Location: Iran

Event

Updated information on Iranian border crossings:  There may be new restrictions, requirements, or possible “exit fees” for travelers leaving Iran via land borders.

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.

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.

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 restrict, prevent, or charge an “exit fee” for 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 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