US Updates Travel Warnings for 13 Middle East Countries, With Five Under Highest 'Do Not Travel' Advisory

The US State Department has updated travel advisories for 13 Middle Eastern countries, warning Americans of armed attacks, kidnapping risks and escalating violence following recent strikes by Iranian-backed Houthi forces.

Five countries — Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen — are listed under the department's highest advisory level, Level 4, which warns Americans not to travel. Eight others, including Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are designated Level 3, urging travellers to reconsider their plans.

While the advisory levels largely remained unchanged, all 13 advisories were updated on Friday, the department said.

The advisories cited recent attacks by Iranian-supported Houthis, including strikes on Riyadh's airport in Saudi Arabia and other critical infrastructure. The attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and widespread travel disruptions, and the State Department warned that the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.

Kidnapping and hostage-taking were listed as additional concerns in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. Civil unrest was cited as a risk in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, and officials also pointed to health concerns in Iraq and Yemen.

The State Department encourages Americans travelling to these countries to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and updates from US embassies. Americans are also urged to monitor local news, prepare to shelter in place if conditions worsen, and have an emergency departure plan that does not rely on US government assistance.

The updates follow several other recent travel warnings. Last week, the State Department raised its advisory for Kenya from Level 2, 'Exercise Increased Caution,' to Level 3, 'Reconsider Travel,' citing health risks, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism. At around the same time, officials warned Americans travelling to China of the risk of wrongful detention, electronic surveillance and restrictions that could prevent them from leaving the country.