The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran has issued a fresh warning to American citizens, repeating earlier guidance to leave the country “now” and to prepare “alternative means of communication” that do not rely on the internet.
Americans were first advised to depart Iran in January amid widespread unrest and anti-regime demonstrations that left thousands dead. The new alert, released Friday, warns that internet shutdowns could continue and that travel disruptions may intensify.
“U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Türkiye,” the notice states.
It also adds: “Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help.”
Why It Matters
The updated alert comes as Washington and Tehran prepare to restart nuclear talks in Oman—an especially sensitive diplomatic moment that underscores the risks facing Americans still inside Iran.
The State Department continues to list Iran under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, citing the threat of arbitrary detention and the limited ability to provide consular services in the country.
What To Know
In its Friday notice, the U.S. Virtual Embassy Tehran said Americans should be prepared for heightened security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and ongoing internet blockages across Iran. It also noted that airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from the country and urged U.S. citizens to leave while routes remain available.
The advisory included specific border and entry updates:
- Armenia: As of Thursday, February 5, the Agarak/Norduz crossing was open. The alert said U.S. citizens can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days visa-free with a valid U.S. passport.
- Türkiye: The alert said Turkish land crossings with Iran—Gürbulak/Bazargan, Kapıköy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow—were open. U.S. citizens may stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days visa-free with a valid U.S. passport.
- Turkmenistan: Land borders were described as open, but the notice warned that U.S. citizens need advance authorization from Turkmen authorities, coordinated through the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, before approaching the border.
- Azerbaijan: Land borders were said to be closed to routine traffic. Any entry request would require prior approval facilitated by the U.S. Embassy in Baku, with extended wait times expected.
The warning also emphasized that U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must depart using Iranian passports, since Iran does not recognize dual citizenship and will treat dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens.
The notice said U.S. nationals face a significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention, and that displaying a U.S. passport—or even having visible connections to the United States—can be sufficient grounds for detention by Iranian authorities.
Americans were further advised not to travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border region, and were reminded that the Swiss Embassy in Tehran serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran.
Friday’s advisory follows a January 13 notice urging Americans to leave Iran amid escalating protests, flight suspensions, and severe communication restrictions.
The United States has only a virtual embassy presence in Iran because Washington and Tehran do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. The U.S. Embassy in Tehran closed after the 1979 Iranian Revolution and subsequent hostage crisis, and the “virtual embassy” exists to share guidance in the absence of a physical diplomatic mission.
What Happens Next
Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain elevated amid a large U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier group in the Persian Gulf. This follows last month’s deadly unrest in Iran, in which thousands of protesters were killed, and renewed warnings from President Donald Trump that Tehran could face military action if the death toll continues to rise.
Trump has also threatened to strike Iran if the Oman talks fail to produce a deal.
