Ever since news broke that the U.S. and Israel struck Iran at the end of February 2026, the U.S. State Department has released a flurry of travel advisories to countries in the Middle East.
Each of these countries have a Level 3: “Reconsider Travel” warning except for Iraq which has the highest Level 4: “Do Not Travel” warning.
Here is what you need to know about which Middle Eastern countries were assigned Level 3 and Level 4 travel warnings.
What countries in the Middle East fall under the Level 3 and 4 travel advisory warnings?
ItemDetailStart DateFeb. 27-March 3, 2026What’s changingTravelers should either “reconsider travel” or “do not travel” to these areas in the Middle East due to the armed conflict in Iran.What will happen?Travelers should visit the State Department website for Travel to High-Risk Areas, check the most recent Alerts at the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas, maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces, avoid demonstrations and crowds and follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. If you are in Iraq, leave immediately as the U.S. government will not be able to help you if you are there.Who will it affect?Travelers to Israel (including the West Bank and Gaza), Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Oman and Cyprus.
The following countries are under a Level 3: “Reconsider Travel” advisory due to the armed conflict in Iran:
Israel (including the West Bank and Gaza)
Qatar
Kuwait
Jordan
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
Pakistan
Oman
Cyprus
The following country is under a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” warning due to the armed conflict in Iran:
Iraq
What is the highest travel advisory?
There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions — This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel — There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.
Level 4: Do Not Travel — This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.
What should travelers to the Middle East do in light of the warnings?
Travelers should heed the warnings local authorities and be alert to any guidance from the U.S. Embassies.
Travelers should also do the following:
Visit the State Department website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Check the the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in these areas.
Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
Avoid demonstrations and crowds and follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
If you are in Iraq, leave immediately as the U.S. government will not be able to help you if you are there.
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U.S. urges Americans do not travel to the Middle East due to conflict with Iran
