U.S. Announces Urgent Worldwide Travel Warning for Americans

The U.S. Department of State issued an urgent warning for Americans to "exercise increased caution" worldwide.

The alert was issued in the wake of the U.S. airstrikes on Iran, which killed the country's supreme leader.

"Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate," the U.S. State Department wrote on February 28.

"They may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures. The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution."

The U.S. Government Warned Americans to Reconsider Travel to Some Countries

Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  They may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace… pic.twitter.com/eBf6u6nUvz

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 28, 2026

The U.S. government also issued warnings for specific countries, upping the travel warning level for Bahrain. "Reconsider Travel to Bahrain due to terrorism and armed conflict," the advisory says. Of Doha, Qatar, the U.S. warned, "Missile Incoming. Imminent missile strikes. Duck and cover until further notice. Continue to shelter in place."

"There are confirmed reports of high-rise buildings in Bahrain being struck by Iranian armed drones. The U.S. government has determined the broader Juffair area, and high-rise buildings in Bahrain, are not safe for U.S. personnel," the Embassy wrote. "The U.S. embassy is aware of unconfirmed social media reports of U.S. citizens in Bahrain being targeted by Iran and its proxies. We encourage everyone to practice personal security awareness, be aware of their surroundings, and avoid large groups and demonstrations."

Americans were also urged to reconsider travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

"As a result of the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice. The Government of Israel has closed the airspace to all civilian flights. All commercial flights from Ben Gurion Airport have been cancelled," the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem advised on February 28.

"This is provided for your information as you make your own security plans," the Embassy added. "The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness – including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly."

The U.S. Government's Alerts Repeatedly Urged Caution

The U.S. government urged U.S. citizens in Iran to shelter-in-place on February 28.

In Turkey, people were urged to exercise caution. "Due to regional events, U.S. government personnel in Türkiye have been instructed to avoid travel to the U.S. Consulate Adana consular district, which comprises Türkiye’s 22 southeasternmost provinces," the U.S. government wrote.

The same was true of Iraq. "In light of the current security environment, U.S. Mission Iraq advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution, limit their movements, and be prepared to shelter in place. There are reports of missiles, drones, or rockets in Iraqi airspace. The security environment remains complex and can change quickly," the government wrote.

Americans in Qatar were urged, "Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items."

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