The State Department is warning Americans around the globe that they could face travel difficulties and hostility due to the conflict between Israel and Iran. In a security alert issued Sunday afternoon, less than a day after U.S. bombers struck nuclear sites in Iran, the department urged “worldwide caution.” The advisory did not mention the strikes from the United States.

“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the alert says. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.”

Americans should read travel advisories and security alerts about the places they’re visiting at the department’s country-specific information pages, authorities said.

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Tim Meehan, a director of security assistance at risk management firm International SOS, said the alert doesn’t speak to a specific threat. He said such messages are not unheard of; the State Department put out a similar one after the Hamas attack in Israel in October 2023.

“It’s simply an assessment of a heightened risk, especially now that the U.S. has gotten involved in the conflict,” he said. “It’s really aiming to have Americans appreciate the increased danger overseas and the need for their own personal situational awareness.”

Anti-war demonstrations took place over the weekend in places including Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Athens, Tokyo and Paris, Reuters reported. But Meehan said security experts have not seen targeted responses to U.S. citizens abroad.

Air travel in the Middle East has been in flux since the Israel-Iran conflict began more than a week ago, with multiple flights canceled or diverted. Qatar temporarily shut its airspace Monday after Iran retaliated for the strikes by launching an attack on a U.S. base in the country. Dubai, a busy global hub in the United Arab Emirates, also put a “temporary precautionary pause” in place that was lifted by Monday afternoon.

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Air India said Monday afternoon that it had ceased operations to the Middle East as well as to Europe and North America’s East Coast until further notice. Flights were being diverted, returned to the airports where they took off or routed away from closed airspace. Finnair has canceled all flights to Doha, Qatar, through June 30.

Reuters reported that the Middle East had gained importance for flights between Europe and Asia in recent years as the war in Ukraine has closed off airspace. The recent fighting has forced airlines to route north or south.

Meehan said that while many flights to Asian or European destinations won’t be affected, trips that connect in closed airspace will need to change. He said passengers may need to prepare for delays, different routes, cancellations or longer travel times. Those disruptions “could change daily or week to week,” Meehan said.

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Meehan said his company advises American travelers to keep a low profile, watch out for potential demonstrations and avoid hanging out around U.S. military or diplomatic installations. He said visitors should keep updated on happenings by following local news, signing up for the State Department’s “smart traveler” alert system or using an app like the one offered by International SOS.

“You have to take the time now, I think, to be mindful of threats and pay attention to what you’re going to do even if a week ago this wouldn’t have applied,” he said. “While we don’t have any specific information that U.S. citizens or tourists are being targeted, it really is incumbent upon your own safety to assume that might be the case.”

Diplomacy and etiquette experts told The Washington Post earlier this year that tourists can try to dodge anti-American sentiment by staying away from marches or large gatherings and avoiding political debates. A better approach, they said, is politely changing the subject or bowing out of a conversation before it turns into a clash.

Americans can also try to be exemplary guests by learning phrases in the language of the country they’re visiting, dressing neutrally, respecting local traditions and avoiding loud antics.