Chaim V’Chessed: Travel, Evacuation Flights, Government Services – What You Need to Know Today
Chaim V’Chessed continues to be inundated with calls relating to the ongoing Iran crisis. Below is a roundup of the latest developments regarding travel to and from Israel, evacuation options, and government services.
Inbound Travel to Israel
Israeli airlines – primarily El Al, but also Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa – have begun operating flights back to Israel.
At this stage, the overwhelming majority of seats are being allocated to passengers who previously held tickets on these airlines. These passengers are being proactively contacted and offered new reservations.
Those wishing to travel to Israel who did not previously hold tickets – or who held tickets on foreign airlines that are currently not flying – have extremely limited options. While some seats are being sold, available dates are often far off.
Passengers unable to secure flights in the coming days and who have the flexibility to travel may consider entry via Egypt – see below.
Outbound Flights from Israel
The Israeli airlines listed above have also begun operating outbound flights. However, flights are officially limited to approximately 70 passengers per flight.
Passengers who previously held tickets on these airlines are being contacted and offered alternative departure dates. Passengers are being assigned to flights in a fashion that those whose original departure dates were earlier are generally being prioritized for the earliest available flights.
Those without existing tickets – or who had tickets on airlines that remain suspended – face very limited availability. Although tickets are being sold, departure dates are often weeks away.
Chaim V’Chessed has been flooded with inquiries from passengers facing genuine emergency situations who urgently need to travel to or from Israel. Due to the extremely limited number of seats and the overwhelming volume of requests, we are unable to assist with placement on flights. It is somewhat possible, however, that after the initial bottleneck of delayed passengers clears this week, it may become easier to obtain seats.
U.S. Embassy Evacuation Flights
The United States Department of State is arranging no-cost departure options for American citizens seeking to leave Israel. Flights may be to the United States or to third countries outside the region.
Flights are being offered in a somewhat unpredictable manner to those who have registered through the Department of State’s Crisis Intake Form, as well as to those who have registered via Chaim V’Chessed’s evacuation interest list (which has been shared with the Department of State). Individuals are welcome to complete both forms.
It is important to note that these are not standalone charter evacuations. Rather, American citizens are being placed on flights that are already scheduled to depart Israel.
Those who have indicated that they wish to depart Israel immediately may receive very short notice – at times being instructed to report to Ben Gurion Airport on short notice. Passengers report significant confusion and a lack of organization at the airport for the State Department flights.
The “30-Day Rule”
Due to the severe flight limitations, the Israeli government has sought to condition departure on an agreement not to return in the near future.
El Al has indicated that passengers may not return for 30 days, while other airlines have referenced a 21-day restriction.
There is little doubt that should hostilities cease, such commitments would not be enforced. Additionally, numerous passengers have reported that despite public discussion of this policy, they were not asked to sign any such document prior to departure.
Travel Through Egypt
For those unable to obtain outbound flights, travel through Egypt remains an option.
While there is an official travel warning regarding entry into Sinai, thousands have successfully utilized this route in recent days.
For those traveling via Egypt, Chaim V’Chessed strongly recommends only traveling with organized groups, such as Lelechet, Emes Travel or Plan It Rite. (Please note: Chaim V’Chessed does not endorse any group or travel package.)
Government Offices
The majority of government offices across Israel remain closed, creating significant challenges for citizens requiring services.
The Israel Population and Immigration Authority (Interior Ministry) has opened limited branches, including the Mevaseret and Har Homa Branches.
United States Embassy
The United States Embassy in Israel remains closed for routine services.
However, embassy officials have informed Chaim V’Chessed that emergency passport services will be available this week from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at both the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv locations, for those requiring passports in order to depart Israel. Applicants are strongly encouraged to arrive early.
The Embassy will implement an important leniency for parents with recently born newborns. Due to government offices being closed, many have been unable to obtain birth certificates from the Interior Ministry. Parents will be permitted to present the Hodaa al Leida from the hospital, in lieu of an official birth certificate.
Chaim V’Chessed continues to monitor developments closely and remains available during regular business hours to assist the English-speaking community in navigating this rapidly evolving situation.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. Follow www.chaimvchessed.com or subscribe to receive our updates.
