Senator Kaine is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, and he is in close touch with the Department of State. The State Department has provided assurances that the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad remain the Department’s highest priority. The information below outlines the most important steps Americans in the region should take and the resources currently available.

U.S. citizens in the region should enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) as soon as possible. STEP allows U.S. embassies and consulates to send security alerts, provide updates on travel conditions, and contact individuals in the event of an emergency.

The State Department has strongly encouraged Americans to use commercial travel options, whenever possible, to return home or to travel to safety. While flights have been disrupted in parts of the region, commercial air service continues to operate in some locations and travelers may need to consider routes with connections.

Where commercial travel is not available or becomes severely limited, the State Department may facilitate assisted departures to move U.S. citizens to safer locations. These departures may include charter flights or other transportation options depending on security conditions.

Assisted departures may transport individuals to a safe third country rather than directly to the United States. Because of operational constraints, travelers may need to be ready to depart on short notice and final destinations may not be confirmed in advance. Due to high demand, there may be delays as requests are processed.

To see if you are in a country eligible for assisted departure and to request a departure, please complete the State Department’s crisis intake form here.

Updates about assisted departures will be communicated directly by email to individuals who register through the crisis intake form.

In some locations, U.S. embassies may advise Americans to shelter in place. This means identifying the nearest protected shelter or safe room, following instructions from local authorities, and monitoring embassy security alerts for further guidance. To receive the most up-to-date information, please sign up for STEP.

Many U.S. embassies and consulates in the region remain open but may temporarily suspend routine services such as visa or passport appointments.

U.S. citizens who require urgent assistance may contact the State Department’s 24/7 emergency call center.

From the United States or Canada: 1-888-407-4747
From overseas: +1-202-501-4444

Due to high call volume, there may be substantial waiting times.

Americans should closely monitor official State Department information channels, including embassy security alerts, TravelGov social media, and updates posted on travel.state.gov. Conditions can change quickly, and these platforms provide the most up-to-date guidance. The State Department is also sharing updates through a WhatsApp security channel, which can be found online.

Additional information on consular assistance during this crises is available here.