U.S. Issues "Reconsider Travel" Warning for Cyprus and Multiple Middle East Destinations as Regional Conflict Escalates

The Surprise Entry: Cyprus

The most surprising update on the list is Cyprus.

The Mediterranean island jumped from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) all the way to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) after an Iranian-linked drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area at Akrotiri on March 2. That is an unusually steep jump for a destination better known for beach holidays than geopolitics.

Following the strike, the State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and their families.

The advisory points to the broader escalation of regional hostilities beginning February 28, warning that the security situation could shift quickly and that commercial flights may face disruptions. In the days after the incident, both Paphos and Larnaca airports saw multiple flight cancellations, with airlines including Lufthansa Group temporarily suspending operations.

There is an important nuance here, though. The Cypriot government has emphasized that the country is not involved in the conflict and is not considered a target. President Nikos Christodoulides has publicly urged residents and visitors to remain calm.

On the ground, the biggest concern many locals mention is not personal safety but logistics. If regional airspace closes again, travelers could find themselves temporarily stuck.

If you are currently in Cyprus, the U.S. Embassy recommends:

• Enrolling or re-enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

• Monitoring local news and embassy alerts

• Maintaining a departure plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance


Routine visa services and U.S. citizen services at the

Embassy in Nicosia are currently suspended.

One practical travel detail worth noting: the embassy advises using Larnaca or Paphos airports, or the seaports in Limassol, Larnaca, or Paphos, for entry and departure. Traveling through Ercan Airport in the Turkish-controlled north can complicate your ability to return to the Republic of Cyprus-controlled south later.

Saudi Arabia and Oman Move to Level 3

Saudi Arabia was also moved to Level 3: Reconsider Travel on March 3. Despite the advisory change, the country’s air travel system is still functioning. However, on March 8 the State Department escalated from a voluntary authorized departure to an ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members, citing sustained missile and drone threats.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate Dhahran have suspended all routine consular services. Americans still in Saudi Arabia are strongly encouraged to depart using available commercial flights and should avoid the embassy and consulate compounds until further notice.

Commercial flights are currently operating from:

• Riyadh

• Jeddah

• Dhahran (though significant cancellations and prolonged delays are now being reported)


Saudi airspace remains open, though with significant flight cancellations and prolonged operational delays.

Oman received the same Level 3 designation, though the change reflects broader regional risk rather than any specific incident inside the country. Flights continue to operate from Oman’s international airports, and Americans who wish to leave are encouraged to use available commercial options.

What the Situation Looks Like Across the Region

Conditions across the Middle East vary significantly right now. Some countries are still operating normally, while others are facing severe travel disruptions.

Here is the current snapshot.

Bahrain


Level 3 advisory. The U.S. embassy has issued a shelter-in-place order, advising Americans to remain inside secure buildings and stay away from windows until further notice. Bahrain International Airport and its airspace are currently closed. Americans looking to leave should consider using the King Fahd Causeway land border to reach Saudi Arabia, where commercial departures remain available from Riyadh and Jeddah.


Kuwait


Level 3 advisory. Commercial flights are currently suspended due to the threat of missile and drone attacks. The State Department is arranging buses to help Americans reach Saudi Arabia, where commercial departures are still available.

Americans seeking assistance must submit a Crisis Intake Form through the State Department.


Qatar


Level 3 advisory. Hamad International Airport is now closed and Qatari airspace is shut. The U.S. Embassy in Doha is offering overland departure options into Saudi Arabia. Americans who cannot secure overland transport should shelter in place.

Jordan

Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Jordan was upgraded on March 2 following the onset of U.S.-Iran hostilities, and the State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave on March 3. All personnel at the U.S. Embassy compound in Amman have temporarily departed due to a security threat, and all routine consular services have been suspended.

Queen Alia International Airport remains open with daily departures — one of the more viable exit options in the region right now. Land border crossings into Israel and the Jordan Valley are operating on shortened hours. Ferry services from Aqaba to Egypt are also available for those seeking to depart by sea.


Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza


Level 3 advisory. The State Department is coordinating evacuation flights for Americans who have registered through the Crisis Intake Form. Travelers who have not confirmed a seat are being asked not to go to the airport independently.


Iraq


Level 4: Do Not Travel. Commercial flights are not operating. Overland routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye remain open but could close quickly.


Lebanon


Level 4: Do Not Travel.


Iran
Commercial flights are not operating. Land crossings exist but may close without warning. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must leave using an Iranian passport, as Iran does not recognize dual citizenship.

United Arab Emirates

Level 3 advisory. Some international flights are still departing from UAE airports, but availability is limited and hotels are reported to be overwhelmed. The UAE is also serving as a charter flight hub for State Department-assisted departures. Americans who cannot secure a flight should shelter in place, stay away from windows, and leave only for essential needs.


Yemen and Syria


Both countries remain at their longstanding Level 4: Do Not Travel status.


What Travelers Should Watch Closely

The biggest variable right now is airspace access.

Even in countries where flights are technically operating, routes can be suspended quickly if security conditions change. Airlines may also cancel service with little notice depending on insurance, crew safety concerns, or shifting flight corridors.


For travelers currently in the region, the most practical steps are simple:

• Monitor embassy alerts

• Stay in contact with your airline

• Keep documents and travel plans flexible


In fast-moving situations like this, the difference between leaving easily and getting stuck often comes down to timing.


A calm plan and a little flexibility can go a long way.

Help for Americans Trying to Leave the Region

The U.S. State Department says it is assisting Americans who are trying to depart parts of the Middle East and is providing updates around the clock. As of March 7, more than 32,000 Americans have safely evacuated the Middle East according to the State Department.

If you are currently in the region and want to receive information about possible departure options, officials recommend completing the Crisis Intake Form. This allows the State Department to contact you if U.S. government-facilitated departures become available.

Americans in the following countries are specifically being asked to register:

• Bahrain

• Israel

• Jordan

• Kuwait

• Oman

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

• Qatar


Travelers can submit the form here:
https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake

Americans who need immediate assistance can also contact the State Department directly:

• From abroad: +1-202-501-4444

• From the United States or Canada: +1-888-407-4747

For ongoing security alerts, travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and monitor updates from the State Department.

For now, the biggest takeaway for travelers is that the Middle East is not operating under a single unified situation. Conditions vary widely from country to country. That said, the overall situation has continued to escalate, with more ordered departures, more airport closures, and a broader “depart immediately” posture from the State Department across the region.


What has changed is the margin for disruption. Airspace closures, flight suspensions, and sudden security advisories can appear quickly when regional tensions escalate.


If you are traveling in or near the region, staying informed and flexible is the most important strategy. In moments like this, the travel landscape can shift faster than the maps.

Frequently Answered Questions: Us Embassy Issues Shelter in Place Alert

Is Cyprus safe to visit right now?

The Cypriot government says the island is not involved in the conflict. The Level 3 advisory reflects the drone strike at the RAF base and broader regional instability. Flight disruptions are the most likely practical issue for visitors.

Which countries are at Level 4: Do Not Travel?

Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria are currently at Level 4.

Are flights still operating in the Middle East?

It depends on the country. Flights are currently operating from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE in limited capacity. They are not operating from Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, or Qatar.

Should I cancel my trip?

Check the State Department advisory page for your destination. Conditions are changing quickly.

Does travel insurance cover situations like this?

Many standard travel insurance policies do not cover war-related disruptions or sudden airspace closures. Review your policy carefully before traveling to a Level 3 country.