About Consular Affairs

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Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of United States citizens and foreign nationals around the world. CA is responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad, for the issuance of passports and other documentation to citizens and nationals, and for the protection of U.S. border security and the facilitation of legitimate travel to the United States.   The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv carries out the work of CA in Israel.  

Consular Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv consists of the American Citizens Services and the Nonimmigrant Visa Units.  Immigrant Visa services are provided by the American Consulate General in Jerusalem. 

Our American Citizens Services Unit (ACS) provides information and assistance to U.S. citizens in Israel who reside in or are traveling through Tel Aviv's consular district (comprised of Green Line Israel.)  Residents of Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza receive their ACS services from the American Consulate General in Jerusalem. 

In addition to passport and citizenship services, the ACS section provides Special Consular Services, including assistance in the event of death or injury while abroad,  visits to Americans arrested and incarcerated overseas, support for crime victims, as well as other services for overseas Americans.

Our Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Unit issues visas to Israelis and third-country nationals who wish to travel to the United States. Residents of Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza must contact the American Consulate General in Jerusalem.  A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry.  An immigration inspector at the port of entry will determine the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.  

Consular News

Due to the decision of the Social Security Administration to consolidate Federal Benefits workloads within Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, the Federal Benefits Unit in Tel Aviv was closed permanently on Wednesday, June 22, 2011.

American citizens and visa applicants may receive updates about American Citizens Services and Nonimmigrant Visa issues, as well as updates on laws and regulations affecting Americans overseas via e-mail by subscribing to our consular newsletter or by becoming fans of our Facebook page.   Americans in Israel can also subscribe to our Current Travel, Safety and Security Information e-mails.