Iran
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October 23, 2026
•[ warning ]
Do not travelto Iran due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran should leave immediately. There is no U.S. Embassy in Iran. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Do Not Travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran face serious dangers including terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention. Some U.S. nationals have been held for years on false charges, subjected to torture, and even sentenced to death. No U.S. embassy in Iran The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran. The Swiss Protecting Power office in Tehran is extremely limited in its ability to assist Americans in Iran. Routine consular services for U.S. citizens are not available in Iran. For routine consular services, U.S. citizens must visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or return to the United States. This includes acceptance of applications for full-validity passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and for fee-based notarial services. Detention, kidnapping, and hostage-taking The U.S. Department of State has determined that U.S. nationals are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of Iran: Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain U.S. nationals without warning or any evidence they committed a crime. This includes dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, students, journalists, business travelers, academics, and people with U.S. military or government experience. Charges include espionage and posing a threat to national security. U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran. Having a U.S. passport or connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone. Iranian law allows authorities to punish individuals for “collaboration with a hostile state.” This includes having any real or perceived connection with a government or organization that Iranian authorities consider as acting against Iranian interests. Prior travel to Israel by an Iranian citizen can result in a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years. Arbitrary enforcement of local laws Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or more. Offenders can face many years in prison. The Government of Iran has imposed exit bans on U.S. citizens that prevent travelers from leaving. Dual citizenship Iran will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen or have a claim to Iranian citizenship. Iran will not permit Swiss consular officers to visit detained U.S. citizens who also hold Iranian citizenship. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iran. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas. Unrest Demonstrations are common and unpredictable. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy Companies providing surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation. They downplay the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry: Private companies that organize these visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger. Iranian surrogacy providers have also been known to misrepresent U.S. citizenship law. A child born abroad to a surrogate will not automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if they are not genetically or gestationally linked to a U.S. citizen parent or their spouse. This means the child cannot get a U.S. passport to leave Iran. Aviation Safety Oversight The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Iran. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration's Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Israel
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October 23, 2026
•[ reconsider ]
Reconsider travelto Israel due to terrorism and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. As of August 26, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Israel. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Israel are restricted from the following locations due to safety risks: Areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87; Within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip; and Within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing. Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the U.S. embassy’s security office. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues. Armed conflict Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Israel. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest The security environment in Israel is complex and can change quickly. Violence can occur without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel or limit flights into and out of Israel. Reconsider Travel to Israel due to terrorism and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to areas north of Route 85 to Route 90 (south) to Route 87 due to armed conflict. Do Not Travel within 11.3 kilometers/7 miles of the Gaza Strip due to armed conflict. Do Not Travel within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border, except at the area of the Taba border crossing, also known as the Menachem Begin crossing, due to armed conflict.
Qatar
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October 23, 2026
•[ reconsider ]
Reconsider travelto Qatar due to risk of armed conflict. U.S. government employee travel restrictions Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Qatar. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues. Armed Conflict Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar. This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region. The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.
United Arab Emirates
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October 23, 2026
•[ reconsider ]
Reconsider travelto the United Arab Emirates due to terrorism and armed conflict. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in the UAE need special authorization to travel to military bases and critical energy infrastructure sites due to UAE government restrictions and potential security risks. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues. Armed Conflict Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Arab Emirates. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, government facilities, places of worship, and in particular locations associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the UAE. For more information, Americans who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Local laws Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior drug possession traffic violations; financial crimes video recording officials, members of the public, infrastructure, or military activity. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest, fines, or an exit ban. Americans should review the Department of State’s Destination Information Page for the UAE to learn about local laws, special circumstances, and additional information about travel to the United Arab Emirates.
Iraq
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October 23, 2026
•[ warning ]
Do not travelto Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq due to the safety risks. Armed conflict Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. The Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. U.S. government employee travel restrictions The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel working in Iraq to live and work under strict security protocols due to serious threats. Additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility due to evolving security issues. Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Iraq. Kidnapping U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorism There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq. Terrorists, including Iran-aligned militias and ISIS, encourage and conduct attacks against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Crime and armed conflict Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. Targets of recent attacks have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports, and other locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities. Health Emergency and intensive care facilities in Iraq are limited and likely unavailable outside of the largest cities. If you need emergency medical assistance, hospitals, doctors, ambulances, and medical supplies may be low quality or unavailable. Problems with transportation, roads, and safety can result in delays if you need medical evacuation. Aviation safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting certain flights in the region. This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iraq. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
The West Bank
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October 26, 2026
•[ reconsider ]
Reconsider travelto the West Bank due to terrorism and unrest. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization for official travel to the West Bank due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Israel and their family members are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except: Travel on Routes 1, 90 (to the Allenby Bridge crossing), and 443 at any time. Travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour from dawn to midnight. Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb is the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members. This is due to continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank. Due to increased security threats, additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice. Terrorism During the last year, there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the West Bank. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in West Bank. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest During the last year, there has been an increase in violence and Israeli military operations in the West Bank. Some incidents have resulted in injury or the death of U.S. citizens. During periods of unrest, the Israeli government may restrict access to and within the West Bank. Some areas may be placed under curfew.
French Polynesia
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December 2, 2026
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin French Polynesia. Review the travel guidance section for additional information on travel to French Polynesia.
