From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Israel
Date: 12 Jan 1993 18:07:36 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Israel
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Israel & the Territories Occupied & Administered by Israel - 
Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Embassy and Consulate Locations:  The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, 
Israel is located at 71 Hayarkon Street. The mailing address is PSC 
98, Box 100, APO AE 09830.  The telephone number is (972-3) 
517-4338.  The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in 
Jerusalem is located at 27 Nablus Road. The mailing address is PSC 
98, Box 100, APO AE 09830. The telephone is (972-2) 253-288 (via 
Israel).  After working hours, the telephone number is (972-2) 
253-201.  There is a U.S. Consular Agent in Haifa.  The address and 
telephone number is 12 Jerusalem Street, Haifa 33132, telephone 
(972-4) 670-616.

Country Description:  The State of Israel is a parliamentary 
democracy with a modern economy.  Tourist facilities are widely 
available.  The territories occupied and administered by Israel are 
the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem.  The 
United States considers that the status of these territories should 
be determined through direct negotiations.  

Entry Requirements:  Passports, an onward or return ticket, and 
proof of sufficient funds are required.  A three-month visa may be 
issued for no charge upon arrival, and may be renewed.  Anyone who 
has been refused entry or experienced difficulties with his/her visa 
status during a previous visit can obtain information from the 
Israeli embassy or nearest consulate regarding the advisability of 
attempting to return to Israel.  For further entry information, 
travelers can contact the Embassy of Israel, 3514 International Dr., 
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 364-5500, or the 
nearest Israeli Consulate General in Los Angeles, San Francisco, 
Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, New York, 
Philadelphia, or Houston.

Security Measures:  The Israeli Ministry of Defense administers the 
Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.  Israel has 
strict security measures which may affect visitors.  Prolonged 
questioning and detailed searches may take place at the time of 
entry and/or departure at the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and at Ben 
Gurion Airport.  At the Allenby Bridge, American citizens with Arab 
surnames may encounter delays or obstacles in bringing in cameras or 
electronics equipment.  Items commonly carried by travelers such as 
toothpaste, shaving cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or 
destroyed.  During searches and questioning, access may be denied to 
U.S. consular officers, lawyers, or family members.  Should 
questions arise at the Allenby Bridge, U.S. citizens can telephone 
the Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance at (02) 253-288.  
If questions arise at Ben Gurion Airport, U.S. citizens can phone 
the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at (03) 517-4338.

Areas of Instability:  Palestinian demonstrations on the West Bank 
and the Gaza Strip have led to violent confrontations between the 
demonstrators and Israeli authorities, resulting in the wounding or 
death of some of the participants.  Such incidents can occur without 
warning.  Stone-throwing and other forms of protest can  escalate.  
Violent incidents such as stabbings have occurred in East Jerusalem; 
the area is especially dangerous for tourists using public 
transportation or traveling by car in parts of East Jerusalem less 
frequented by tourists.  Vehicles have been damaged.  Frequently, 
U.S. Government employees are instructed not to travel to parts of 
the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem because of unsettled security 
conditions.  Persons contemplating travel to the West Bank or East 
Jerusalem may consult with the Consulate General in Jerusalem, and 
in the case of travel to the Gaza Strip, with the Embassy in Tel 
Aviv, for current information on the advisability of such travel.  
It is useful for U.S. citizens to carry their U.S. passports at all 
times.

Rocket attacks from Lebanese territory can occur without warning 
close to the northern border of Israel.

In the Golan Heights, there are live land mines in many areas and 
some minefields have not been clearly marked or fenced.  Visitors 
who walk only on established roads or trails will reduce the risk of 
injury from mines.

Arrests in the West Bank and Gaza Strip:  U.S. citizens arrested or 
detained in the West Bank or Gaza on suspicion of security offenses 
often are not permitted to communicate with consular officials, 
lawyers, or family members in a timely manner during the 
interrogation period of their case.  Youths who are over the age of 
14 have been detained and tried as adults. The U.S. Embassy is not 
normally notified of the arrests of Americans in the West Bank by 
Israeli authorities, and access to detainees is delayed.

Medical Facilities:  Modern medical care and medicines are 
available.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid 
outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance with 
specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  The international 
travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone 
(404) 332-4559, has additional health information.

Information on Crime:  The crime rate is moderate in Israel and the 
occupied territories.  Useful information on safeguarding valuables 
and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided 
in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is 
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Terrorism:  Although U.S. citizens are not targeted for attack, 
frequent terrorist incidents in the Occupied Territories, as well as 
within Israel, sometimes have involved U.S. citizens.

Dual Nationality:  It is our understanding that Israeli citizens 
who are naturalized in the United States retain their Israeli 
citizenship, and their children are considered Israeli citizens as 
well.  In addition, children born in the United States to Israeli 
parents acquire both U.S. and Israeli nationality at birth.  Israeli 
citizens, including dual nationals, are subject to Israeli laws 
requiring service in Israel's armed forces.  Dual nationals of 
military age who do not wish to serve in the Israeli armed forces 
should contact the Israeli Embassy to obtain proof of exemption or 
deferment from Israeli military service before going to Israel.

Tips For Travelers:  The Department of State publication "Tips for 
Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa" contains general 
information on travel in the area.  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Tel Aviv or the Consulate General in Jerusalem can obtain updated 
information on travel and security within Israel and the Occupied 
Territories.

 No. 93-015