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Agudath Israel Advocacy Continues to Ease Way for Arba Minim – Sukkos 2026/5787

September 9, 2026 - from Matzav.com

• sukkos travelling guidelines(1)
• For the TSA notice click here.
• For the CBP notice click here.
• For the Canadian Travel Guidelines, click here.
• For the Agudah handout click here.

"As in past years, Agudath Israel of America’s Washington Office has worked closely with agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help avoid potential problems for travelers carrying arba minim.

"Both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have notified their respective field personnel about the upcoming Sukkos holiday and the increased level of travel by persons of the Jewish faith, many of whom will be carrying arba minim. The agencies have also made this information available to the public – the TSA notice here and the CBP notice here.

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"The notifications, which have been sent out to federal officials at airports and border crossings, emphasize the religious significance of these items and outline the rules and procedures that would help allay possible security and health issues that are of concern to the federal government. Prior to these agency steps, lack of familiarity regarding Sukkos and the arba minim had led to numerous incidents each year of inadvertent mishandling and mistreatment — including denial of entry — of these ritual objects.

The TSA Notice makes clear that the arba minim carried in airports, through security checkpoints or on aircraft, are not on the “prohibited items list” and provides instructions for travelers needing “special accommodations” in regard to checkpoint screening. The CBP Guidance sets forth detailed information regarding the inspection process for personal sets of arba minim brought into the United States from foreign countries at select ports of entry and points out that the agency is 'committed to treating all travelers, including travelers who may be observing Sukkot, with respect and dignity at all U.S. ports of entry.'

"Agudath Israel of America once again produced a one-page handout that travelers can print out – or save to their phones – to familiarize themselves with the rules before traveling.

"For travelers entering Israel: You will be allowed to bring in one esrog for personal use. The other 3 minim are not allowed and will be confiscated and replaced with Israeli grown produce. See guidelines from Agriculture Ministry here."

Israel Warns Travelers: Don’t Bring Daled Minim Into the Country Without Proper Approval

September 22, 2026 - from Matzav.com

"Israel’s Agriculture Ministry is warning travelers arriving from overseas ahead of Sukkos not to bring daled minim into the country without the required authorization, saying foreign plant material could introduce pests and diseases capable of causing serious damage to Israeli agriculture.

"The warning comes as travelers arrive in Eretz Yisroel for Yom Tov, with some bringing their own lulavim, hadassim, aravos and esrogim from abroad.

"Under Israel’s Plant Protection Law, plant products generally cannot be brought into the country without approval from the Agriculture Ministry’s Plant Protection and Inspection Services.

"There is one significant exception for travelers bringing daled minim for personal use: a single esrog may be brought into Israel without special authorization. A lulav, hadassim and aravos, however, require approval. Those brought into the country without the necessary authorization may be confiscated by inspectors.

"Agriculture officials explained that insects, pests and plant diseases can be carried on branches, leaves and other plant material without being readily visible. Once introduced into Israel, such pests could potentially spread to agricultural crops, trees and other vegetation."