Consulate General of the United States Jerusalem

2008 Warden Messages

Warden Message – U.S. Government Employee Travel Restrictions Due to Israeli Military Operations in Gaza


December 31, 2008

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to on-going Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. Due to the situation in Gaza and the potential for spontaneous demonstrations, US government employees have been asked to exercise caution and avoid crowded public locations in Jerusalem.  The US Consulate in Jerusalem has also restricted travel in the West Bank at this time.  Travel to the Gaza Strip by U.S. Government personnel remains prohibited. 

American citizens should exercise caution, stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. 

 

In addition, the Department of State strongly recommends that American citizens refrain from all travel to the Gaza strip and that those already in Gaza depart immediately. No U.S. government official travel is permitted inside the Gaza Strip at this time.

 

Americans traveling in this district should regularly monitor the U.S. Consulate General’s website (http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/ ) and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov <file:///\\www.travel.state.gov> , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Israel, West Bank and Gaza, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. American citizens should also consult the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv’s most recent Warden Message at http://usembassy-israel.org.il.

 

The U.S. Consulate General also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

 

To contact the American Consulate after hours regarding an emergency situation, please call 02-622-7250. For routine inquiries, please email the American Citizen Services Unit at JerusalemACS@state.gov.