US-Israel war on Iran: What you should do if you are an American stuck in Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia

The US-Israeli attack on Iran has left several passengers stranded. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain and Qatar have closed their airspace, while neighbouring countries have also restricted flights. Airlines are rerouting or cancelling flights to and from the Middle East as hostilities continue.

Where are flights affected?

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, Bahrain and Qatar have closed their airspace; neighbouring countries have also restricted flights, Flightradar reported.

What should you do if you are an American stuck in Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia?- Leave immediately

The United States has urged its citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to get assistance and the latest security updates from the nearest US embassy or consulate, as the situation remains tense in the Middle East due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Americans residing in 14 countries to leave immediately on commercial flights, adding that those needing State Department assistance can call 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the US and Canada).

Check Take cover

The US Mission to Saudi Arabia issued a shelter-in-place notification for Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran, and restricted non-essential travel to any military installations in the region. "We recommend American citizens in the Kingdom to shelter in place immediately," the embassy said, urging people to take the following actions:

· Shelter in place.

· Refer to our website for the latest Security Alerts.

· Enrol or re-enrol in the Department of State’s STEP. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the US Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

· Ensure you have a valid US passport for short-notice travel; visit our website to schedule a passport appointment.

· Be aware of your surroundings.

· Avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings, and areas where there is a heavy police presence.

· Monitor official information sources.

· Follow the instructions of local authorities

Helpline numbers issued

A. Local first responders in Saudi Arabia:

· Unified Emergency number (Police, Firefighters, traffic police, and others): 911

· Police: 999

· Highway security: 996

· Ambulance: 997

B. The Embassy and Consulate General can be reached at:

· Riyadh: +966-11-835-4000

· Jeddah: +966-12-220-5000

· Dhahran: +966-13-839-5700

C. The Bureau of Consular Affairs can be reached at:

· From US and Canada: 888-407-4747.

· All other locations: 202-501-4444

Check advisory for those living in Bahrain here

For U.S. citizens in Qatar:

. Americans who wish to depart should take advantage of commercial transportation options.

. If you choose to remain in Qatar, be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate.

. Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations .

. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you’ll confirm you are safe (text or call)

. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Qatar