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Iran - US Virtual Embassy Security Alert Updated March 24, 2026

Pathfinder

Pathfinder

Editor, Senior Moderator
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 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:
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
​
https://ir.usembassy.gov/security-a...-in-place-and-departure-options-march-2-2026/
 
Security Alert – Iran – March 9, 2026 – Update 1

By Virtual Embassy Tehran
11 MINUTE READ
March 9, 2026

Location: Iran, countrywide



Event



There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the entire Department of State.



We are working on additional options to assist Americans to depart the Middle East. Please continue to check your email for additional information or last-minute changes. We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to providing timely information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy. Your well-being remains our foremost concern.



U.S. citizens in Iran can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.



If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, Americans should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.



Options to Depart



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.



Commercial flights are currently not operating out of Iran. The following land routes are open, but U.S. citizens should be aware of the following:



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. Taxis are available from Agarak to surrounding cities and to Yerevan.



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 U.S. passport valid for at least 60 days beyond their intended date of departure from Türkiye and may stay for up to 90 days visa-free. 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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing


Turkmenistan’s land border crossings are open, though 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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing


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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing


U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.



Shelter in Place

If you do not depart Iran, we recommend all Americans in Iran shelter in place until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.



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.



Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .

Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .



Actions to Take
  • Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
  • Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
  • In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
  • Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
  • Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.


Assistance
​
https://ir.usembassy.gov/security-alert-iran-march-9-2026-update-1/
 
Security Alert: Iran – March 10, 2026 – Update 2

By Virtual Embassy Tehran

13 MINUTE READ
March 10, 2026

Location: Iran, countrywide

Event

There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the entire Department of State.

We are working on additional options to assist Americans to depart the Middle East. Please continue to review Department of State guidance for additional information or last-minute changes. We are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to providing timely information and assistance to U.S. citizens in the affected area. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy. Your well-being remains our foremost concern.

We will continue to share up-to-the-minute information you need to make informed decisions about your safety. The U.S. government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available.

U.S. citizens in Iran can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.

If you choose to not take advantage of departure options available, Americans should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.

Options to Depart

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.

Commercial flights are currently not operating out of Iran. The following land routes are open, but U.S. citizens should be aware of the following:

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. Taxis are available from Agarak to surrounding cities and to Yerevan.

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 U.S. passport valid for at least 60 days beyond their intended date of departure from Türkiye and may stay for up to 90 days visa-free. Read the Turkey Travel Advisory and be aware the area of Türkiye near the Iran border is designated Level 4 – Do Not Travel. U.S. citizens who plan to enter Türkiye from Iran via land border crossing 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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing
Turkish and third country nationals. U.S. citizens entering Türkiye from Iran need a U.S. passport valid for at least 60 days beyond their intended date of departure from Türkiye and may stay for up to 90 days visa-free. Read the Turkey Travel Advisory and be aware the area of Türkiye near the Iran border is designated Level 4 – Do Not Travel. On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Consulate General Adana due to the safety risks. U.S. citizens who plan to enter Türkiye from Iran via land border crossing 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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing
Turkmenistan’s land border crossings are open, though 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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing
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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing
U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.

Shelter in Place

If you do not depart Iran, we recommend all Americans in Iran shelter in place until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.

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.

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .

Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .

Actions to Take
  • Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
  • Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
  • In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
  • Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
  • Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance
​https://ir.usembassy.gov/security-alert-iran-march-10-2026-update-2/
 
U.S. Virtual Embassy Iran - security alert – Iran – March 24, 2026

By VIRTUAL EMBASSY TEHRAN​

Location: Iran

Event

There are no changes to the options to depart, shelter in place, or protecting power operations sections.

We are monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely and will keep you updated so you can make decisions about your safety. If you want to leave the Middle East, the U.S. government is ready to assist by providing you the latest information about the departure options available. President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and the Department of State have no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens. New or updated information below is indicated in bold.

Please continue to review Department of State guidance for additional information or last-minute changes.

If you choose not to take advantage of available departure options, including commercial options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items. We urge all Americans to remain vigilant and review the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Options to Depart

U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.

Be aware the Iranian government may prevent U.S. citizens from departing or charge an “exit fee” for departures from Iran. U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports. Iranian police and security personnel may operate roadside checkpoints using unmarked vehicles such as taxis. 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.

Commercial flights are currently not operating out of Iran. The following land routes are open, but U.S. citizens should be aware of the following:

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 a U.S., Iranian, or Armenian passport do not require advanced approval. Taxis are available from Agarak to surrounding cities and to Yerevan.

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 U.S. passport valid for at least 60 days beyond their intended date of departure from Türkiye and may stay for up to 90 days visa-free. Read the Turkey Travel Advisory and be aware the area of Türkiye near the Iran border is designated Level 4 – Do Not Travel. U.S. citizens who plan to enter Türkiye from Iran via land border crossing 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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing
Turkmenistan’s land border crossings are open, though 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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing
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), photograph of the passport biodata page, name of the intended border crossing, and the anticipated date of crossing
Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams .

Be careful of anyone asking for money. If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help .

Shelter in Place

If you do not depart Iran, we recommend all Americans in Iran shelter in place until further notice. To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows.   

Protecting Power Operations

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. 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 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 is temporarily closed due to the security situation in Iran until further notice.

Actions to Take
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
  • Maintain communication with family and friends to inform them of your status.
  • Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.
  • In case of an attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor news outlets for official guidance.
  • Avoid protests and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Pay close attention to communications from local officials.
  • Follow the “U.S. Citizen Consular Information: Iran ” channel on WhatsApp for the latest security alerts.
  • Keep your cell phone charged and pre-programmed with the following emergency numbers.
Assistance 
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
​https://ir.usembassy.gov/security-alert-iran-march-24-2026/
 
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