NEW YORK — The Israel Ministry of Tourism announced that it has activated emergency procedures to assist foreign tourists currently in Israel following the launch of Operation “Roaring Lion,” a military campaign announced earlier this week.
In a statement issued March 3, the ministry said it is operating under a full emergency framework and has mobilized resources to support visitors who wish to leave the country. Officials said the priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of tourists while coordinating logistical support with national authorities and industry partners.
“With the launch of Operation ‘Roaring Lion,’ the Israel Ministry of Tourism is operating under emergency procedures and is fully mobilized to assist tourists currently in Israel wishing to travel home,” the ministry said in its statement.
The ministry said it is working “around the clock” with government agencies, border authorities, and tourism partners to provide information, transportation options, and accommodation support for travelers affected by the security situation.
24 Hour Support Services Activated
As part of the response, the ministry has activated its Virtual Tourist Office, a digital assistance service designed to provide real-time information to visitors.
Officials said the service is operating 24 hours a day and is staffed by tourism ministry personnel who can respond directly to inquiries and assist tourists requiring individual support.
Travelers can contact the service through several channels, including email at virtual@goisrael.gov.il and through a WhatsApp messaging line at +972 53 583 5808.
The ministry said the service is intended to provide official guidance, travel information, and support for visitors navigating travel disruptions caused by the ongoing situation.
Shuttle Services to Border Crossings
Authorities are also assisting tourists in identifying available departure routes, including land crossings into neighboring countries.
In coordination with relevant agencies and tourism sector partners, the ministry has begun operating shuttle transportation for travelers seeking to exit Israel through the Taba border crossing into Egypt.
The shuttle service operates from central pickup points in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
The ministry said the program is designed to streamline departures for visitors who prefer land travel while international aviation operations remain affected by the security situation.
Status of Open Land Crossings
According to information released by the Israel Airports Authority, several land crossings are currently operating, although travelers are advised that schedules may change depending on operational conditions.
The crossings currently open include:
• Taba Border Crossing to Egypt: Open 24 hours a day
• Rabin Crossing (Arava) to Jordan: 06:30 to 20:00
• Allenby Crossing to Jordan: 08:00 to 17:00
• Jordan River / Sheikh Hussein Crossing to Jordan: 08:30 to 18:00
Authorities noted that travelers must arrive no later than 16:30 at the Jordan River crossing to complete departure procedures.
Officials emphasized that operating hours may change depending on staffing conditions and ongoing security decisions by relevant authorities.
Coordination With Tourism Industry
In addition to assisting individual travelers, the ministry said it is coordinating closely with Israel’s hospitality sector to manage accommodations during the emergency period.
Hotels across the country are working with government agencies to help house displaced individuals and provide support for tourists whose travel plans have been disrupted.
The tourism ministry said this effort is part of a broader national response involving multiple government bodies and private sector partners.
Responsibility for Organized Tour Groups
The ministry also issued guidance for organized tourist groups currently visiting Israel.
According to the announcement, groups operating in the country fall under the responsibility of the Destination Management Company, or DMC, which organizes and manages the visit.
These companies oversee all operational decisions during the group’s stay, including transportation logistics and coordination with border authorities when arranging travel to neighboring countries such as Jordan or Egypt.
Tour groups typically travel with tour leaders and designated contacts who maintain communication with partner agencies in neighboring destinations to ensure continuity of services.
“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,” the ministry said.
Tourism Ministry Continues Emergency Coordination
Officials said the ministry will continue to provide updates as Operation “Roaring Lion” develops.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism, which operates international offices in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Toronto, is responsible for promoting travel to Israel and coordinating tourism infrastructure and marketing.
The agency works to attract visitors to Israel’s historical, cultural, and religious sites, including locations throughout Jerusalem, the Galilee, Judea and Samaria.
Tourists seeking updated information or assistance are encouraged to contact the ministry’s Virtual Tourist Office or monitor official channels for operational updates.
The ministry said its primary objective remains ensuring the safety and orderly travel arrangements of visitors while Israel manages the broader security situation connected to Operation “Roaring Lion.”
