State Department Update: What U.S. Citizens in the Middle East Should Do Now

The Latest Official Guidance

As of this publication:

• U.S. citizens in Iran are advised to shelter in place.

• U.S. citizens in Iraq are advised to limit movements and be prepared to shelter in place.

• Embassy messaging in Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, and Israel includes heightened security guidance depending on location.

• U.S. government personnel in Jerusalem have been directed to shelter in place.

Several countries have temporarily closed their airspace, including:

• Iran

• Iraq

• Kuwait

• Bahrain

• Qatar

Major airport disruptions include:

• Dubai International (DXB) – flight operations suspended temporarily

• Dubai World Central (DWC) – operations suspended

• Israeli civilian airspace – reported closures

Airlines are canceling or rerouting flights throughout the region.

State Department Emergency Contact Information

The most recent consolidated contact information was included in a March 1, 2026 advisory republishing updated State Department guidance for U.S. citizens in the Middle East. The notice urges Americans to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for country-specific instructions and to use the State Department’s emergency line if direct contact is not possible.

State Department emergency numbers remain:

• From the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-407-4747


• From overseas: +1-202-501-4444

If you are in immediate physical danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

The STEP Program and WhatsApp

Travelers are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows U.S. embassies to send security updates and contact registered Americans during emergencies. If you are already overseas, enrollment takes only a few minutes and ensures you receive country-specific alerts quickly.

Official enrollment: https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step

The Bureau of Consular Affairs has also directed Americans to follow the official WhatsApp channel, “US Department of State — Security Updates for US Citizens,” and the @TravelGov social media accounts for real-time updates.

The advisory emphasizes that during periods of ongoing regional tension, direct embassy contact is typically the fastest way to receive country-specific guidance.

How to Enroll in STEP

Signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) takes only a few minutes and can make a real difference if conditions shift while you’re abroad.

1. Create an account
at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step and set up a free, secure account. You can create a Login.gov account for full registration, or choose a guest subscription if you prefer to receive alerts without creating a login.

2. Register your trip:
Enter your destination, dates of travel, and local contact information. This allows the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to know you are in the country and send location-specific updates.

3. Receive security alerts:
Once enrolled, you’ll receive embassy messages and security updates for your destination during the time period you selected.

4. Update your information: If plans change
If you extend your stay, move cities, or change contact details, update your STEP profile. Keeping your information current helps embassies reach you quickly in an emergency.

Enrollment is free, and you can modify or cancel your registration at any time.

Update on Regional Conditions

Recent embassy security alerts across multiple Middle Eastern countries emphasize that the security environment remains fluid and can change quickly.

Across the region, embassy messaging has consistently advised Americans to:

• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings

• Keep a low profile

• Monitor local media

• Follow local authorities’ instructions

• Stay in direct contact with airlines regarding flight status

The common theme: remain reachable, stay informed, and prepare for sudden operational changes.

If You Are Stranded at an Airport or Your Flight Is Canceled

Your First Moves

• Do not leave the secure area unless airline staff instruct you to.

• Get cancellation confirmation in writing or via screenshot.

• Ask about rebooking across partner airlines.

• Confirm baggage status before exiting.

• Charge devices and conserve battery.

Before Accepting a Hotel Voucher

• Confirm transport and rebooking details, not just lodging.

• Save all receipts and screenshot official disruption notices.

If You Need the Embassy: What They Can and Cannot Do

They can often help with:

• Replacing lost or stolen passports, including limited-validity emergency travel documents in certain cases

• Helping you contact family

• Explaining local restrictions or safety guidance

• Sharing official information during large-scale disruptions

They usually cannot

• Guarantee seats on commercial flights

• Pay for hotels, meals, or tickets except in limited emergency loan situations

• Override local laws or airport security decisions

Getting official updates early reduces the risk of reacting late when options shrink.

Key Embassy Contacts for Major Travel and Transit Hubs

Numbers below reflect official embassy contact information as referenced in the March 1 advisory and embassy websites.

