The United States government urged its citizens to immediately leave more than a dozen countries across the Middle East as regional tensions intensified following US and Israeli military strikes against Iran. The advisory, issued by the US State Department on March 3, came amid concerns that the escalating conflict could expose American nationals to heightened security risks across the region.
The advisory applies to Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Al Jazeera The State Department called on Americans in these locations to depart using available commercial transportation where possible.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar reinforced the message on the social media platform X, urging Americans to "depart now" due to "serious safety risks." Travel Weekly
The advisory came as the regional security environment deteriorated following military exchanges involving Iran and allied forces. Iran struck energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, attacked several ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and hit targets in multiple countries deemed safe havens in the region. PBS
The State Department ordered the mandatory departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from six countries — Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE — after two Iranian drones struck the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia. NBC News The Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed the embassy had been hit by drones, causing a limited fire and minor material damage. CNBC
The US embassies in Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE were operating with reduced staff. The embassy in Saudi Arabia was closed following the drone strike. CNN
Around half a million Americans were believed to be present in the Middle East at the time the advisory was issued, CSMonitor.com including tourists, business travelers, aid workers, and long-term residents.
The State Department said on Tuesday it was facilitating charter flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan for American citizens, and was also actively helping Americans book commercial flights from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Egypt. CBS News For those in countries lacking commercial aviation availability, the department said it was facilitating travel to third countries as conditions allowed. CNN
Public frustration grew after the initial guidance urged Americans to depart using commercial flights even as large portions of regional airspace were closing and flights were being cancelled. Many Americans on the ground reported limited or no viable transit options. TravelPirates
By Tuesday evening, the State Department appeared to pivot, announcing it was actively securing military aircraft and charter flights for citizens seeking to leave. CSMonitor.com Officials indicated that operational details about departure points and evacuation routes would be limited to protect travellers and personnel involved.
The advisory reflects growing international concern about the potential for the conflict to spread further across the region. The Middle East hosts critical energy infrastructure, strategic shipping routes, and a large number of foreign nationals, making stability a major concern for governments worldwide.
As of the date of the advisory, US officials continued urging Americans remaining in the affected countries to monitor official communications and leave as soon as possible while travel options remained available.
Mohsin Rana
