US issues worldwide alert
The US State Department issued a new worldwide security alert urging Americans to exercise increased caution abroad — especially in the Middle East — and several US states (Tennessee, New Jersey, Utah, Vermont, Montana, California, Arizona) have issued “Do Not Travel” warnings in response. (dailyvoice.com) (travelandtourworld.com)
The Department of State published a Worldwide Caution security alert on March 22, 2026, posting the notice on multiple U.S. embassy websites to advise Americans abroad of elevated risks. (jo.usembassy.gov) The alert specifically cites periodic airspace closures, reports that U.S. diplomatic facilities have been targeted outside the Middle East, and warns that groups supportive of Iran may target U.S. persons and interests overseas. (osac.gov) Earlier in March the State Department ordered non‑emergency U.S. government employees and family members to depart the United Arab Emirates (order issued March 2, 2026), and updated travel advisories for other posts as the situation evolved through mid‑March. (travel.state.gov) The alert directs Americans to follow local guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and provides consular assistance phone lines including +1‑202‑501‑4444 (from abroad) and +1‑888‑407‑4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). (sa.usembassy.gov) U.S. travel advisory levels have been revised across the region in recent weeks, with public compilations noting multiple Level‑4 “Do Not Travel” warnings and some outlets reporting up to 21 countries at the highest advisory level during the escalation. (travelusaguide.com) Regional and travel‑industry outlets report that several U.S. state governments and officials issued their own travel warnings or guidance in response to the State Department notices, and at least one governor’s office publicly urged residents to enroll in STEP and use federal consular resources. (travelandtourworld.com)
