U.S. Issues Urgent Travel Advisory Amid Rising Iran Tensions
The U.S. Department of State has issued a strong travel advisory urging American citizens to leave several Middle Eastern countries as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.
A travel advisory serves as an official notice outlining potential risks abroad and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens—not foreign nationals—traveling or living in affected areas. In light of the rapidly developing situation, officials are encouraging Americans in certain regions to prioritize their safety and make plans to depart as soon as possible.
Countries Included in the Advisory
U.S. citizens are being advised to leave the following countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
According to the Department of State, on March 2, 2026, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members were ordered to depart the United Arab Emirates due to the heightened threat of armed conflict. Americans currently in the listed countries are encouraged to use available commercial transportation options while they remain operational.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the administration’s position in a public statement, saying, “Our number one priority is the safety and security of American citizens everywhere in the world.”