Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:739 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!cutter From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Israel Message-ID: <950523152539_76702.1202_CHN25-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: cutter@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 15:25:40 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 267 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Israel ============================================================ Israel, The Gaza Strip, Jericho Area, and The Territories Occupied and Administered by Israel - Consular Information Sheet May 22, 1995 Country Description: The State of Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Israel occupied the lands known as the "Occupied Territories" (the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem) as a result of the 1967 war. Pursuant to the September 13, 1993, Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements (DOP); the May 4, 1994, Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and Jericho Area; and the August 29, 1994 Agreement on Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities, certain powers and responsibilities for the Gaza Strip, Jericho Area and the West Bank have been transferred to the Palestinian Authority. The DOP provides that Israel will retain responsibility during a five-year transitional period for external security and for internal security and public order of settlements and Israelis. During this transitional period, definitive information on entry and customs requirements, arrests, and other matters may not be available, or may change without prior notice. Should questions arise in the West Bank, including the Jericho Area, U.S. citizens may telephone the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance; for questions concerning the Gaza Strip, U.S. citizens may phone the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. Entry Requirements: Passports, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required for entry to Israel and the Occupied Territories. 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, or who has overstayed a visa, can obtain information from the Israeli Embassy or nearest consulate regarding the advisability of attempting to return to Israel. Permission must be obtained from Israel for anyone attempting to claim the status of a returning resident in Gaza or the Jericho Area. At present, U.S. citizens may enter and exit Gaza and the Jericho Area on a U.S. passport, without obtaining visas from either Israel or the Palestinian Authority. Private vehicles frequently encounter long delays entering or leaving Gaza; only cars with special permits are allowed to cross the checkpoints. International crossing points are now in operation between Israel and Jordan at Arava (Wadi al-'Arabah) crossing in the south and the Jordan River crossing (Sheikh Hussein Bridge) in the north. Prior visas are not necessary for American citizens using these two crossing points, but private vehicles are not allowed to cross into Jordan. Crossing procedures for the Allenby Bridge which links Jordan and the occupied West Bank remain unchanged. Previous visas and bridge crossing permits are required to cross the Allenby Bridge. Procedures for all crossings into Jordan are subject to frequent changes. Travelers wishing the most up-to-date border crossing information should contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. 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. Customs Requirements: Video cameras, among other items, must be declared upon entry toIsrael and travelers carrying these items must go through the red zone at customs. Security Measures in Israel and the Occupied Territories: 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 may telephone the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance; for assistance at Ben Gurion Airport, the Arava crossing from Jordan in the south or the Sheikh Hussein Bridge in the north, U.S. citizens may telephone the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. Areas of Instability: While the situation in Israel remains calm, following several terrorist incidents in Israel (e.g. bus bombings) the Department of State reiterates its advice to avoid use of public transportation, especially buses and bus stops in Israel and the Occupied Territories. In April 1995, several Americans were injured in a bus bombing in Gaza, one of whom subsequently died >from her injuries. There is continued violence and unrest in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The Department advises all American citizens to avoid travel to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, except for daylight visits to Bethlehem, Jericho, Highway 1 from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, Route 90 through the Jordan Valley, and tourist sites along these routes. In view of the continued violence and unrest in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, American citizens should be aware that those U.S. government employees authorized to travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip may normally do so only during daylight hours, and they must observe strict security precautions. The U.S. government instituted and continues to maintain tight security procedures regarding travel of U.S. government employees, officials, and dependents to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Frequently, U.S. government employees are instructed not to travel at all to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. However, the Consular Section of the Consulate General in Jerusalem, located at 27 Nablus Road in East Jerusalem just off the main north/south highway, is considered to be safe and accessible to all visitors. Travel on strike days or after dark is prohibited unless otherwise authorized. At this time, daylight trips to Bethlehem, Jericho, Highway 1 from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, and Highway 90 through the Jordan Valley are usually allowed. This includes permission to visit tourist sites located along these routes, including the Inn of the Samaritan, Nebi Musa, St. George's Monastery, Mount of Temptation Monastery, Qumran, and Qualiah Water Park. Travel guidelines for U.S. government employees may change at any time. Demonstrations by Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank have led to confrontation between these groups and with Israeli authorities, resulting in the wounding or death of some participants. Such incidents can occur without warning. Stone-throwing and other forms of protest can escalate, particularly in Hebron, where violence has been ongoing since the February 25, 1994, massacre. Tourists using public transportation or traveling by car in areas less frequented by tourists are at risk. Vehicles have been damaged, with rental cars in particular being targeted. During periods of unrest or insecurity, the West Bank is sometimes closed off or put under curfew by the Israeli government. Such travel restrictions may be imposed with little or no advance notification. In the Gaza Strip, many guns remain in the hands of the populace. The Palestinian police force has been established in Gaza and the Jericho Area. Joint Israeli/Palestinian police patrols and checkpoints may be encountered. In Jerusalem, travelers can reduce their risk of being involved in violent incidents by traveling in groups, avoiding the Old City at night, except for the Jewish quarter, and exercising caution at religious sites on holy days, Fridays, and Saturdays. Most roads into ultra-orthodox Jewish neighborhoods are blocked off on Saturdays. Assaults on secular visitors, either in cars or "immodestly dressed," have been known to occur in these neighborhoods. 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. Rocket attacks from Lebanese territory can occur without warning close to the northern border of Israel. 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. Terrorism: Although U.S. citizens are not targeted for attack, terrorist incidents in the Occupied Territories, as well as within Israel, sometimes have involved U.S. citizens. Several violent attacks have involved passengers on buses and at bus stops. The U.S. Embassy and the Consulate General have warned their employees and American citizens to avoid use of public transportation, especially buses and bus stops. This restriction does not apply to tour buses. Arrests in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jericho Area: U.S. citizens arrested or detained in the West Bank 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. Notification may be more rapid if the arrested American shows an American passport to Israeli officials as proof of U.S. citizenship. Under the Gaza/Jericho Agreement, Israeli authorities will notify the U.S. Embassy when an American is arrested by Palestinian police in Gaza or the Jericho area, and requests by the U.S. Consul to visit arrested Americans will be communicated to the Palestinian Authority through a joint Israeli-Palestinian committee. Significant delays in notification and consular access may occur under these procedures. Medical Facilities: Modern medical care and medicines are available in Israel. However, some hospitals in Israel and hospitals in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the Jericho Area, fall below U.S. standards. Travelers can find information written in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the "Jerusalem Post" newspaper. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven 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, the Gaza Strip, the Jericho Area, and elsewhere in 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 is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa," 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 in Israel, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Dual Nationality of Israeli Citizens: 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, the Gaza Strip, the Jericho Area, and elsewhere in 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). There is a U.S. Consular Agent in Haifa, at 12 Jerusalem Street, Haifa 33132, telephone (972-4) 670-616. No. 95-048 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 8, 1995, to correct omissions in the country description, to add information about delays entering or leaving Gaza by private vehicle, and to note American casualties in a bus bombing in Gaza. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories