American Citizens Advised to Leave Hotspots as Tensions Rise in Middle East

The U.S. government is advising its citizens to leave several countries in the Middle East or take immediate shelter due to increasing instability triggered by recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.

Americans currently located in Israel and the West Bank have been instructed to evacuate using any available commercial or U.S.-assisted options. The U.S. Embassy has suspended emergency passport services on Monday, June 23. Although Ben Gurion Airport remains closed to both commercial and charter flights, alternative routes, such as land crossings into Jordan and Egypt or maritime travel to Cyprus, are still accessible. U.S. officials are also coordinating evacuation flights, and citizens needing assistance are urged to complete a crisis intake form.

Border crossings into Jordan remain active but congested. Travelers are advised to carry valid passports and, where required, electronic visas. Entry into Egypt is possible through the Taba crossing, with outbound flights operating from Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport. Travelers must pay fees in cash.

In Iran, airspace closures and the absence of a U.S. diplomatic presence mean that no assisted evacuations are currently possible. Americans in Iran are advised to leave overland via Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Türkiye if conditions allow. Individuals with dual citizenship must travel using their Iranian documents and may be subject to questioning by local authorities.

In Qatar, U.S. citizens have been told to shelter in place as a precaution. Shortly after the advisory, Qatar’s foreign ministry temporarily shut its airspace, citing regional security concerns. Although the government stressed the country remains stable, explosions were reported in Doha. Flights destined for Hamad International Airport were rerouted. British nationals received similar warnings as authorities continued monitoring the situation.

Approximately 8,000 American military personnel are stationed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as a key operational center for military activities in the region.