2005 Travel Warnings

Heightened Security Awareness

April 19, 2005

As reported in the Israeli press, due to the upcoming Passover holiday week and the expected travel by thousands of Israeli citizens, Israeli authorities are advising Israelis against travel to the Sinai region. This is a warning similar to that which was issued in October 2004, before the terror attack in the Sinai in which Israelis, Westerners, and Egyptians were victims.

The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and Consulate General in Jerusalem recommend that persons wishing to travel to the Sinai region over the next several weeks familiarize themselves with the latest Consular Information Sheet (CIS) on Egypt prior to undertaking their journey. Travelers who do visit the Sinai should also ensure that they leave contact information with someone in Israel or the United States to facilitate communication in case of an emergency.

U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7250 or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7355. Current information on travel and security in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; the Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement; and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://usembassy-israel.org.il or http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov.