Protests against US bombing of Iran erupt from New York to Paris
Protests against the U.S. strikes on Iran erupted worldwide, from Paris to the White House in Washington, D.C.
- Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, tensions escalate between the two nations and their allies.
- The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide cautionary advisory for U.S. citizens abroad.
- President Trump’s travel ban remains in effect, with potential expansion to more countries.
- The State Department uses a four-level travel advisory system to inform citizens of risks abroad.
Tensions are continuing to rise after President Donald Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
In the days following the strikes, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide cautionary advisory for U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased vigilance amid the ongoing Israel-Iran war.
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution. Please read carefully our Travel Advisory, country information, and any recent security alerts when planning travel,” the alert reads.
What is going on with Iran and the US?
USA TODAY reported that the United States joined Israel’s war with Iran after Trump ordered airstrikes on three nuclear targets at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. No U.S. personnel were injured in the operation, which struck Iran a little after midnight on June 22 local time.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump said in a live address on June 21, threatening further U.S. strikes if Iran failed to accept a diplomatic solution.
He added that the U.S. military could go after other targets in Iran if the country did not agree to peace.
Iran said it reserves all options to defend itself, and warned of “everlasting consequences.” Speaking in Istanbul, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran was weighing its options for retaliation and would consider diplomacy only after carrying out its response.
Is Trump’s initial travel ban still in effect?
Yes, and more countries could be added soon. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation earlier this month blocking the entry of foreign nationals from 12 countries into the United States, citing “national security risks” posed by citizens of the targeted nations.
Additionally, Trump partially restricted the entry of foreign nationals from seven other nations.
According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration is now considering expanding its travel ban to include 36 additional countries. A diplomatic cable sent by the State Department on June 15 asked the countries to “take action within 60 days to address the U.S. concerns or risk being added to the current travel ban, which now includes 12 nations.”
Of the 36 new countries targeted, AP reports that 25 are in Africa.
All 12 countries under Trump’s travel ban
- Afghanistan
- Chad
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Myanmar
- Republic of Congo
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
All seven countries are under a partial travel suspension
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
What is a travel advisory? How is it different from a ban?
The U.S. Department of State says its travel advisories are reports that describe the risks and recommend precautions for U.S. citizens. There are four warning levels.
A travel ban is a legal restriction that prevents or severely limits travel. Trump’s ban only prohibits or suspends travel into the U.S. for foreign nationals.
As of June 2025, 22 countries are considered Level 3 and 22 are deemed Level 4. Some of these countries will also be on Trump’s ban list.
There are four levels of travel warnings. Here’s what they mean
- Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions: This is the lowest safety and security risk advisory level. There are some risks in international travel.
- Level 2 – Exercise increased caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.
- Level 3 – Reconsider travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security.
- Level 4 – Do not travel: This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.
To see all the countries under travel advisories, click here.
Which countries have a Level 3 travel warning?
- Bangladesh
- Burundi
- Chad
- Colombia
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Guatemala
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Macau
- Mauritania
- New Caledonia
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Uganda
Which countries have a Level 4 travel warning?
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Burkina Faso
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Central African Republic
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mali
- North Korea
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Israel, Gaza, and Mexico have specific advisories. What are they?
As of Jan. 17, the U.S. does not recommend citizens travel to Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest and armed conflict.
For Mexico, U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on government employee travel.
“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”
The U.S. recommends exercising usual caution only in Yucatan State and Campeche State. For other parts of Mexico, review all the traveling recommendations.
How often are the US travel advisories updated?
According to the department’s website, its advisories are updated:
- Levels 1 and 2: Every 12 months.
- Levels 3 and 4: At least every 6 months
Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips before you go:
The U.S. State Department recommends that citizens sign up for the department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and plan emergency contingency plans.
As for general safety tips, author Christopher Elliot shared his tips with USA TODAY back in 2023 for travelers before they head out on their vacation:
- Research your destination carefully. Plan your itinerary to avoid any dangerous places and activities.
- Ensure all your routine and travel vaccinations are current, especially if you’re traveling abroad.
- Buy adequate travel insurance and a medical evacuation membership like Medjet or Global Rescue.
- Have a plan B in case something goes wrong. Plan a list of emergency contacts and discuss the game plan with your travel companions.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
