The U.S. Department of State has renewed its travel advisories for Yemen and Jordan, warning American citizens of increased safety risks in both countries. The updates, issued in mid-December, reflect ongoing instability, terrorism threats, and civil unrest in the region.
In the latest guidance, Yemen has been classified at Level 4: Do Not Travel, the most severe designation in the Department of State’s ranking system. The advisory explicitly cites terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines as reasons for the highest-level travel restriction.
“Do not travel to Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines,” the Dec. 19 update reads. The advisory notes that the U.S. Embassy in Sana’a has suspended operations since February 2015, leaving the U.S. government unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to Americans in the country.
Houthi Threat and Terrorism Concerns
The State Department redesignated the Houthi rebel group as a foreign terrorist organization, underscoring the threat to U.S. citizens. The Houthis control roughly two-thirds of Yemen’s population and maintain ties with regional militant organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Many of their weapons have reportedly been supplied by Tehran.
The advisory highlights the Houthis’ anti-American and anti-Israel messaging, citing slogans on their flags such as “Curse be upon the Jews” and “Death to the U.S.A., death to Israel.” The department warned that U.S. citizens, including dual Yemeni-Americans, have been detained by the Houthis since 2014, often for years, without access to family or consular support.
“Reports say that U.S. citizens are targeted just because they are U.S. citizens. It does not matter how long they have been in Yemen or if they have connections with rebel groups, local businesses, or humanitarian organizations,” the advisory states.
Other extremist groups, including Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and ISIS affiliates, are also active in Yemen, carrying out attacks on public spaces, government buildings, transportation hubs, and places of worship with little or no warning.
Civil War, Crime, and Infrastructure Challenges
Yemen remains engulfed in civil war, further exacerbating security and humanitarian risks. The Department of State warns that foreigners are frequently targeted for kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside urban areas, and that local authorities may be unable or unwilling to respond effectively. Violent and organized crime is widespread.
Basic infrastructure in Yemen is severely compromised. Medical facilities, utilities, housing, and essential services are limited or nonfunctional in many regions. Humanitarian organizations face ongoing difficulties in delivering food, water, and medicine to populations in need, highlighting the vulnerability of both residents and travelers.
In June 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation restricting entry for nationals from several countries, including Yemen, citing terrorism and security concerns. The proclamation noted that Yemen lacks a functioning central government capable of issuing passports or civil documents, and that the state does not exercise effective control over its territory.
Jordan: Level 2 Advisory and Regional Risks
While Jordan is more stable than Yemen, the State Department has designated it Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism and unrest threats. The Dec. 18 update specifically warns against travel to the following locations:
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Mansheyat al Ghayyath
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Ruwayshid
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Jordan’s border with Iraq and Syria
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Syrian refugee camps, including designated zones near Rusayfah city and Baqa’a neighborhood of Ayn Basha
Travel to the cities of Ma’an and Zarqa is recommended only after careful consideration.
The advisory cites continued threats from violent extremist groups operating in Syria and Iraq, such as ISIS and al-Qa’ida. These organizations have conducted attacks in Jordan and continue to plot against local security forces, U.S. and foreign interests, and civilian “soft” targets. Hotels, restaurants, malls, schools, places of worship, and high-profile public events remain at risk.
International Travel Warnings
The U.S. is not alone in its advisories. Canada recommends that its citizens avoid all travel to Yemen due to armed conflict and ongoing regional tensions. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) similarly advises against visiting Yemen.
Regarding Jordan, Canadian authorities urge travelers to exercise a “high degree of caution,” particularly near the country’s borders with Syria and Iraq. The UK’s FCDO has taken a stricter stance, recommending against all travel to certain parts of Jordan.
These international advisories highlight the persistent and cross-border security risks posed by terrorism, armed conflict, and regional instability.
Implications for Travelers and U.S. Citizens
Americans considering travel to these countries are strongly encouraged to reassess their plans. For Yemen, the risks extend beyond terrorism to include kidnappings, violent crime, and significant obstacles to medical care and humanitarian aid. With no U.S. consular presence in Sana’a, travelers may be unable to receive timely assistance in emergencies.
Jordan, while more secure, remains a potential target for extremist attacks, particularly in border regions and areas frequented by foreigners. The U.S. Department of State stresses that ordinary travelers, diplomats, and aid workers can all be at risk, and situational awareness is critical.
Travelers should maintain contact with family, register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and regularly monitor local news and State Department updates. They are also advised to develop contingency plans for evacuation or emergency response, given the potential delays in support from local authorities or international aid organizations.
Broader Regional Context
The warnings come amid growing tensions across the Middle East. Yemen’s civil war has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with millions facing food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to medical services. The Houthi insurgency, backed in part by Iran, has contributed to ongoing instability, affecting neighboring countries and regional security dynamics.
Jordan, while relatively stable, shares borders with conflict zones in Syria and Iraq, exposing it to spillover risks. Jordan has long hosted large numbers of refugees, including Syrians and Iraqis, which has occasionally created security challenges. The country continues to maintain counterterrorism measures to safeguard both residents and visitors, but travelers are urged to exercise caution.
Recommendations for U.S. Citizens
For Yemen:
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Do not travel to any part of the country.
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Avoid contact with local authorities or armed groups unless necessary.
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Prepare for limited medical and emergency support if already in Yemen.
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Remain aware of terrorist threats, kidnappings, and civil unrest.
For Jordan:
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Exercise increased caution, especially near borders with Syria and Iraq.
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Avoid designated high-risk areas, refugee camps, and urban zones with past security incidents.
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Remain vigilant in public spaces, hotels, schools, and places of worship.
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Follow local media, embassy guidance, and updates from U.S. authorities.
Conclusion
The renewed travel advisories for Yemen and Jordan reflect the ongoing risks facing U.S. citizens and other foreigners in the Middle East. While Yemen is facing the combined effects of civil war, Houthi insurgency, and terrorist activity, Jordan faces a persistent threat from cross-border extremist organizations.
Americans traveling to or residing in these countries should exercise extreme caution, maintain awareness of their surroundings, and be prepared for limited access to assistance. International partners have echoed these warnings, emphasizing that Yemen and certain areas of Jordan remain unsafe for routine travel.
The State Department continues to monitor the evolving security situation and will update advisories as conditions change. For now, Yemen remains a high-risk, Level 4 travel zone, while Jordan demands vigilance and careful planning for those venturing into its more volatile regions.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
