In an alert sent to all Americans worldwide and posted to its website on Sunday, the State Department warned all U.S. citizens abroad to exercise caution.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” it said. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”
The Worldwide Caution offers a roadmap on how to respond to escalation or potentially dangerous situations while abroad.
The alert warns travelers of increased risks, including attacks, protests, and violence targeting Americans abroad, as well as possible flight delays and airspace restrictions.
News4JAX asked viewers how they feel about international travel right now.
Jessica Awad said she, her husband and their children will be flying home from Palestine soon.
“I’m terrified. We have been here since before the fight started, and seeing and hearing the alarms from the attacks is definitely a scary thing to experience. I’m just praying my family and myself make it back to the U.S. safely,” Awad wrote.
Larry Jefferson said he has lived and worked abroad, and there are basic precautions all travelers should take.
“My wife and I have made a couple of international trips recently and will continue to enjoy international travel unless something catastrophic happens on the world stage,” Jefferson wrote. “In this climate, one should exercise caution regardless of where you travel. You should adhere to local norms and culture. Most importantly, don’t do things to draw attention to yourself.”
The U.S. ranks travel risk levels as:
- Level 1 — Normal Precautions
- Level 2 —Increased Caution
- Level 3 — Reconsider Travel
- Level 4 — Do Not Travel
Right now, Level 4 countries include Iran, Iraq and Russia.
Regardless of where you travel, the State Department advises enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP. It provides travel alerts, emergency updates, and helps embassies reach you if needed while you’re abroad.
To learn more or sign up, go to mytravel.state.gov.
The department also issued warnings to U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia and Turkey to take extra security precautions given the uncertainty.
“Given reports of regional hostilities, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region,” the department said in its notice for Saudi Arabia.
In Turkey, the department said U.S. personnel “have been cautioned to maintain a low profile and instructed to avoid personal travel to the U.S. Consulate Adana consular district,” which includes the NATO airbase at Incirlik.
“Negative sentiment toward U.S. foreign policy may prompt actions against U.S. or Western interests in Turkey,” the statement said.