Travel

13
Jan 2026
7:49 UTC

Iran Alert: US authorities urge US nationals to depart Iran in January 13 security alert; avoid all travel to Iran, adhere to authorities’ instructions

Current Situation:

  • On January 13, the US Virtual Embassy in Iran issued a security alert urging US nationals in the country to consider leaving by land through Armenia or Turkey due to ongoing violent protests.
  • Authorities stated that as of January 12, the Armenian (Agarak/Norduz) and Turkish (Gurbulak/Bazargan, Kapikoy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow) land border crossings with Iran remain open for US citizens seeking to depart Iran.
  • Further details regarding the departure of US nationals and US-Iranian dual nationals can be accessed here. US-Iranian dual nationals have been asked to depart using their Iranian passports and refrain from using US passports due to the risk of arbitrary detention.
  • Authorities further stated that land border crossing between Iran and Turkmenistan also remain open, but US nationals are required to obtain special authorization from the government of Turkmenistan before approaching the border. Similarly, entry into Azerbaijan from Iran has been restricted for US nationals during periods of heightened tensions.
  • The advisory has also asked for US nationals to refrain from travel through Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.
  • The Embassy stated that US nationals using these routes are not guaranteed safety by the US government and should depart only if they believe it is safe.
  • In case it is not possible to depart the country, authorities advises US nationals to find a secure location and ensure supply of essentials, including food, water, and medications.
  • They further stated that US citizens should expect continued internet outages and plan for alternative means of communication.
  • Additionally, an unconfirmed report claimed on January 13 that non-essential French diplomatic staff have departed Iran via commercial flights.
  • Data from a flight-tracking platform indicates that several flights operations to and from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) remain suspended as of January 13.

Source: US Virtual Embassy in Iran ; Le Figaro

Recommendations:

  1. Avoid all travel to Iran at the current juncture given the nationwide protests, unrest, and risk of arbitrary detention.
  2. Remain cognizant of authorities’ updates and adhere to authorities’ instructions.
  3. Foreign nationals operating in Iran are advised to leave the country at the current juncture due to the protest activity and elevated risk of detention. For any essential travel, maintain a low profile and avoid any public support for the protesters, including on social media, due to the heightened risk of arbitrary arrest and detention by Iranian authorities.
  4. Avoid all travel to hotspots of protest activity due to the elevated risk of violence and arbitrary arrests and refrain from discussing protest activity in conversations and on social media.
  5. Allot for disruptions to business continuity over the coming days as authorities may impose internet shutdowns to curb protest activity.
  6. Monitor the situation and update business contingency plans taking into account scenarios such as the expansion of nationwide unrest and armed conflict involving Israel and/or the US.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Extreme
AFFECTED AREA Nationwide; Iran
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Extreme
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed

Current Situation:

  • On January 13, the US Virtual Embassy in Iran issued a security alert urging US nationals in the country to consider leaving by land through Armenia or Turkey due to ongoing violent protests.
  • Authorities stated that as of January 12, the Armenian (Agarak/Norduz) and Turkish (Gurbulak/Bazargan, Kapikoy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow) land border crossings with Iran remain open for US citizens seeking to depart Iran.
  • Further details regarding the departure of US nationals and US-Iranian dual nationals can be accessed here. US-Iranian dual nationals have been asked to depart using their Iranian passports and refrain from using US passports due to the risk of arbitrary detention.
  • Authorities further stated that land border crossing between Iran and Turkmenistan also remain open, but US nationals are required to obtain special authorization from the government of Turkmenistan before approaching the border. Similarly, entry into Azerbaijan from Iran has been restricted for US nationals during periods of heightened tensions.
  • The advisory has also asked for US nationals to refrain from travel through Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran border area.
  • The Embassy stated that US nationals using these routes are not guaranteed safety by the US government and should depart only if they believe it is safe.
  • In case it is not possible to depart the country, authorities advises US nationals to find a secure location and ensure supply of essentials, including food, water, and medications.
  • They further stated that US citizens should expect continued internet outages and plan for alternative means of communication.
  • Additionally, an unconfirmed report claimed on January 13 that non-essential French diplomatic staff have departed Iran via commercial flights.
  • Data from a flight-tracking platform indicates that several flights operations to and from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) remain suspended as of January 13.

Source: US Virtual Embassy in Iran ; Le Figaro

Recommendations:

  1. Avoid all travel to Iran at the current juncture given the nationwide protests, unrest, and risk of arbitrary detention.
  2. Remain cognizant of authorities’ updates and adhere to authorities’ instructions.
  3. Foreign nationals operating in Iran are advised to leave the country at the current juncture due to the protest activity and elevated risk of detention. For any essential travel, maintain a low profile and avoid any public support for the protesters, including on social media, due to the heightened risk of arbitrary arrest and detention by Iranian authorities.
  4. Avoid all travel to hotspots of protest activity due to the elevated risk of violence and arbitrary arrests and refrain from discussing protest activity in conversations and on social media.
  5. Allot for disruptions to business continuity over the coming days as authorities may impose internet shutdowns to curb protest activity.
  6. Monitor the situation and update business contingency plans taking into account scenarios such as the expansion of nationwide unrest and armed conflict involving Israel and/or the US.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Extreme
AFFECTED AREA Nationwide; Iran
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Extreme
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Confirmed

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