The US government has announced to evacuate its citizens and their immediate family members from Haifa, Israel to Cyprus on October 16, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) vowed ground invasion into the Gaza Strip in a bid to target Hamas despite international condemnation of ‘war crimes’.

The US Embassy in Israel notified that each traveller must be a US national or an immediate family member (spouse/partner, children under 21) of an American national and possess a valid passport are eligible for the journey. Family members who are not US citizens must meet Cyprus's entry requirements.

For those without a valid US passport must immediately schedule an appointment in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv to obtain one. Each traveller is allowed one bag weighing up to 50 pounds/22kg, in addition to one small carry-on bag. And pets are not allowed.

Prior to boarding the ship, travellers will be required to sign a promissory note as an agreement to repay the US government for incurred costs. To expedite the departure process, travellers are encouraged to have a completed form available.

The travellers will be responsible for arranging their own accommodations and onward travel from Cyprus. Also, chartered flights are being arranged for those unable to secure their own onward travel. The travellers will also be responsible for their travel to the point of departure and travel within Israel carries its own risks, and plans may be subject to change based on the security situation.

Washington cannot guarantee safety during domestic travel within Israel, the statement reads. The journey to Limassol Port in Cyprus is expected to take approximately 10-12 hours.

US consular staff will be available both on the ship and at Limassol Port in Cyprus to provide guidance and information about onward travel to the United States.

Travellers are encouraged to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements before arriving in Limassol. Cyprus offers two international airports, primarily in Larnaca and Paphos, with the U.S. Embassy providing buses to both airports from the port of Limassol.