U.S. Releases “Depart Now” List Covering 15 Middle East Locations for Americans

The U.S. State Department has issued an urgent safety advisory telling American citizens to leave parts of the Middle East immediately, citing escalating security risks linked to the Iran–Israel crisis. T

he message is blunt: use commercial transportation while it is still available, and don’t wait until flights become limited or borders tighten.

Why the U.S. is issuing this warning now

Washington says the region’s security situation has become volatile, with the risk of attacks, disruptions, and rapid changes in local conditions rising sharply. 

In situations like this, embassies can become overwhelmed fast, and normal travel options can dry up without warning, so the guidance is to move early, not late.

The list: 15 countries/locations flagged for immediate departure

The advisory covers the following 15 locations (countries plus territories named separately in the notice): Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Emergency numbers Americans can call

For Americans who need consular help especially with urgent travel or safety issues, the State Department says these 24/7 lines are available:

• From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
  
• From the U.S. and Canada: +1-888-407-4747
  

What Americans in the region are advised to do

The guidance is practical and immediate. First, leave using commercial options if you can still book flights or other available routes. 

Second, enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) so the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate can push real-time alerts and instructions to you based on where you are. STEP also helps U.S. officials reach you faster during emergencies.