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The U.S. bombed three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, prompting retaliation on Monday and increased security in cities across the U.S.

American travelers who are currently abroad may now be wondering what the escalating tensions amid Israel’s war with Iran mean for their travel plans – with some sharing their trepidation about being overseas or reluctance to return on social media.

But those developments don’t necessarily mean they need to rush home. “For now, with the exception of countries in the Middle East and Gulf region, it’s safe for Americans to travel abroad,” Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group, told USA TODAY in an email.

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Here’s what travelers abroad should know.

Is it safe for US travelers to go abroad?

The State Department issued a Worldwide Caution alert on June 22, advising U.S. citizens across the globe to “exercise increased caution.”

“​​The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,” the alert said. “There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.”

Harteveldt said it’s ​​”probably wise for now to avoid going to any Middle East and Gulf country that has a major U.S. military base.” Travelers should also be extra cautious in other countries that Iran might perceive as being supportive of Israel or the U.S.

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“Currently, countries in the Middle East, such as Israel and Jordan, as well as the UAE and Qatar, appear to be the riskiest places for Americans to visit,” he added.

Should US travelers come home after the bombing in Iran?

Not necessarily, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. According to Harteveldt, the circumstances are “highly fluid.”

“The situation is dynamic, and the countries that are considered risky could change,” he said.

The State Department is offering assisted departure flights from Israel. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can find crisis intake forms on its website, along with additional information about departures by land through Jordan and Egypt.

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“Iran airspace remains closed due to hostilities with Israel,” the State Department said. “U.S. citizens seeking to depart Iran should depart by land to Azerbaijan, Armenia, or Türkiye if they deem conditions are safe/if they can do so safely.”

Qatar also closed its airspace on Monday, and airlines are rerouting or canceling flights to the Middle East.

How can US travelers stay safe abroad?

The State Department’s Worldwide Caution note urged travelers to read up on their planned destinations – including any advisories and security alerts – on its website. There is a Level 4 “Do not travel” advisory in place for Iran, while other Middle East countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are currently at Level 2 (“Exercise increased caution”) and Level 1 (“Exercise normal precautions”), respectively.

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In addition to regularly checking those notices for updates, Harteveldt recommended keeping up with the news from credible sources and downloading their mobile apps. “Follow all official advisories and be prepared to respond to news alerts and other advisories,” he said. “Stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues in the U.S.,” he said.

Travelers should also have “at least one reliable contact” who knows where they are and can act on their behalf as needed.

Aircraft belonging to Israel’s state carrier El Al and Israir among other airlines, are parked at Larnaca International Airport, in Larnaca, Cyprus on June 16, 2025.

More: Middle East flights: Disruptions grow after US airstrikes and Iranian missile threats

The CIA released these tips – or travel tradecraft, in spy parlance – for travel safety.

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Objective one: Getting there

CIA tip: Make a paper and digital copy of your passport. While traveling abroad, it might literally be your ticket home if problems arise. If a hotel desk clerk asks to hold on to your passport, see if they’ll accept the paper copy. While you’re at it, write down some important phone numbers on the hard copy, including emergency contacts and the local U.S. embassy, just in case.

CIA tip: Register with your embassy. Think of it as establishing communications with your home base. This enables embassy staff to contact you if there’s an emergency or an unfolding crisis. U.S. citizens can also sign up with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

CIA tip: Learn some local lingo. Bring a pocket guidebook or phone app so you can pick up key words and phrases.

CIA tip: Know your destination. Bone up not just on travel books but also try to get a sense of the place and the geopolitical issues at play there. The CIA World Factbook is very helpful and publicly available for basic information. The CIA’s World Factbook team also has created special travel briefings for many countries.

CIA tip: Scout out local transportation. Upon arrival, ask an airport official or a traveler’s aide how much it should cost to catch a public shuttle or taxi to your hotel. Check online sites, too. Be sure to negotiate the taxi price before loading your baggage and getting inside. Only use cabs from the official queue – or ride-shares ride-hailing services from official apps – that are clearly marked and have a functioning meter and the driver’s ID displayed inside.

