By Ginika Igboke
The U.S. Department of State is urging Americans in Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to register online for assistance if they need help leaving the region amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
In a March 4 post on X, the department asked U.S. citizens to complete an online form to receive information about available aviation and ground transportation options. Once citizens register through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, authorities can identify them and coordinate charter flights if necessary.
Americans seeking assistance can also contact the State Department directly at +1-202-501-4444.
Travel and Departure Updates Across the Region
In the United Arab Emirates, the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs encouraged Americans to consider leaving the country if it is safe to do so. Some flights have resumed from international airports, while land borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia remain open, though congestion has been reported.
In Saudi Arabia, Americans can depart through commercial flights from major airports in Riyadh and Jeddah, although flights may be limited or subject to changes and cancellations.
In Qatar, Hamad International Airport has suspended aircraft movements due to a temporary closure of the country’s airspace. Maritime routes are also closed. However, the Salwa land border crossing connecting Qatar and Saudi Arabia remains open, though officials warned that the U.S. government cannot guarantee travelers’ safety if they depart using that route.
Meanwhile, U.S. personnel and their families at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the embassy branch office in Tel Aviv have been instructed to shelter in place. The State Department also advised Americans in Israel, Gaza Strip, and the West Bank to remain sheltered until further notice.
Updated Travel Advisories
The State Department has issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory for Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.
A “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory applies to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Israel and the West Bank are also listed under Level 3, while Gaza remains under Level 4.
Egypt is currently designated “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.”
Officials also said travel advisories for Pakistan and Cyprus were updated following the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families.
Thousands of Americans Returning Home
According to Dylan Johnson, the State Department has assisted nearly 6,500 Americans overseas through its 24/7 task force, providing security guidance and travel support.
Since Feb. 28, more than 17,500 U.S. citizens have returned to the United States from the Middle East, including more than 8,500 in a single day, Johnson said. Many others have relocated temporarily to countries in Europe and Asia or are still in transit back to the United States.
Estimates suggest between 500,000 and more than 1 million Americans currently reside across the Middle East.
Conflict Continues
The evacuation efforts come as fighting continues following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran launched Feb. 28 under Operation Epic Fury.
According to Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command, the United States has deployed more than 50,000 troops, 200 fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and bombers for the operation.
During a March 4 briefing at the U.S. Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth said Iranian airspace could soon be under complete control.
“Starting last night and to be completed in a few days, in under a week, the two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies,” Hegseth said.
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