Iraq – U.S. Embassy Baghdad

+964-760-030-3000

[email protected]

https://iq.usembassy.gov/

Saudi Arabia – U.S. Embassy Riyadh

+966-11-835-4000

[email protected]

https://sa.usembassy.gov/

Israel – U.S. Embassy Jerusalem

+972-3-519-7575

[email protected]

https://il.usembassy.gov/

Jordan – U.S. Embassy Amman

+962-6-590-6000

[email protected]

https://jo.usembassy.gov/

Lebanon – U.S. Embassy Beirut

+961-4-543-600

[email protected]

https://lb.usembassy.gov/

Turkey – U.S. Embassy Ankara

+90-312-455-5555

[email protected]

https://tr.usembassy.gov/

Iran – No operating U.S. Embassy

https://travel.state.gov/

Kuwait – U.S. Embassy Kuwait City

+965-2259-1001

[email protected]

https://kw.usembassy.gov/

Bahrain – U.S. Embassy Manama

+973-1724-2700

[email protected]

https://bh.usembassy.gov/

Qatar – U.S. Embassy Doha

+974-4496-6000

[email protected]

https://qa.usembassy.gov/

Syria – No operating U.S. Embassy

As of February 28, 2026, hostilities in Syria have intensified amid broader regional tensions. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus has been closed since 2012, and the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services inside Syria. The Czech Republic serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, if they cannot reach the U.S. Interests Section at the Embassy of Czechia.

https://travel.state.gov/

United Arab Emirates – U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi

+971-2-414-2200

[email protected]

https://ae.usembassy.gov/

Oman – U.S. Embassy Muscat

+968-2464-3400

[email protected]

https://om.usembassy.gov/

Yemen – No operating U.S. Embassy

https://travel.state.gov/

Egypt – U.S. Embassy Cairo

+20-2-2797-3300

[email protected]

https://travel.state.gov/

https://eg.usembassy.gov/

If you are traveling in the region, treat being reachable as part of your travel plan. Save the State Department emergency numbers, enroll in STEP, and keep your passport and booking details accessible. You do not need to be alarmed to be prepared, but you do need a plan that works if your itinerary stops working.

Frequently Asked Questions: State Department Update: What U.S. Citizens in the Middle East Should Do Now

What number should I call if I cannot reach a U.S. embassy?

Call the State Department emergency line. From the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-407-4747. From overseas: +1-202-501-4444. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Should I enroll in STEP if I am already overseas?

Yes. Enrollment takes only a few minutes and allows the nearest U.S. embassy to send you location-specific security updates and contact you during emergencies.

Can the embassy get me on a flight if commercial routes are suspended?

Not usually. Embassies cannot guarantee seats on commercial flights. In rare large-scale evacuations, special arrangements may occur, but travelers should plan around commercial options first.

Will the embassy pay for my hotel or new ticket if my flight is canceled?

Generally no. Financial assistance is limited and typically structured as a repayable emergency loan in specific hardship situations.

What if there is no operating U.S. embassy in the country I am in?

In countries without a functioning U.S. embassy, a protecting power represents U.S. interests. You should also contact the State Department emergency line for guidance.

Is it safe to stay at the airport if flights are suspended?

If your flight is canceled, remain in the secure area unless airline staff instruct otherwise. Confirm baggage status, document the cancellation, and monitor official airline and embassy updates.

Should I leave the country immediately if tensions rise?

Not necessarily. Follow official embassy guidance for your specific location. Security conditions can vary widely by country and even by city.

What documents should I keep accessible during disruptions?

Keep your passport, visa, boarding passes, and booking confirmations accessible. Screenshot key documents in case connectivity becomes limited.

How often do embassy travel advisories change?

During fast-moving regional developments, advisories and security alerts can update quickly. STEP enrollment ensures you receive direct notifications rather than relying on media summaries.