In light of the current situation in Israel, the German Foreign Office has initiated measures to encourage the departure of German citizens. Since direct flights from Israel remain impossible due to the closure of Israel's airspace, the German government is focusing on exit options via neighboring Jordan and Egypt.
A charter flight from the Jordanian capital, Amman, to Frankfurt is planned for next Wednesday. However, affected German citizens are encouraged to arrange their own travel from Israel to Amman by land. The flight from Jordan will be subject to a fee. The Federal Foreign Office plans to announce further details regarding seat reservations and the process at a later date. These steps come after a growing number of people inquired about options for leaving the region.
The logistical challenge: Exit via Amman
The Federal Foreign Office's decision to organize a charter flight from Amman to Frankfurt presents a logistical challenge that must be mastered by both the authorities and the affected citizens. The main difficulty lies in the independent travel from Israel to Jordan.
Travel route to Jordan:
German citizens have several border crossings to choose from to travel from Israel to Jordan. However, the exact situation at these border crossings can change rapidly, requiring careful planning and up-to-date information. It is therefore essential that travelers check the latest information from the Federal Foreign Office and local authorities before embarking on their journey.
Visa questions for Jordan:
To enter Jordan, German citizens generally require a visa, which must be applied for online in advance. However, the Federal Foreign Office has announced that, in the current exceptional situation, Jordanian border authorities may, in individual cases, also issue so-called "visas on arrival" directly at the border. This pragmatic approach is intended to facilitate departure for those affected, but does not replace the need to inform themselves as thoroughly as possible about the exact entry requirements in advance.
Costs and organization of the charter flight:
The planned charter flight from Amman to Frankfurt will be subject to a fee. This is standard practice for such evacuation measures, as the German government generally does not fully cover the costs, but rather expects travelers to contribute. Information on the exact amount of the costs, as well as seat reservations and other important details, is yet to be announced by the Federal Foreign Office. Those affected are therefore urged to follow the ministry's publications closely. Organizing travel to the departure point in Amman remains the responsibility of individual citizens, which poses additional burdens in a tense situation.
Alternative exit via Egypt
In addition to the route via Jordan, the Federal Foreign Office has also pointed out that self-organized departure via Israel's neighboring country, Egypt, is possible. This option offers additional flexibility for German citizens wishing to leave Israel.
Route to Egypt:
Similar to Jordan, there are also border crossings between Israel and Egypt that can be used. However, traveling overland in crisis areas always carries risks. The ministry therefore urges extreme caution: "For all journeys, you should only undertake them after weighing all risks and paying particular attention to the recommendations of the Israeli Civil Defense." This warning is of great importance, as the security situation in the region can be volatile, and travelers must stay informed about the current situation at all times.
Importance of self-organization:
The emphasis on "self-organized departure" underscores that the Federal Government primarily provides logistical support and information, but that responsibility for the safety and execution of the journey to the point of departure lies with the individual travelers. This requires a high degree of initiative, flexibility, and access to up-to-date information from the individuals concerned, which can pose a significant challenge under the current circumstances. The Federal Government had previously announced that it would examine options for a possible evacuation of German citizens from Israel, and these measures now presented are the result of this review.
Background and growing demand for exit options
The current situation in Israel, which has led to the closure of airspace to direct flights, is the trigger for these measures by the Federal Foreign Office. Such circumstances require governments worldwide to respond quickly to the needs of their citizens abroad. The closure of airspace is a serious measure that is generally only taken in cases of significant security concerns or military conflicts. This significantly restricts normal travel options and necessitates state-coordinated departures.
According to the Federal Foreign Office, an increasing number of people are inquiring about exit options. This indicates growing concern among German citizens in Israel. The reasons for this rising demand can be varied, ranging from fear of a further escalation of the situation to interrupted travel plans to a personal decision to temporarily leave the region.
In such crisis situations, the German government is obligated to provide consular assistance to the best of its ability and to facilitate the departure of its citizens. The plans now presented for Jordan and Egypt are an expression of this responsibility. The further development of the situation in Israel will determine whether and to what extent these measures need to be continued or expanded. The Federal Foreign Office's communications efforts will play a key role in providing affected citizens with timely and comprehensive information.
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