Objective two: Settling in

CIA tip: Know your escape route from your hotel room too. Familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation plans. And do a run-through to determine how many doors there are between your room and the nearest stairwell. Could you find it in the dark? While holding your breath in a smoky haze?

CIA tip: Use the elevator, unless it’s an emergency. Using the stairs may be great for exercise, but crimes frequently occur in isolated stairwells.

CIA tip: Try to reserve a room on a middle floor. Being on the ground floor can leave you vulnerable to break-ins, but many countries’ emergency response personnel aren’t equipped to reach higher than a few floors off the ground.

CIA tip: Lock it up. Automatic locks on hotel room doors can often be forced open, and the chains cut. Use the deadbolt if there is one. Better yet, invest in a cheap and easily portable rubber door stop; they work amazingly well.

CIA tip: Beware of unsolicited knocks. Don’t open your hotel door unless you know or can verify who’s on the other side. Be especially wary of unrequested special delivery, maintenance calls, turndown service, or room service. Don’t be shy about calling the front desk to confirm.

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Objective three: Going out and about

CIA tip: Lock it down. Whether renting a car or taking a taxi, lock the doors and keep the windows rolled up if you sense any danger – or crowds. Carjackers and snatch-and-grab thieves often prey on simple mistakes like an open door or window.

CIA tip: Stay alert. CIA officers (the real term for overseas spies, not agents) are trained to be highly attuned to their surroundings, to constantly maintain situational awareness. Use all five senses to pay attention to what’s happening around you, and you’ll not only spot telltale signs if something is amiss but retain more of your destination’s unique atmosphere.

CIA tip: Be mindful when drinking adult beverages. Spies might swill martinis in the movies, but alcohol impairs alertness and judgment and could put you at risk, especially in an unfamiliar country. Learn the local customs and restrictions on alcohol consumption and follow them closely.

CIA tip: Walk the walk. Your confident demeanor on the street is often the best deterrent against criminals. Be the gray man or woman and you won’t look like an easy target. Don’t attract attention by looking confused, lost, or distracted. Avoid poring over maps and phone apps in busy areas. And don’t be flashy. Flaunting extravagant watches and other personal items or cash will attract thieves and opportunists.

CIA tip: Plan your route and reroute as necessary. Whether traveling by foot, car, or public or private transit, prepare in advance. Bone up on the potentially dangerous parts of town so you can avoid them. Don’t walk alone at night, stick to well-lit areas that aren’t too isolated if you can and know the number of the local authorities just in case. Avoid crowd commotion, as it could mean escalating danger or even a distraction designed to help someone target you.

Does travel insurance cover the conflict with Iran?

“Unfortunately, there may be no coverage for travelers within Iran due to economic sanctions,” said Meghan Walch, Director of Product at InsureMyTrip. “Also, the conflict in general is most (likely not) covered if you decide to cancel or interrupt your trip.”

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That said, travelers in surrounding countries who experience disruptions – such as a flight delay meeting the policy’s required number of hours – may get reimbursed for additional costs incurred.

Those policyholders can also call 24-hour emergency assistance services, which can help them find medical care or direct them to a nearby embassy. The phone numbers can be found in their policy, according to Walch.

If you didn’t purchase travel insurance prior to your trip and are already traveling in a destination that the conflict could impact, Walch said it’s too late to buy comprehensive coverage. Those who have not left and are concerned they may want to cancel if the situation escalates should consider Cancel For Any Reason benefits.

“This is a time-sensitive benefit and there are qualification requirements, but it allows you to cancel a trip, at least 48 hours before departure, and receive up to 50%-75% reimbursement of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Walch.

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Regardless, Harteveldt emphasized the need to stay informed and flexible. “Being nimble and agile will be critical,” he said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Iran conflict: What US travelers outside the country should know

Trump’s full announcement on social media regarding the ceasefire:

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!

Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL.

On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, “THE 12 DAY WAR.”

This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!

DONALD J. TRUMP,

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Canada Joins with US and UK as New Travel Warning to Qatar Looms Amid Iran Striking Near Doha and Creates Chaos Globally, Latest Update on Alerts for Canadian Tourists

Canada joins with the US and UK in a dramatic move as a new travel warning to Qatar looms, shaking the confidence of international travelers. This sudden shift follows breaking reports of Iran striking near Doha, triggering a wave of uncertainty across the Gulf region. The tension is real, and it’s building fast. Now, with Canada, the US, and the UK aligned in sounding the alarm, chaos is spreading globally. Airports are on edge. Flights are being diverted. Tourists are left in limbo. The once-safe corridors through Qatar have become the latest flashpoint in a fast-deepening conflict.

Meanwhile, the latest update on alerts for Canadian tourists underscores how serious the situation is. Authorities aren’t just cautioning—they’re preparing for potential fallout.

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As Iran strikes near Doha, and Canada joins the US and UK in this urgent response, the world watches closely. Will this spark a larger disruption in global travel? Or is this just the beginning?

Iran Strikes Near Doha: Canada Warns Travelers as Middle East Conflict Reaches Qatar’s Doorstep

Travelers bound for the Middle East are now facing another crisis, as Global Affairs Canada raises its risk level for Qatar following a reported missile strike near Doha. The development came after Iran allegedly targeted the Al-Udeid Air Base, a critical U.S. military installation just southwest of Qatar’s capital, in what is now a rapidly intensifying regional conflict.

The strike is believed to be part of a broader retaliation cycle following U.S. military intervention in Iran. With debris reportedly falling near populated areas and explosions heard across Doha, Qatari air defenses responded swiftly, intercepting the attack. No casualties were reported, but the impact on regional stability and air travel is already being felt.

As the situation escalates, Canada has updated its travel guidance, advising its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in Qatar. This update adds to a mounting list of global alerts, as the region inches closer to a larger, more volatile confrontation.

US Bases Under Fire, Travel Warnings Multiply

The Al-Udeid Air Base, which houses several branches of the U.S. military’s Central Command and its strategic operations in the region, was reportedly the target of the Iranian missile. This base is not only a military nerve center—it sits near critical aviation corridors that connect Asia, the Gulf, and Europe.

With an active threat zone now within Qatar’s borders, both civilian and military air operations face heightened risk. The U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place alert shortly after the reported missile activity. That alert came just a day after a nationwide global caution was issued to American citizens, warning of possible demonstrations and rising hostility toward U.S. interests abroad.

This isn’t just a military flashpoint—it’s becoming a major disruption to one of the world’s most strategic air and travel hubs.

Qatar’s Strategic Role in Aviation Now Under Threat

Qatar, home to Hamad International Airport (DOH)—one of the busiest transit points for intercontinental travel—now finds itself at the center of a storm. Airlines rely on Doha as a critical layover hub for flights between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

As threats rise and military tensions build around the city, carriers are reassessing their routes. Travel into and over Qatar now carries not just uncertainty—but escalating geopolitical risk.

Global airlines are expected to respond, either by rerouting around Qatari airspace or adjusting schedules in and out of Doha. If the threats continue or intensify, the region’s critical role in international air traffic could begin to shrink under the weight of war.

Global Affairs Canada Expands Travel Warnings

In addition to warning travelers to exercise caution in Qatar, Canada has reaffirmed its “do not travel” advisory for Iran, citing ongoing hostilities, risk of detention, and unpredictable legal enforcement.

This reflects a broader global concern. Iran’s history of detaining foreign nationals—including dual citizens—has become a diplomatic flashpoint in times of conflict. For travelers, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly a tourist visa can become a ticket into crisis.

