Given the recent escalation in the Middle East, I want to make sure U.S. citizens in the region know where to turn for help. I have compiled the following guidance and resources below to assist anyone currently stuck in the Middle East or planning travel there soon.
The State Department currently advises worldwide caution and recommends that U.S. citizens in several countries depart via commercial means as soon as possible due to serious safety concerns. Travelers should also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which can provide the most up-to-date safety information and assistance.
Federal Assistance
Emergency Assistance:
- If you are an American in the Middle East in need of assistance, please call the State Department's 24/7 crisis hotline through its Bureau of Consular Affairs at 202-501-4444.
- If you need to reach them from within the U.S. or from Canada, please call 888-407-4747.
Reach My office
- Please reach out to my team if you are currently stuck in the Middle East or otherwise impacted by the ongoing security incident there. You can reach out through stanton.house.gov/help or by calling 833-643-6114.
Enroll in Travel Alerts:
- Enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to help the U.S. embassy contact you to coordinate any emergency response if need be. Sign up on the State Department website here.
- You can find current security alerts from the State Department here.
Additional Resources:
- Request emergency assistance: U.S. citizens needing help leaving the region can complete the State Department crisis intake form HERE.
- This applies to Americans in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
- Information on charter flights and transportation options HERE.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) HERE to receive alerts and help the embassy contact you in an emergency.
- Follow State Department travel updates through the Consular Affairs social media channels or the Security Updates WhatsApp channel.
- Download travel safety apps such as the State Department’s Smart Traveler app or GEOS Travel Safety.
- Check the latest State Department Travel Advisories before making travel plans HERE.