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Security Alert: Iran Security Alert – Shelter-In-Place and Departure Options (March 2, 2026)
By Virtual Embassy Tehran
10 MINUTE READ
March 2, 2026
Location: Iran, countrywide
Event: Americans should use the following information to make personal safety and security decisions. Due to ongoing military operations, Americans are advised to shelter-in-place. If safe to do so, Americans should leave Iran now by land.
Actions to Take:
If You Plan to Leave Iran:
Be aware the Iranian government may restrict or prevent departures from Iran. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran. Showing a U.S. passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone. U.S. citizens who do not have a valid U.S. passport in their possession should apply for one at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate after departing Iran.
The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to depart using the following options. You should exercise them only if you believe it is safe to do so.
As of Monday, March 2:
The Armenian land border at Agarak/Norduz is open. U.S. citizens entering Armenia from Iran need a valid U.S. passport and may stay for up to 180 days visa-free. U.S. dual-nationals who plan to enter Armenia on an American, Iranian or Armenian passport do not require advance approval.
The Turkish land border crossings with Iran are open (Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow) for entry by Turkish and third country nationals. U.S. citizens entering Türkiye from Iran need a valid U.S. passport and may stay for up to 90 days visa-free. As of March 2, an Iranian passport is not sufficient to enter Türkiye by land. U.S. citizens who plan to enter Türkiye on an American or Turkish passport should send the following information to Ankara-ACS@State.gov at least one business day in advance:
Turkmenistan’s land border crossings are closed – with the exception of Sarakhs – but U.S. citizens need special authorization from the Government of Turkmenistan before approaching the border. U.S. Embassy Ashgabat must facilitate this approval. U.S. citizens who plan to request entry into Turkmenistan should send the following to the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat American Citizens Services Unit at AshgabatUScitizen@state.gov:
Azerbaijan’s land borders are closed to routine traffic. U.S. citizens with an urgent need to depart Iran should first consider other available options for departure. If alternate routes are not feasible, U.S. citizens may request entry into Azerbaijan; however, this requires prior approval from the Government of Azerbaijan. U.S. Embassy Baku must facilitate this approval process, and extended wait times should be expected. U.S. citizens who plan to request entry into Azerbaijan should send the following to the U.S. Embassy Baku American Citizens Services Unit at BakuACS@state.gov.
U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.
U.S. citizens in Iran in need of help should contact the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland by email at BernACS@state.gov or phone at +41-31-357-7011. The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran.
The Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section in Tehran remains operational but is limited in its ability to reply to emails or receive phone calls due to the current Internet outage and security situation in Iran.
If you require additional assistance contact:
For all inquiries, please include the following information for each affected U.S. citizen in your email:
By Virtual Embassy Tehran
10 MINUTE READ
March 2, 2026
Location: Iran, countrywide
Event: Americans should use the following information to make personal safety and security decisions. Due to ongoing military operations, Americans are advised to shelter-in-place. If safe to do so, Americans should leave Iran now by land.
Actions to Take:
- If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
- Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help.
- Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest updates on security in Iran.
- Receive alerts from the U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran via WhatsApp .
If You Plan to Leave Iran:
Be aware the Iranian government may restrict or prevent departures from Iran. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. The Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality and will treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran. Showing a U.S. passport or demonstrating connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone. U.S. citizens who do not have a valid U.S. passport in their possession should apply for one at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate after departing Iran.
The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to depart using the following options. You should exercise them only if you believe it is safe to do so.
As of Monday, March 2:
The Armenian land border at Agarak/Norduz is open. U.S. citizens entering Armenia from Iran need a valid U.S. passport and may stay for up to 180 days visa-free. U.S. dual-nationals who plan to enter Armenia on an American, Iranian or Armenian passport do not require advance approval.
The Turkish land border crossings with Iran are open (Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow) for entry by Turkish and third country nationals. U.S. citizens entering Türkiye from Iran need a valid U.S. passport and may stay for up to 90 days visa-free. As of March 2, an Iranian passport is not sufficient to enter Türkiye by land. U.S. citizens who plan to enter Türkiye on an American or Turkish passport should send the following information to Ankara-ACS@State.gov at least one business day in advance:
- Name, date of birth, passport information (number and dates of issue/expiration), border crossing, and photograph of the passport biodata page
Turkmenistan’s land border crossings are closed – with the exception of Sarakhs – but U.S. citizens need special authorization from the Government of Turkmenistan before approaching the border. U.S. Embassy Ashgabat must facilitate this approval. U.S. citizens who plan to request entry into Turkmenistan should send the following to the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat American Citizens Services Unit at AshgabatUScitizen@state.gov:
- Name, date of birth, passport information (number and dates of issue/expiration), border crossing, and photograph of the passport biodata page
Azerbaijan’s land borders are closed to routine traffic. U.S. citizens with an urgent need to depart Iran should first consider other available options for departure. If alternate routes are not feasible, U.S. citizens may request entry into Azerbaijan; however, this requires prior approval from the Government of Azerbaijan. U.S. Embassy Baku must facilitate this approval process, and extended wait times should be expected. U.S. citizens who plan to request entry into Azerbaijan should send the following to the U.S. Embassy Baku American Citizens Services Unit at BakuACS@state.gov.
- Name, date of birth, passport information (number and dates of issue/expiration), border crossing, and photograph of the passport biodata page
U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.
U.S. citizens in Iran in need of help should contact the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland by email at BernACS@state.gov or phone at +41-31-357-7011. The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran.
The Embassy of Switzerland’s Foreign Interests Section in Tehran remains operational but is limited in its ability to reply to emails or receive phone calls due to the current Internet outage and security situation in Iran.
If you require additional assistance contact:
- U.S. Embassy Yerevan American Citizens Services Unit: ACSYerevan@state.gov
- U.S. Embassy Ankara American Citizens Services Unit: Ankara-ACS@state.gov
- U.S. Embassy Ashgabat American Citizens Services Unit: AshgabatUScitizen@state.gov
- U.S. Embassy Baku American Citizens Services Unit: BakuACS@state.gov
For all inquiries, please include the following information for each affected U.S. citizen in your email:
- First and middle name(s)
- Last name
- Place of birth
- Date of birth
- U.S. passport number
- Contact telephone number
- Email address
- Last known location
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