As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, nations are advising their citizens to return home, but closed airspaces and limited evacuation options complicate the situation.
Countries Urge Citizens to Leave Israel and Iran Amid Rising Conflict
Countries Urge Citizens to Leave Israel and Iran Amid Rising Conflict
Travel advisories issued as airspaces close and evacuation options dwindle for foreigners.
June 17, 2025, 7:14 a.m. ET
In response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, multiple countries have issued strong travel advisories, urging their citizens in both nations to return home. The situation has intensified as Iran has closed its airspace, while Israel has shuttered its main airport and restricted civilian air traffic, leaving limited options for foreign nationals to leave.
The United States has raised its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4—“Do Not Travel”—the highest warning level, indicating extreme risk. The U.S. Embassy has stated that it cannot facilitate the evacuation of American citizens, although it has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency staff and their families. Additionally, U.S. citizens have been advised against traveling to Iran since March.
China is actively evacuating its citizens from both countries to neighboring territories, as confirmed by a spokesman from Beijing's Foreign Ministry. Chinese embassies have initiated emergency consular support, urging both Iran and Israel to safeguard their nationals. Chinese citizens in Israel are recommended to leave via land border crossings into Jordan.
South Korea's government has advised its nationals to exit Iran immediately, following previous advisements against travel to either country. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has encouraged British citizens in Israel to register with the Foreign Office for updates and support. The UK government recommends avoiding travel to Israel and Iran and can provide limited consular assistance.
Russia’s ambassador to Israel has similarly recommended that Russian nationals evacuate until stability returns. Reports suggest that Moscow has already facilitated the evacuation of some citizens from Iran and has paused activities at its consulate in Tehran.
With airspace closures and limited evacuation strategies, multiple nations are under pressure to ensure the safety of their citizens amidst rising tensions in the region.
In response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, multiple countries have issued strong travel advisories, urging their citizens in both nations to return home. The situation has intensified as Iran has closed its airspace, while Israel has shuttered its main airport and restricted civilian air traffic, leaving limited options for foreign nationals to leave.
The United States has raised its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4—“Do Not Travel”—the highest warning level, indicating extreme risk. The U.S. Embassy has stated that it cannot facilitate the evacuation of American citizens, although it has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency staff and their families. Additionally, U.S. citizens have been advised against traveling to Iran since March.
China is actively evacuating its citizens from both countries to neighboring territories, as confirmed by a spokesman from Beijing's Foreign Ministry. Chinese embassies have initiated emergency consular support, urging both Iran and Israel to safeguard their nationals. Chinese citizens in Israel are recommended to leave via land border crossings into Jordan.
South Korea's government has advised its nationals to exit Iran immediately, following previous advisements against travel to either country. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has encouraged British citizens in Israel to register with the Foreign Office for updates and support. The UK government recommends avoiding travel to Israel and Iran and can provide limited consular assistance.
Russia’s ambassador to Israel has similarly recommended that Russian nationals evacuate until stability returns. Reports suggest that Moscow has already facilitated the evacuation of some citizens from Iran and has paused activities at its consulate in Tehran.
With airspace closures and limited evacuation strategies, multiple nations are under pressure to ensure the safety of their citizens amidst rising tensions in the region.
