The U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution on February 28, 2026, following escalating armed conflict in the Middle East and U.S. military operations in Iran. Americans worldwide—especially those in or traveling to the region—are advised to exercise increased caution and expect potential travel disruptions, including airspace closures and limited embassy operations.
Many U.S. embassies and consulates in the Middle East are currently operating under security restrictions, shelter-in-place orders, or full service suspensions. These conditions can change with little notice, and travelers and visa applicants should prepare for delays and cancellations.
Embassy Closures and Service Suspensions
Bahrain
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain closed on March 1, 2026. Embassy personnel are under a shelter-in-place order, and non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members were authorized to depart due to safety concerns.
Iraq
As of March 2, 2026, all consular operations are suspended. Embassy personnel are under a shelter-in-place order.
Israel (Jerusalem and Tel Aviv)
As of March 1, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is closed and all consular services in Israel—both routine and emergency—are suspended. U.S. government employees and family members have been instructed to shelter in place.
Kuwait
All consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait are suspended as of March 1, 2026, and embassy personnel are under a shelter-in-place order.
Lebanon
On February 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members from Beirut due to security risks. As of February 28, 2026, all routine and emergency consular services are suspended. Lebanon remains under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.
Qatar
As of March 1, 2026, embassy personnel in Doha are under a shelter-in-place order. All routine consular appointments for the week of March 1 have been cancelled. The embassy will notify the public when normal services resume.
United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
Routine consular services scheduled for March 2 through March 4, 2026, have been postponed. Applicants are advised not to appear for appointments and should await rescheduling instructions from the embassy.
Embassies with Limited or Changing Operations
Jordan
The U.S. Embassy in Amman remains open as of March 2, 2026, but has warned of possible missiles, drones, or rockets in Jordanian airspace. Embassy personnel may be ordered to shelter in place during alerts.
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)
Shelter-in-place instructions have been lifted for most consular staff, and the embassy reports normal operations as of February 28, 2026.
Cyprus and Oman
Operations are limited or uncertain, and travelers are advised to follow post-specific embassy instructions closely.
What This Means for Travelers and Visa Applicants
Individuals planning travel to or through the Middle East—or those with pending visa appointments—should expect significant disruptions, including:
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Visa appointments being cancelled or postponed
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Longer and unpredictable processing times
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Sudden changes in embassy operating status
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Increased travel restrictions and flight disruptions
Travelers should avoid non-essential travel and monitor their specific U.S. embassy’s website daily for updates.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov to receive real-time security alerts and emergency notifications.
Practice Tips for Immigration Clients
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Do not make travel or relocation plans based on near-term visa issuance
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Prepare for delayed start dates and alternative processing strategies
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Monitor embassy announcements for the specific post handling your case
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Contact your immigration provider before traveling for a visa appointment
Due to the fluid and rapidly evolving nature of the situation, all information is subject to change without notice. Travelers and applicants should rely on official U.S. embassy websites and government sources for the most current updates.