These warnings aren’t symbolic—they are designed to protect lives. Travelers are being urged to avoid non-essential travel, to remain vigilant, and to stay informed through official government channels.

Airspace Instability Rattles Airlines and Passengers

Following the Qatar missile incident, global aviation watchdogs like Safe Airspace have added several Gulf countries—including Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE—to their elevated risk categories. While no direct threats have yet been made against commercial aviation, proximity to military targets raises concerns of collateral impact or mistaken identity in increasingly crowded skies.

With missile debris already reported in Doha, airlines are on edge. Flight diversions, extended routes, and onboard delays are growing more common. Some carriers are reviewing their operations in the region altogether, especially for flights that would typically transit over Qatar or neighboring airspace.

The possibility of widespread delays or flight suspensions looms large as military operations escalate.

The Human Impact: Travelers Left in Limbo

For passengers, the crisis is deeply personal. Many are stranded in transit. Some are rerouted without warning. Others are making the difficult decision to cancel family reunions, business trips, or long-awaited vacations.

At airports around the Middle East—and in Western departure hubs—confusion and fear are setting in. Travelers are refreshing apps, rebooking itineraries, and calling embassies for updates. Families are watching from afar, wondering when, or if, their loved ones will return home.

The emotional toll of this conflict is not limited to the frontlines. It’s felt in airport lounges, hotel lobbies, and boarding gates around the world.

What Travelers Need to Know Right Now

In a world where global conflict now directly affects flight paths and travel security, being informed is more important than ever. For those with plans to visit the Middle East—or transit through Qatar—this is a moment to pause, evaluate, and plan with care.

Key recommendations for travelers:

Monitor official advisories from Global Affairs Canada or the U.S. State Department.

from Global Affairs Canada or the U.S. State Department. Avoid non-essential travel to Iran and high-risk regions.

to Iran and high-risk regions. Stay in contact with airlines for real-time flight changes or cancellations.

for real-time flight changes or cancellations. Consider travel insurance that includes geopolitical risk coverage.

that includes geopolitical risk coverage. Register with government traveler programs for emergency updates and contact tracing.

A Tipping Point for Regional Travel and Safety

The strike near Doha marks a dangerous turning point. What was once a distant regional crisis is now hitting globally connected travel hubs. As Qatar steps into the conflict’s shadow, its role as a transit giant and geopolitical mediator is being tested.

How governments, airlines, and travelers respond in the coming days will shape not only the region’s security—but also the global tourism outlook for the rest of 2025.

This is more than just another news update—it’s a real-time reckoning for international travel in a world that’s growing more unstable by the hour.

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Hear this story

Airlines are rerouting or canceling flights to the Middle East due to safety concerns amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and consult the State Department’s travel advisories.

If a flight is canceled, passengers are entitled to a refund, but alternative arrangements may vary depending on the airline.

Air travel across the Middle East is facing major disruptions amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran and the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Qatar closed its airspace Monday, with several other countries in the region reportedly doing so as well.

It’s not just travel to those destinations that’s impacted, but also journeys through them. Dubai, for instance, is a major global connection hub, and United Airlines is among several carriers that have temporarily suspended flights there.

“Safety of flight is paramount. That means not just the airplane, it’s the crew. It’s the passengers. It’s the cargo onboard, so all the decisions that are made are based on safety of flight,” said Robert W. Mann, Jr., an independent airline industry analyst and former airline executive who’s now president of R.W. Mann & Company. “Where you see differences in carrier assessments of safety of flight.”

Here’s what travelers flying to and through the Middle East should know.

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Live updates: Iran targets US military base in Qatar days after nuclear sites bombed

Do flights change routes?

Airlines can sometimes reroute flights.

“You obviously want to take the customer where they want to go,” Mann said. “Flying on time, reliably, is a big deal. That’s important in customer retention and, you know, customer experience, so if it involves a reroute, you try that first.”

However, rerouting has its limits.

