediate vicinity of the Consular Section do not preclude the travel of U.S. citizens to the Nablus Road facility for the purpose of obtaining consular services. Traveling by public or private transportation in those parts of East Jerusalem less frequented by tourists, however, remains dangerous. If, despite the above warnings against such travel, persons must travel to other areas of East Jerusalem, including the Old City, or to the West Bank, they 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. 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. Areas of Instability - Israel: Areas in Israel, including Jaffa, Nazareth, Taibe, towns in the Negev region, and Highway 65 through Umm-El-Fahm, have on occasion been the scenes of violent protest demonstrations. Renewed violence may occur in these or other areas. The U.S. Government is advising its employees and American citizens in Israel to avoid the areas mentioned above and other areas where violence may occur. Crowded areas in general may be targets for violence. In the past, several violent incidents have involved buses and bus stops. For this reason, in Israel, the U.S. Embassy is advising its employees and American citizens to avoid use of public transportation, especially buses and bus stops. This restriction does not apply to tour buses. 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. 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. Travelers can find information in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the "Jerusalem Post" newspaper. 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. Israeli citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and depart Israel on their Israeli passports. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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. 94-023 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993, and the public announcement issued February 28, 1994. It includes a warning against travel to the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and adds information on the possibility of violence within Israel and limits being placed on travel of U.S. government employees.