U.S. to help Americans evacuate Israel if they have valid passport

AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. Embassy in Israel announced plans to support Americans' effort to depart Israel amid the ongoing war stemming from Hamas terrorists' attack on the Middle Eastern country.

The embassy said the U.S. government is helping U.S. nationals and their immediate family members leave Haifa, Israel, for the country of Cyprus through sea travel on Monday. Boarding begins at 8 a.m. local time and U.S. citizens must arrive at Haifa port passenger terminal no later than 9 a.m. local time.

Boarding will proceed in order of arrival and has limited space, the embassy said.

"Travel within Israel is conducted at your own risk, and plans may change depending on the security situation," the embassy wrote. "The U.S. government is unable to guarantee your safety."

The passage to Limassol Port is expected to take about 10 to 12 hours and food and wi-fi will be provided. Travelers will be responsible for making accommodations at their destination and booking further travel. The U.S. Embassy will provide buses to airports from the port of Limassol in Cyprus.

Americans will also have to sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the U.S. government.

The embassy gave the following instructions for American travelers:

• Each traveler must be a U.S. national or the immediate family member (spouse/partner, children under age 21) of a U.S. national and have a valid passport.

• If you do not currently have your valid U.S. passport in your possession, please contact us so that we may assist you in making an appointment in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to obtain one.

• Immediate family members who are not U.S. citizens must be eligible for entry to the destination.

• Each traveler may bring one bag up to 50 lbs./22 kg plus one small carry-on bag.

• Travelers cannot bring pets.

• Before boarding the ship, you will be asked to sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the U.S. government for the cost.

• You will be responsible for arranging your own accommodations and onward travel from Cyprus.

• If you are unable to secure onward travel from Cyprus, chartered flights are also being arranged.