Israel outlines support/departure solutions for tourists amid conflict

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) has activated a 24/7 Virtual Tourist Office to assist tourists currently in the country with arrangements and support as they try to return home.

The emergency procedures come as the United States and Israel enter their fifth day of conflict with Iran, and as deadly missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases continue.

Reports say debris fell in Tel Aviv on Tuesday (March 3) as air raid sirens sounded across the city as Israeli forces intercepted waves of Iranian missiles.

In a press release, the IMOT said it is “working around the clock, in close coordination with all relevant partners, to ensure a professional, compassionate and effective response” to help visitors, which have been stranded across the Middle East since Feb. 28 due to widespread airspace closures.

As of last Sunday (March 1), approximately 37,400 tourists remained in Israel, says the IMOT.

Shuttle services

The IMOT’s Virtual Tourist Office, available here, aims to provide “official information and respond to inquiries,” including cases that require direct human assistance by IMOT staff.

Travellers seeking information or assistance are advised to reach out the Tourism Bureau at virtual@goisrael.gov.il or by WhatsApp (SMS app via phone number: +972 53 583 5808)

The IMOT said it is working to assist tourists in identifying available options to depart Israel, including via land border crossings, subject to operational capacity and official instructions.

To expedite departures, the IMOT said it is operating shuttle services this week to assist tourists who wish to leave Israel.

The shuttles are running from central pick-up points in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border crossing.

As well, the IMOT is operating emergency efforts to facilitate the accommodation of displaced individuals in hotels across the country.

According to the official announcement by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA), this is the status of the open land border crossings and their operation hours:

Open crossings & operation hours

Taba Border Crossing (to Egypt): Open 24/7

Rabin Crossing (Arava – Jordan): 06:30–20:00

Allenby Crossing (to Jordan): 08:00–17:00

Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein Crossing (to Jordan): 08:30–18:00. Arrival at the crossing can be no later than 16:30, says the IMOT. 

The IMOT says that operating hours may be subject to change, depending on staffing conditions and ongoing decisions by relevant parties.

Notice to tour groups

The IMOT adds that tourist groups visiting Israel operate under the full responsibility of the Destination Management Company (DMC) that receives and manages them in the country.

“The DMC assumes exclusive responsibility for the group’s operations throughout their stay,” the IMOT says.

This includes overseeing all logistical and operational decisions, selecting the appropriate border crossing when traveling onward to neighbouring destinations such as Jordan or Egypt, and coordinating all necessary arrangements with the relevant authorities in Israel and in the destination country.

The selection of a border crossing, as well as all related coordination and operational arrangements, “remains solely the responsibility of the DMC managing the group in Israel,” said the IMOT.

Airspace in the Middle East is reopening (in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. for example), but due to the volatile nature of military situations, it’s a slow and gradual one.

Israel is considering a gradual reopening of its airspace earlier than the start of next week, depending on security developments, local reports say.

For the latest updates on “Operation Roaring Lion” — Israel’s military campaign against Iran — visit the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s website here.

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