U.S. Embassies Update Travel Advisories in Middle East in Response to Increased Risks and Armed Conflict

U.S. embassies have issued new security alerts and updated travel advisories for several countries in response to unrest and armed conflict in the Middle East region:

• Iran. The U.S. Virtual Embassy  Iran announced that due to military operations and other risks, U.S. citizens in Iran are advised to shelter in place throughout the country until further notice. A travel advisory states that “U.S. citizens are at risk due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens, torture, and wrongful detention.” U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should leave Iran if they are there. Iran continues to be a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” destination. The Foreign Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran provides emergency services for U.S. citizens. Any U.S. citizens seeking routine services should make an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of Iran, the embassy said.
• Lebanon. The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon updated its travel advisory, noting that on February 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel due to the security situation in Beirut. The advisory includes a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for Lebanon “due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk.” The advisory also mentions blocked roads and other hazards. U.S. Embassy Beirut has suspended routine consular services and advises that “Americans should contact beirutacs@state.gov in case of emergency,” noting that they should “not rely on the U.S. government for assisted departure or evacuation.” Additional information is available on Lebanon’s Country Information page.
• Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The U.S. Embassy has issued a security alert directing all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice. U.S. citizens can find additional information regarding steps to take in case of mortar and rocket fire and hostile aircraft intrusion in the Country Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The latest travel advisory, issued on February 27, 2026, puts Israel at Level 3. The advisory says to “reconsider travel” to Israel and the West Bank, and not to travel to Gaza, Northern Israel, and the Israel-Egypt border region.
• Qatar. The U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a security alert implementing a shelter-in-place order for all personnel countrywide. The embassy said, “We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice.”

The U.S.-Israeli military operation in Iran and related risks elsewhere in the region are rapidly evolving. Travel advisories and security alerts may be updated with little notice and should be monitored. The advisories include additional information, links, and phone numbers for U.S. citizens.

This is posting is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. If you require further assistance or advice relating to the above, please contact our Partner, Catherine Betancourt at catherine@flynnhodkinson.com.