Amid regional conflicts and the partial reopening of Iranian airspace, the U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran is urging all American citizens to depart the country.
This recommendation follows a recently established ceasefire between Iran and Israel, intended to resolve the nearly two-week conflict.
In an advisory dated June 26, 2025, the embassy stated: “While Iran’s airspace has partially reopened, travel for business from Tehran and other major cities may still face disruptions. U.S. citizens should monitor local news and consult with airlines for the latest flight information.”
The embassy advises that if safe conditions allow, American citizens seeking to leave Iran should consider traveling overland to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, or Turkmenistan.
The embassy has created a crisis information form for American citizens in Iran to provide data relevant to potential consular assistance. However, the embassy clarifies that due to limitations on consular support within Iran, direct U.S. government assistance with departures is unlikely.
U.S. citizens intending to leave Iran should utilize all available resources to facilitate their departure.
The embassy strongly encourages Americans wishing to leave Iran to proactively develop independent departure plans, maintain charged mobile phones for communication, share their situation with loved ones, create emergency plans, and register with the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for easier location in emergencies abroad.
Americans unable to leave Iran are advised to seek secure shelter in their residences or other safe buildings, stocking up on essential supplies like food, water, and medicine.
The embassy notes that mobile internet and phone line access may be intermittently restricted and advises U.S. citizens to anticipate potential communication disruptions and establish alternative communication methods.
The embassy cautions that “American-Iranian dual citizens must use their Iranian passports to exit Iran and should expect scrutiny and questioning by Iranian authorities at checkpoints. The Iranian government does not recognize dual citizenship and will treat American-Iranian dual citizens solely as Iranian citizens. U.S. nationals in Iran face a significant risk of interrogation, arrest, and detention. Possessing a U.S. passport or any indication of a connection to the United States can be grounds for arrest by Iranian authorities.”
The advisory further states that “U.S. passports may be confiscated in Iran. American-Iranian dual citizens should ensure their Iranian passports contain the necessary visas for transit countries on their return journey to the United States, allowing them to use their Iranian passport within Iran should their U.S. passport be confiscated. They can then apply for a new U.S. passport in a transit country.”
U.S. citizens residing in Iran with permanent residency visas, regardless of their length of stay, must obtain an exit permit before leaving the country. The embassy also reminds that all Iranian passport holders are required to pay exit fees.
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