Resources for U.S. Citizens & Visa Applications Impacted by Conflicts in the Middle East
AILA Practice Pointer: Resources for U.S. Citizens & Consular Updates for NIV/IV Processing Impacted by the Conflicts in the Middle East (June 17, 2025)
AILA’s Department of State (DOS) Liaison Committee provides the following resource to help members understand the current state of consular operations and U.S. Citizen Services for individuals impacted by the current crisis in the Middle East. Due to the fluid and dynamic nature of these events, please check U.S. Embassy and official government websites for the most up-to-date information.
Iraq: On June 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Iraq due to “heightened regional tensions.”
For updates on current status of consular services, access the U.S. Embassy in Iraq website at https://iq.usembassy.gov/
Israel: On June 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government employees from Israel due to “the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.” The United States does not have diplomatic relations with the West Bank separately from Israel. Additionally, the United States does not have diplomatic relations with Gaza, as the U.S. government has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.
For updates on current status of consular services, access the U.S. Embassy in Israel website at https://il.usembassy.gov/
For updates on Department of State advice to U.S. citizens regarding Gaza and the West Bank, access the U.S. Embassy in Israel website at https://il.usembassy.gov/
Iran: The United States has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since April 7, 1980, following the seizure by student militants of the U.S. embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. Switzerland currently serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran. On June 15, 2025, the State Department advised that U.S. citizens should not travel to Iran for any reason and should depart Iran immediately if they are there.
For updates on the Department of State advice to U.S. citizens regarding Iran, access the Virtual U.S. Embassy for Iran at https://ir.usembassy.gov/
General Advice for U.S. Citizens
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
Receive alerts from the U.S. Department of state’s Bureau of Consular Affairs via WhatsApp.
Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X.
Monitor local media for information.
Contact information for U.S. Consular Services in Iraq
Immigrant visa applications: BaghdadIV@state.gov
Non-immigrant visa applications: BaghdadNIV@state.gov
American Citizen Services BaghdadACS@state.gov
U.S. Embassy Baghdad
Al-Kindi Street
International Zone
Baghdad, Iraq
Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday
Telephone: +964-760-030-3000 or +1-301-985-8841 from the United States
Emergency after-hours telephone: +964-760-030-3000 or +1-301-985-8841, and ask for the duty officer
Email: BaghdadACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Erbil
413 Ishtar, Ankawa
Erbil, Iraq
Business Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday through Thursday
Telephone: +964-66-211-4000 or +1-240-264-3467, ext. 4554, from the United States
Emergency after-hours telephone: +964-66-211-4000 or +1-240-264-3467, ext. 4554, and ask for the duty officer
Email: ErbilACS@state.gov
Contact Information for U.S. Consular Services in Israel
NIV Unit - JerusalemNIV@state.gov
NIV Processing - https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-il/niv/information/contact_us
IV Unit – JerusalemIVAttorneys@state.gov
IV Processing - https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-il/iv/information/contact_us
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St. Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon St. Tel Aviv
Telephone: +972-3-519-7575
E-mail: Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Contact Information for U.S. Citizen Services in Gaza and the West Bank
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St. Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
Contact Information for U.S. Citizen Services in Iran
Email the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland at BernACS@state.gov. Include “IRN” in the subject line. Include:
Full name as shown on U.S. passport
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
U.S. passport number
Current location
Phone number
If a dual national, the other country of nationality
Whether the individual is in possession of a valid travel document
Call +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Contact Information for U.S. Citizen Services in Gaza and the West Bank
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser St. Jerusalem
Telephone: +972-2-630-4000
E-mail: JerusalemACS@state.gov
Website: https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/
Contact Information for U.S. Citizen Services in Iran
Email the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland at BernACS@state.gov. Include “IRN” in the subject line. Include:
Full name as shown on U.S. passport
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
U.S. passport number
Current location
Phone number
If a dual national, the other country of nationality
Whether the individual is in possession of a valid travel document
Call +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
International Travel Advisories & Alerts2
Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza travel Advisory (June 16, 2025)
Iran Security Alert: Threat of Additional Military Strikes (June 13, 2025)
Security Alert – Exercise Increased Caution in the Region (June 12, 2025)
Iraq Travel Advisory: Level 4: Do Not Travel (June 11, 2025)