On June 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department issued three new “Do Not Travel” warnings for Iraq, Iran, and Israel–West Bank–Gaza, citing escalating threats and severely limited ability to assist U.S. citizens.
At a Glance
- The State Department advises against all travel to Iraq, Iran, and Israel–West Bank–Gaza.
- Key risks include missile attacks, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
- These advisories follow intensified Middle East conflict involving Israel and Iran.
- Airlines have rerouted or canceled flights to the region.
- The U.S. warns of minimal capacity to assist citizens in affected zones.
Travel Warnings Escalate Amid Conflict
The U.S. issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq on June 11, citing terrorism, armed conflict, and government instability. This was followed on June 16 by fresh updates for Iran and the Israel–West Bank–Gaza region amid escalating violence.
These warnings reflect worsening conditions in the wake of Israel’s preemptive strikes on Iranian military infrastructure and retaliatory missile fire across the region. The State Department emphasizes that its ability to aid citizens in these areas is “extremely limited.”
What Travelers Should Know
Airlines have begun canceling or rerouting flights, and consular staff in affected nations are sheltering in place. Travelers are urged to:
- Reconsider or cancel travel plans to the regions under Level 4 advisory.
- Depart these areas if safe to do so.
- Monitor State Department alerts and follow local authority guidance.
Watch a report: New Global Travel Warnings from U.S. State Dept.
Understanding the System
The U.S. travel advisory system employs a four-tiered scale to guide travelers. It includes categories such as “Exercise normal precautions,” which indicates general safety, “Exercise increased caution,” suggesting that travelers should be more vigilant, “Reconsider travel,” which advises against travel to certain areas due to potential risks, and finally, “Do not travel,” indicating that it is unsafe to visit those destinations.
The Level 4 designation indicates “life-threatening risks” due to terrorism, civil unrest, war, or natural disasters. Assistance to Americans may be unavailable in these environments.
