DOS Orders Departure From Israel, Kuwait, and Syria

The Department of State (DOS) recently placed the U.S. Embassies in Damascus, Kuwait, and Tel Aviv, as well as the Consulate General in Jerusalem, on ordered departure status. Declaration of ordered departure status requires that all non-emergency personnel and their dependents immediately depart the country. Due to the conversion to this status, it is likely that only emergency visa services will be available for non-U.S. citizens at the affected consulates and embassies.

The DOS stated that it made this decision based on its assessment of the overall security situation in the region due to the possibility of military action in Iraq.