---
source_url: "https://www.newsweek.com/us-lifts-travel-warning-israel-some-americans-12385815"
title: US lifts travel warning to Israel for some Americans - Newsweek
mirrored_at: 2026-09-03T00:00:28.859Z
host: www.newsweek.com
cited_in_42a: true
mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.newsweek.com/us-lifts-travel-warning-israel-some-americans-12385815"
---

> **Original source:** https://www.newsweek.com/us-lifts-travel-warning-israel-some-americans-12385815

The U.S. State Department has updated its Israel travel advisory, saying family members of U.S. government employees are now permitted to travel to the country.

Officials renewed a Level 3 advisory for Americans to reconsider travel due to terrorism and unrest on August 26, but an update on August 26 reflected that "family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Israel."

However, there is a heightened risk in parts of the country due to regional instability, according to the update which comes six months into the Iran war which started with joint Israeli and U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic Republic that prompted retaliation at American interests throughout the region.

"The security environment in Israel is complex and can change quickly," it said, "violence can occur without warning."

![Activists hold placards during a protest outside the US Embassy against the ongoing war with Iran on April 6, 2026 in Tel Aviv, Israel.](https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/GettyImages-2269561645.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1)

...

## **What Are The Restrictions?**

U.S. government employees working in Israel are restricted from areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87; within seven miles of the Gaza Strip; and within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, the advisory said.

"Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the U.S. embassy’s security office," the advisory said.

It added that further movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice and that there is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity.

Armed conflict means that the State Department’s highest level 4 travel advisory applies to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87, where Israeli authorities restrict travel.

Americans who decide to travel to Israel are recommended to stay aware of their surroundings, avoid demonstrations and crowds, and follow instructions from security and emergency officials. They are also advised to know where the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter is.

American travelers are also asked to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. The advisory said that there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the West Bank where there has been an increase in violence and Israeli military operations, adding, "some incidents have resulted in injury or the death of U.S. citizens."

It comes as U.S. officials continue issuing travel and security alerts for destinations around the world. Iraq's Level 4 advisory was updated on August 29, with the country remaining under "Do Not Travel" and a "crime" risk indicator added.

"Anti-U. S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies," it said, "attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities."