US Embassy raises travel advisory for Oman to level 3

2026-03-04 - 06:07

Muscat – The United States Embassy in Oman has officially increased its travel advisory for Oman to Level 3, advising American citizens to reconsider travel to the country. This decision follows a heightened risk of armed conflict and terrorism in the region, particularly following the recent onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran. The updated advisory, issued on March 3, also authorises the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members. Officials have cited concerns regarding potential drone and missile attacks originating from Iran, which have already caused significant disruptions to commercial aviation in the area. Beyond the general advisory, the U.S. Embassy has maintained a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for the border region between Oman and Yemen. This specific area remains highly volatile due to ongoing armed conflict and the threat of terrorist activity. The embassy warned that individuals attempting to cross this border could face detention by Omani authorities or encounter violence from militant groups. The advisory further notes that terrorist attacks could occur with little to no warning, potentially targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping malls, and government facilities. U.S. citizens currently in Oman are encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and to ensure they have independent evacuation plans that do not rely on government assistance.