The U.S. Department of State has announced new travel advisories for Americans amidst a rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East. On Sunday, the department followed up with new travel advisories specifically for Israel, the West Bank, Lebanon, Turkey and Iran. They called on travelers to take extra precautions given the growing threat of sudden violence and targets from foreign terrorist organizations.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Israel, more than 6,000 people have contacted them. Most importantly, they are excited to talk about their options to leave. The embassy has begun evacuations, conducting military flights to assist non-essential staff and diplomats’ family members amid escalating tensions in the region.
In light of the recent escalations, the Department of State just evacuated family members and non-emergency staff from Lebanon. They largely pointed to an unforeseen security environment as the basis for this decision. Additionally, it has advised U.S. citizens in Iran to consider departing by land to neighboring Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Türkiye whenever conditions permit.
Travel Advisories for Israel and the West Bank
The U.S. Department of State is advising any American citizens still in Israel or the West Bank to make urgent decisions and plans to leave now. They must board the first option of transportation that comes, regardless of where it might be headed.
“Take the first available option, even if it is not your first choice of destination,” – U.S. Embassy
Israeli airlines plan to restart some outbound flights on Monday from Tel Aviv‘s Ben Gurion Airport. It’ll be the first time they’re able to use Terminal 3 since June 13, when they were forced to switch due to the continued hostilities. In another acknowledgment of the tense situation on these flights, they’ll be limited to just 50 passengers per plane.
The U.S. Embassy is currently seeking other methods for evacuation as well. It noted that “the U.S. Embassy is aware that there are commercial opportunities to depart Israel by ship,” and advised citizens to stay informed through local media about such options.
Regional Security Concerns
The travel advisory goes far beyond Israel and the West Bank. As the U.S. Department of State recently stated, we are facing an increasing threat. Anti-American demonstrations and violent attacks on U.S. citizens and interests appear increasingly likely across the region.
These proposals are in part a response to increasing backlash to U.S. foreign policy. The advisory underscores that “negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. or Western interests in Türkiye.”
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has announced that it has temporarily suspended all routine visa services. The Consulate General’s in Erbil has done likewise. As a follow up, the State Department has been encouraging Americans residing in Iraq to avoid areas frequented by expatriates. They must keep away from big events and attendees.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” – U.S. State Department security alert
Guidance for Americans in Iran and Lebanon
For U.S. citizens still in Iran, the Department of State has provided special instructions for their exit. It pushes them to leave by land through Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Türkiye when considered safe.
The advisory further emphasizes that “the Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens.” For these reasons, U.S. nationals—whether U.S. citizens or not—risk questioning, arrest, and detention when traveling to Iran.
“U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports and should be prepared to encounter checkpoints and questioning from Iranian authorities before departing Iran,” – U.S. State Department security alert.
While commercial transportation services are still technically running in Lebanon, their range and reach has been crippled by the ongoing crisis. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is following the situation and will keep you updated as needed.
In Lebanon, although commercial transportation options remain available, they are limited due to prevailing conditions. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.
