West Bank – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Advisory Issued August 26, 2026
Reconsider Travel to West Bank due to terrorism and unrest.
Advisory summary
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization for official travel to the West Bank due to safety risks.
U.S. government employees working in Israel and their family members are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:
- Travel on Routes 1, 90 (to the Allenby Bridge crossing), and 443 at any time.
- Travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour from dawn to midnight.
- Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb is the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members. This is due to continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank.
Due to increased security threats, additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice.
Terrorism
During the last year, there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the West Bank.
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in West Bank. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Unrest
During the last year, there has been an increase in violence and Israeli military operations in the West Bank. Some incidents have resulted in injury or the death of U.S. citizens.
During periods of unrest, the Israeli government may restrict access to and within the West Bank. Some areas may be placed under curfew.
If you decide to travel to the West Bank:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Israel, West Bank and Gaza.
- Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
- Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
- Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter.
- Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions. U.S. government employees in Israel are encouraged to use these apps.
- When traveling in rural areas, exercise caution due to the possibility of unexploded ordnance.
- Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Israel.
- Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/west-bank.html
Originally Published: August 26, 2026