On June 22, the US State Department issued a rare “Worldwide Caution” security alert, urging American citizens abroad to “exercise increased caution” in the wake of escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The advisory came just one day after the US launched airstrikes on three nuclear facility locations in Iran. It signals that the government thinks there could be heightened risks for Americans traveling abroad everywhere in the world, but it doesn’t mean there are any specific or immediate threats to traveler safety.
Here's What the State Department's New 'Worldwide Caution' Warning Really Means
The State Department uses a four-tier travel advisory system, and the language “exercise increased caution” is the same as the language on the State Department’s Level 2 country-specific warnings. However, it doesn’t mean that every country is now at a Level 2 warning, and some countries, like Switzerland and Canada, are still very safe Level 1s.
The warning means travelers should be slightly more cautious no matter where they go, but there’s no specific risk. It’s a very broad warning, far removed from the more severe Level 4 advisories (or “Do not travel” warnings) currently in place for some countries. The alert cites the increased potential for demonstrations and anti-US sentiment in all countries due to unrest in the Middle East, including possible protests, boycotts, and a general sentiment against Americans.
Will the conflict impact travel?
In short, probably, but the extent remains unseen. The reason cited for the warning is the growing conflict between Israel and Iran. It’s led to airspace closures, and major carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, and Air France have rerouted or canceled flights to and through the Middle East. It’s particularly impacting major hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv. It may mean travelers encounter longer flight times, longer layovers, or more last-minute changes and reroutes. This is especially true for many US-based carriers’ flights to destinations in Africa, which often route through the Middle East.
Why the State Department issues travel advisories
The State Department’s travel advisories are issued to keep citizens apprised of risks they may encounter when traveling abroad, ranging from crime and civil unrest to terrorism, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. Level 1 indicates normal/minimal risk, while Level 4 is considered “Do Not Travel” and implies life-threatening danger. Level 4 countries are often places where the US government doesn’t have an embassy or significant presence, meaning if something does go wrong, assistance will be very limited. The State Department reviews its advisories usually on an annual basis, or every six months or so for Level 3 and 4 countries.
What should travelers do differently?
For now, there’s no need to change travel plans, unless you’re routing through the Middle East. If you are visiting or traveling through the Middle East, you may want to double check that your plans won’t be impacted by safety concerns. Beyond that, the State Department advises travelers to:
- Monitor the State Department’s country-specific advisories and security alerts before and during travel.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that provides real-time alerts and allows the local embassy to contact you if necessary. This is especially useful for travel to Level 3 and 4 countries.
- Avoid attending demonstrations and be extra aware of your surroundings in areas with heightened anti-US sentiment. The “Worldwide Caution” warning suggests that this could now include any country, though it’s especially relevant to countries such as Türkiye, which borders Iran.
- Prepare contingency plans for sudden changes, including airspace closures, and plan to be flexible as needed with travel.
Country-specific risks and evacuation guidance
While the “Worldwide Caution” is global in scope, each country also has its own detailed advisory. US citizens are advised not to travel to the highest-level countries (Level 4), and in some of those countries, the US has begun evacuating its citizens.
As of late June 2025, that list includes Israel and Lebanon, as well as Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. 