Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

...

Jasmine Laws

By Jasmine Laws

Reporter

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Amid the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, the State Department has been issuing travel alerts to American citizens, warning them about travel to certain countries.

Travel warnings and security alerts were issued for Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain by the department following the outbreak of hostilities over the weekend. They are currently subject to Level 3 advisories, one level below the most serious advisory level, Level 4

In light of the changes to travel safety and security across the Middle East, Newsweek has outlined below what a Level 4 advisory means and which destinations are currently under the advisory.

Read More on News

What Is a Level 4 Travel Warning?

A Level 4 travel advisory is the highest-level advisory given by the State Department, which advises American citizens not to travel to a given destination because of "life-threatening risks."

There are three lower levels of advisories allocated to destinations. A Level 1 advisory is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks and recommends travelers take the "normal precautions" associated with any international travel.

A Level 2 advisory informs American citizens to "exercise increased caution" if travelling to the given destination, because of an increased risk of certain safety and security concerns.

A Level 3 advisory warns that travelers should reconsider going to the given destination as the State Department believes there are "serious risks to safety and security" associated with the location.

These advisories are reviewed on a continuous basis: Level 1 and 2 advisories are evaluated every 12 months by the department and Level 3 and 4 advisories are reviewed at least every six months.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

...

What Does a Level 4 Travel Warning Mean?

The specific risks associated with a destination allocated a Level 4 advisory are noted in its travel advisory information on the State Department's website.

These risks can be related to crime, meaning there is a heightened risk of a U.S. citizen being the victim of violent or organized crime, and should a crime occur, local law enforcement may not be able to help.

Terrorism is another risk evaluated, and the department checks whether specific terrorist threats exist, or if attacks have recently occurred.

The department also reviews unrest, such as demonstrations, protests or armed conflict, as it states "U.S. citizen safety may be threatened by political, economic, religious, or other instability and violence."

Health is another risk reviewed, and the department checks whether "U.S. citizen health or ability to receive lifesaving care is at risk due to poor medical infrastructure, outbreak of disease, or other health crisis."

Destinations prone to natural disasters or affected by the aftermath of a natural disaster are also considered as having increased risks, as are those hosting certain events like elections.

Kidnapping, hostage-taking and wrongful-detention are some other risks the State Department reviews.

Which Destinations Have a Level 4 Travel Warning?

There are a number of destinations under a Level 4 travel advisory at present. These are:

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines