US Consulate in Tel Aviv Resumes Limited Operations for US Citizens and Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

This post provides the latest update with respect to consular section operations in Israel. After closures caused by the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and subsequent security concerns, the U.S. consular posts in Israel have resumed essential U.S. citizen services and limited nonimmigrant visa services.

The U.S. Citizen Services Unit has established daily walk-in times for U.S. citizens with immediate travel plans to obtain emergency passports. This includes emergency U.S. passport applications for first-time applicants. Furthermore, appointments can be made for all other purposes, including non-emergency travel. Appointments for renewal of lost or expired passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and notarial services are made available for the following week every Wednesday at 3 p.m. local time. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has warned that escalated levels of violence and danger in the West Bank may make it difficult for U.S. citizens to access the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Consular Branch in Tel Aviv, so U.S. Services will be providing regular outreach to the West Bank for affected individuals.

Additionally, limited visa services have resumed and visa appointments can be scheduled for nonimmigrant work visas such as E-1, E-2, L-1, and H-1B; dependent visas; and student visas, such as F-1 and M-1. B visitor visa appointments and immigrant visa services continue to be unavailable. Importantly, Israeli citizens are eligible for visa-free visitor entries to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for up to 90 days, subject to ESTA enrollment and approval.

Additionally, limited visa services have resumed and visa appointments can be scheduled for nonimmigrant work visas such as E-1, E-2, L-1, and H-1B; dependent visas; and student visas, such as F-1 and M-1. B visitor visa appointments and immigrant visa services continue to be unavailable. Importantly, Israeli citizens are eligible for visa-free visitor entries to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for up to 90 days, subject to ESTA enrollment and approval.

US Halts Visa Services in Israel, Focuses on Assisting US Citizens

The United States has halted immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services in Israel amid ongoing security concerns.

‌‌Key Points:

  • Visa services are unavailable at this time at the U.S Embassy in Jerusalem or the Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv. Non-U.S. citizens in need of emergency visa services should request an expedited appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate other than Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
  • U.S. citizens in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza who would like assistance should fill out this crisis intake form, which allows the U.S. State Department to respond to requests from evacuees in leaving or obtaining other routine or emergency passport or citizen services or information.
  • Commercial flight availability remains limited out of Ben Gurion Airport, but the U.S. government is facilitating charter flights and other modes of transportation for U.S. citizens. The State Department said these flights will continue until at least Oct. 19.
  • The Israeli government has extended the validity of work visas until Nov. 9, 2023, for all foreign nationals in the country whose Israeli visas will expire within the next month.
  • Up-to-date information is available on the Embassy’s News & Events and Travel Alerts pages.

BAL Analysis: Visa services are not available in Israel at this time. The situation continues to evolve and travel rules and procedures may change with little or no notice. U.S. citizens in Israel are encouraged to monitor State Department websites for updates.