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By Emma Marsden
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The U.S. Department of State is urging all Americans to exercise extreme caution in light of the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions.
American citizens in Israel are strongly advised to limit internal travel and to maintain a high level of situational awareness. Iran remains under a long-standing "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping, wrongful detention, and civil unrest.
Newsweek contacted the State Department via email on Friday outside of usual working hours for comment.
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The Context
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the State Department said: "Due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. We remind U.S. citizens in Israel and the broader region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments."
As reported by Newsweek, Iran is preparing a substantial response to a large-scale attack conducted by Israel against key sites and personnel associated with the Islamic Republic's nuclear program and military, according to official Iranian media.
"Iran's response to the Zionist regime early Friday morning attacks will be decisive," said state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) in the aftermath of the Israeli attacks, citing an unnamed official.
What To Know
As previously reported by Newsweek, Countries put on the highest risk "Do Not Travel" level so far this year by the State Department include: Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, South Sudan, Iran, Yemen, Burkina Faso, North Korea, Russia, Burma (Myanmar), Venezuela, and Somalia.
Travel to Israel and the West Bank is already in the "Reconsider Travel" category due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. Gaza remains a "Do Not Travel" zone.
In light of current escalations, U.S. government employees across the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, may be authorized to depart or evacuate depending on evolving security threats. All travelers should expect sudden disruptions, heightened security presence, and rapidly changing conditions.
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The state department has issued the following advice for those in the affected regions;
- Visit its website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Check the most recent Alerts at the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas.
- Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
- Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
- Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions. U.S. government employees in Israel are encouraged to use these apps.
- Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.
Travel Advice From Other Countries
The Australian government advised in an update on Friday that: "We've reviewed our advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Due to the deteriorating security situation, we've raised our level of advice and now advise, do not travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
The United Kingdom (FDCO) advises against all travel to Gaza, parts of the West Bank, and northern Israel near borders with Lebanon and Syria.
Chinese embassies in Israel and Iran have issued travel alerts, according to Nikkei Asia, urging Chinese nationals to remain calm, stay alert, and prepare for possible missile, rocket, or drone attacks. The embassies advised citizens to strengthen personal security measures, avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, and steer clear of military sites, sensitive institutions, and surrounding areas.
India's embassies in Israel and Iran on Friday posted advisories on X, as reported by Nikkei Asia, asking Indian nationals to remain vigilant and "avoid unnecessary" travel given the current situation in the region.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. Embassy in Iran stated: "Due to increased regional tensions, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution. Historically, similar tensions have resulted in travel disruptions and increased security concerns for U.S. citizens in the region."
The Australian government stated: "The security situation could deteriorate rapidly with little or no notice. Flight cancellations and disruptions could continue with little or no notice including due to airport and airspace closures. If you're in Israel, you should reconsider whether you need to remain and, if not, depart when it's safe to do so.
"Terror attacks can occur anywhere at any time, including by lone actors. Be alert to personal safety risks. There continues to be a high threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region. The security situation could deteriorate quickly, with little or no notice. This has resulted and may continue to result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions, and other travel disruptions."
The U.S. Embassy in Jordan advised: "The U.S. Embassy has indications there may be missiles, drones, or rockets flying over Jordanian airspace. Please maintain maximum awareness and, in the event of such an incident, seek overhead cover and shelter in place until further notice. Remain indoors and do not expose yourself to falling debris.
"Due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. We remind U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments."
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters in Tokyo, as reported by Nikkei Asia: "Peace and stability in the Middle East are of utmost importance to Japan, and we urge all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and call for de-escalation of the situation [ …]we will continue to make every diplomatic effort to protect Japanese nationals in Iran and prevent further deterioration of the situation."
What Happens Next
Americans abroad are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates from the nearest U.S. Embassy.
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