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New U.S. Embassy Passport Courier System in Israel – What You Need to Know

  • Writer: Shira Brown
    Shira Brown
  • Aug 10
  • 2 min read

The U.S. Embassy in Israel has recently changed its passport return and delivery system, introducing a new courier service provider. This change affects all American citizens renewing their passports in Israel, and it’s important to understand your options, costs, and potential concerns before proceeding.

Document Return Options

When your application is approved, your documents will be returned to you via one of the following:

  1. Free PickupYou can collect your passport from one of the three designated VFS/Aramex pickup locations:

    • Ramallah: Second Floor, Wall Street Building, Al Maahed Street, Al Masyoun

    • Jerusalem: Ground Floor, Al Emam Muslim Street, Beit Hanina

    • Bnei Brak BSR 4, 9th Metsada Street, Bnei Brak, 7th Floor

  2. Third-Party PickupYou can authorize someone else to collect your documents for you.

  3. Premium Courier DeliveryFor NIS 120, you can have your documents delivered directly to your home or office address anywhere in Israel.

    • Note: In the West Bank and Gaza, this service is paid in cash.

How to Pay for Premium Delivery in Israel

If you choose Premium Delivery:

  • You will need your UID number (found on the top right of your profile page and on your appointment/IW confirmation).

  • Register on the VFS Premium Service website and enter your UID.

  • Your passport will be delivered to the address you provide once it arrives from the Consular Post.

Concerns About the New System

The Embassy acknowledges that many applicants are uncomfortable traveling to the Beit Hanina location in Jerusalem. While they report no official incidents of assault and note that the site has been used for many years by other diplomatic missions, some applicants still feel uneasy about going there.

It’s also worth noting:

  • The system is less than a week old — so the statement “no one has been attacked” doesn’t reflect long-term safety data.

  • Adding NIS 120 to the already high passport renewal cost for safer delivery may feel unreasonable to many.

What You Can Do

If you are concerned about the locations, the extra fee, or the new system in general, you can voice your concerns directly to the U.S. Embassy:📧 JerusalemACS@state.gov


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