US State Department Warns Americans Against Travel to 13 Countries Amid Houthi Threats

The U.S. State Department has issued updated travel advisories for 13 Middle Eastern countries, warning Americans to reconsider travel due to security threats posed by Iranian-backed Houthi forces. The advisories were updated on Friday, with five nations—Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen—placed under the highest advisory level, Level 4, advising against any travel.

Eight other countries, including Israel, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, are designated Level 3, urging travelers to reconsider their plans. These updates follow recent attacks by the Houthis, including strikes on Saudi Arabia’s airport in Riyadh and other critical infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties and significant travel disruptions.

The State Department noted that these hostilities "have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area." Additional risks for Americans traveling to the region include health concerns in Iraq and Yemen, as well as the potential for kidnapping and hostage-taking in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

Civil unrest is also cited as a risk in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. The department encourages U.S. citizens traveling to these nations to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely security alerts and updates from U.S. embassies. Travelers are also advised to monitor local news, prepare contingency plans for sheltering in place if conditions deteriorate, and establish an emergency departure strategy independent of U.S. government assistance.

These updated warnings come as the State Department has issued several other recent travel alerts, including an increase in the advisory level for Kenya to Level 3 due to health risks, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism, and a warning for Americans traveling to China regarding risks of wrongful detention and surveillance.