03/04/2026
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 closures. The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.
Enroll at https://step.state.gov to receive the latest security alerts and follow the “U.S. Department of State - Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp. When planning travel, read carefully our Travel Advisory, country information, and any recent alerts at https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html.
Immigration practitioners should be aware of escalating security developments in the Middle East as a result of ongoing hostilities.
Most consular posts in the region are under a security alert. Consular personnel at some posts have been under shelter-in-place instructions. As always, the best advice for assessment of current consular operations at a specific post is to follow instructions provided by the consular post itself. Below is a sampling of current operations throughout the region, which are subject to change at short notice.
Bahrain: Embassy Closed as of March 1
On March 1, 2026, the US Embassy in Bahrain closed until further notice. US Embassy personnel are under a shelter-in-place order.
On February 28, 2026, the Department of State authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Bahrain due to safety risks.
U.S. Citizens in Bahrain can contact the consular section at:
+973-1724-2700
[email protected]
https://bh.usembassy.gov/
Cyprus: Emergency Services Only at Embassy
On March 2, 2026, the US Embassy in Nicosia issued a warning of possible drone strikes and advised against non-emergency travel to the embassy.
Iraq: Consular Operations Suspended
As of March 2, 2026, all consular operations are suspended. Embassy personnel are under a shelter-in-place order.
For assistance, email: [email protected] or [email protected].
Israel: Consular Services Suspended
As of March 1, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has directed that all U.S. government employees and their family members continue to shelter in place in and near their residences until further notice. The embassy in Jerusalem is closed and all consular services in Israel (both standard and emergency) have been suspended.
For assistance:
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
Jordan: US Embassy Remains Open
As of March 2, the US Embassy in Amman remains open; however, the U.S. Embassy has indications there may be continued missiles, drones, or rockets in Jordanian airspace in the coming days. In the event of civil alert, U.S. embassy personnel will likewise be ordered to shelter in place until the “all clear” siren sounds. The embassy will send out a notification with updated hours.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy – Amman, Jordan
Phone number (emergencies during business hours): +962 6 590-6000
Phone number (emergencies after business hours): +962 6 590-6500
Email: [email protected]
U.S. citizens may also call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or +1 202-501-4444 (from overseas) for assistance.
Kuwait: All Consular Services Suspended
As of March 1, 2026, the US Embassy in Kuwait has suspended all consular services until further notice. Embassy personnel are under a shelter-in-place order. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait.
Lebanon: Suspension of All Visa Processing
On February 23, DOS ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and the family members of government personnel from Beirut due to safety risks. DOS also issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” designation due to terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the risk of sudden violence.
As of February 28, 2026, all consular services (routine and emergency) are suspended.
U.S. Citizens in Lebanon experiencing an emergency may contact: [email protected]
Oman: Status of Consular Services is Unclear
On March 1, 2026, a shelter-in-place order was issued and then lifted for US Embassy personnel in Muscat
U.S. Citizens can contact the consular section at:
U.S. Embassy Muscat, Oman
+968 2464-3400
[email protected]
https://om.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Qatar: All Routine Consular Appointments Cancelled for the Week of March 1
As of March 1, US Embassy personnel in Doha are under a shelter-in-place order. All routine consular appointments are cancelled for the week of March 1. The embassy will communicate when normal services resume.
For Assistance:
Tel: +974-4496-6000 (including after-hours)
State Department Consular Affairs 1-888-407-4747 (in U.S. or Canada) or 202-501-4444 (worldwide)
Saudi Arabia: Embassy Closed as of March 3
As of March 3, 2026, shelter-in-place instructions are in place for Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran. People are instructed to avoid the Embassy until further notice due to an attack on the facility. All routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments have been cancelled.
United Arab Emirates: Routine Consular Services for March 1-4 Have Been Postponed
Appointments for routine consular services from March 2 through March 4 at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai have been postponed. The embassy advises individuals with appointments scheduled for those dates not to go to the embassy. The embassy will contact applicants to reschedule when services resume. Embassy personnel are currently under a shelter in place order.
The mission of the U.S. Embassy is to advance the interests of the United States, and to serve and protect U.S. citizens in Oman.
