Middle East State Department Issued Travel Security Alerts
On February 28, 2026, The Department of State issued a worldwide caution security alert following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran. U.S. citizens worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance of the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Departing individuals may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures. The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution. Enroll for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest security alerts and follow the “U.S. Department of State - Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp.
When planning travel, read carefully our Travel Advisory, country information, and any recent alerts here.
If you or someone you know is currently in the region and seeking guidance on what to do or how to depart, please consult the Security Alerts published by U.S. Embassies. These alerts are regularly updated and provide vital details on travel conditions, shelter-in-place directives, and border operations. You can find these alerts on the respective embassy websites or here.
The State Department strongly encourages all U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enables you to receive real-time safety updates directly from U.S. embassies and makes it easier for officials to contact you during emergencies.
Current Security Alerts
Please read the Travel Advisory, country information, and any recent security alerts carefully when planning travel. You can find more information here.
The Department of State urges Americans to depart now from the countries below using available commercial transportation if it is safe to do so:
- Bahrain
- Lebanon
- Egypt
- Oman
- Iran
- Qatar
- Iraq
- Saudi Arabia
- Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
- Syria
- Jordan
- United Arab Emirates
- Kuwait
- Yemen
Americans who need assistance arranging departure can call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and 1-888-404-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada).
When departing, take the first available option, even if it is not your first choice of destination. If you use a third party to help with your departure, use caution and research them before accepting their help.
The Department of State constantly updates this information on the International Travel section of Travel.state.gov found here.
Crisis Intake Form – available for some of the countries:
U.S. Citizens should complete the Crisis Intake Form to let the U.S. Embassy or consulate know they are requesting assistance. Do not submit this form more than once. The form is available here.
Actions to Take:
- Enroll in STEP to receive critical information
- Have a contingency plan for emergencies and review the traveler’s checklist
- Monitor alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates in the region
- Identify the closest embassy to your location
- Refer to U.S. embassy or the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s website for the latest security alerts
- Be aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant for anything appearing out of the ordinary
- Locate the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter
- Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings
- Avoid all areas with heavy police presence
- Monitor local media
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Enroll in the Depart of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact in an emergency
- Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Advisories
- Read the Country Information Page(s) for your location
- Select your destination in the dropdown box for travel advisory, entry requirements, local laws, and tips/notices from the U.S. embassy
- Contact your airline directly for flight change details if your flight is affected
- Follow the Department of State on Instagram, Facebook, and X
You can also call the State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at:
- 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.)
- +1-202-501-4444 (from overseas)