United States | Israel, West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon travel advisory updates

Israel – West Bank – Gaza

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has published a travel advisory update informing the public that on Feb. 27, 2026, the State Department authorized the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their family members from Mission Israel due to escalating regional conflict and safety risks. Travelers are advised to leave Israel while commercial flights are available.

General travel advisory. The embassy site advises the public to “reconsider” travel to Israel and the West Bank, advising against travel to the following areas:

• Gaza within 11.3 km/7 miles of the Gaza Periphery
• Northern Israel within 4 km/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders
• Within 2.4 km/1.5 miles of the Egyptian border, except for the Taba crossing

Restricted staff travel. U.S. government employees in Israel are currently restricted from personal travel to the Gaza region and the Lebanese/Syrian borders of Northern Israel without prior embassy security approval. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Additional information: U.S. citizens and travelers should continue to check the Embassy website and the State Department’s Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Travel Advisory page for further guidance on travel to the region and the latest updates.

Lebanon

Due to increased security risks from regional conflict, the State Department has updated its travel advisory for Lebanon to “Level 4: Do Not Travel” and, as previously reported, ordered the departure of nonemergency U.S. government personnel and their families on Feb. 23, 2026.

Embassy staff travel restrictions. U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel require advance permission for any personal travel. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Limited consular services. Although core staff remain in place, prioritizing emergency services for U.S. citizens, they will be living and working under strict security and may not be able to travel to assist U.S. citizens in Lebanon. Internal embassy security policies may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice.

Additional information: U.S. citizens and travelers should continue to check the Embassy website and the State Department’s Lebanon travel advisory page for further guidance on travel to Lebanon and the latest updates.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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