“If you take an already long flight that transits a conflict zone and have to reroute it, you may add enough additional flight time that the equipment is not able to perform the mission nonstop,” Mann said. Additionally, he said, “There are some limitations on flying time and duty time that are both established by the regulatory agencies – FAA for U.S. carriers – and by their collective bargaining agreements, so there’s a finite limit on how much scheduled flying time is permissible.”

Above all, safety comes first.

“If it’s a pure safety of flight issue, you don’t go. Period,” Mann said. “You’ve got to simply operate such that this is never a question anybody has to raise about you or anybody else in this industry.”

Is it safe to travel abroad right now? Worldwide caution issued after US strikes on Iran

What can travelers do?

Passengers traveling into and through the Middle East should check with their airlines for the latest updates.

“It’s really just a case of keep your ears open, keep your eyes open,” Mann said. “The more informed you are, the better prepared you are and the better prepared you are, the more options you have.”

He directed travelers to the State Department’s travel advisories for additional guidance.

“They’re quite risk adverse, I mean probably more risk adverse than a lot of individuals are, but on the other hand it’s a good barometer for what they view as not only the instant risk, but the potential risk, and you have to think of things in potential terms,” he said.

The State Department already warned Americans against visiting Iran and Israel, but on Sunday issued a worldwide caution to U.S. citizens abroad, following the U.S strikes on Iran.

Travelers who are still planning their trips may consider adding travel insurance to their plans, but they should check the terms closely. SquareMouth Travel Insurance notes, “Under most travel insurance policies, war, acts of war, and political unrest are excluded from cancellation coverage, meaning any resulting claims likely will not be paid. However, travel insurance policies typically do not have specific definitions for war.”

What happens if my flight is canceled?

If a flight is cancelled, travelers are entitled to a refund, according to Transportation Department rules.

However, there may be cases when a carrier is still flying into a destination other carriers have suspended flights to, or travelers simply feel uneasy about going there. In those cases, travelers can reach out to the airline with their concerns.

“The carrier may give you credit for the value of the ticket,” Mann said. “Some cases they won’t. In other cases, they’ll do so for a fee. In other cases, I am willing to bet that they will probably say, ‘Yeah, that’s fine. No problem. Just either rebook or tell us what you want to do.’ ”

The former airline executive said carriers are not only concerned about safety but also about keeping customers’ business.

Israel Iran War Updates: Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait shut airspace amid Iran’s attack on US military base

By CNBCTV18.COM | Jun 24, 2025 12:51 AM IST (Updated)

Israel Iran War Updates: Israel expanded its offensive against Iran by striking symbolic targets in Tehran, including Evin prison and military offices. While Israel denied aiming for regime change, escalating hostilities drew global attention, especially after Donald Trump’s controversial comments. Iran retaliated with missile strikes as tensions continued to rise on both fronts. Iran also launched missile attacks on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the volatile region.

Israel Iran War Updates: Airlines were placed on fresh alert late Monday after Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait temporarily closed their airspace as Iran launched an attack on the Al Udeid U.S. military base in Doha, marking the latest disruption to air travel in the Middle East.

Israel on Monday expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country’s struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests.

As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear programme.

On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked “regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran,” but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran’s government, their archenemy since the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Israeli military warned Iranians that it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over “the coming days” as its focus has shifted to symbolic targets as well. The military issued the warning on the social platform X, though Iranians are struggling to access the outside world as an internet shutdown has crippled the country.

The latest strikes came only hours after President Donald Trump openly raised the possibility himself after just a day earlier inserting America into the war with its unprecedented stealth bomber strike on three Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran also launched missile attacks on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the volatile region.

The US confirmed the air base in Qatar was targeted by a missile attack from Iran and said no casualties were reported.

Shortly after the attack, the Gulf nation of Bahrain that is home to the US 5th Fleet headquarters temporarily suspended flights in its airspace, which is similar to what Qatar did shortly before it was hit.