US embassies across the Middle East countries urged its citizens on Saturday to avoid travel and be ready to depart due to the “potential for unforeseen escalation” in the conflict with Iran.&nbsp;“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” said the US Embassy in Jordan in a security alert.&nbsp;A similar warning issued by the US embassy in Saudi Arabia said, "Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions."&nbsp;The US embassy in Egypt too sent out similar message and warned, "Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. &nbsp;Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations."&nbsp;Similar versions of the alert were posted on social media by the US missions in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad too.&nbsp;<h2>Trump approves new round of military action against Iran?</h2>&nbsp;The travel advisory has been issued after US president Donald Trump reportedly ordered fresh military strikes on Iran that could begin as soon as this weekend.&nbsp;Trump has reportedly approved plans for a new round of military action after warning during a televised Cabinet meeting at Camp David that the United States would be "hitting them very hard" if Iran failed to change course.&nbsp;"Iran will get to a point where they can't take it anymore," Trump said, adding that Tehran had repeatedly broken its commitments during negotiations, reported The Wall Street Journal on Friday.&nbsp;CBS News reported on Friday, citing multiple sources, that the two allies were preparing a possible bombing campaign targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, including power plants and refineries, with strikes potentially taking place over the weekend.&nbsp;The report, however, said Trump had not yet given final approval for the proposed attacks.&nbsp;

The US embassy in Egypt too sent out similar message and warned, “Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.”

US embassies across the Middle East countries urged its citizens on Saturday to avoid travel and be ready to depart due to the “potential for unforeseen escalation” in the conflict with Iran. “Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” said the US Embassy in Jordan in a security alert. A similar warning issued by the US embassy in Saudi Arabia said, "Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions." The US embassy in Egypt too sent out similar message and warned, "Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations." Similar versions of the alert were posted on social media by the US missions in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad too. Trump approves new round of military action against Iran? The travel advisory has been issued after US president Donald Trump reportedly ordered fresh military strikes on Iran that could begin as soon as this weekend. Trump has reportedly approved plans for a new round of military action after warning during a televised Cabinet meeting at Camp David that the United States would be "hitting them very hard" if Iran failed to change course. "Iran will get to a point where they can't take it anymore," Trump said, adding that Tehran had repeatedly broken its commitments during negotiations, reported The Wall Street Journal on Friday. CBS News reported on Friday, citing multiple sources, that the two allies were preparing a possible bombing campaign targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, including power plants and refineries, with strikes potentially taking place over the weekend. The report, however, said Trump had not yet given final approval for the proposed attacks.

The US embassy in Egypt too sent out similar message and warned, “Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.”

'Exercise caution and heightened vigilance': US issues travel advisory for its citizens in Middle East

After Saudi Arabia, the US has advised non-essential staff to leave its consulate near the southern Turkish city of Adana, which is near a key NATO base. The embassy in Ankara has asked citizens to leave southwest Turkey. In the travel advisory issued for the southeast region of the country, it has been highlighted that the risk level has been raised to level 4, while there are no changes in the risk factor for the rest of Turkey.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-iranian-missiles-break-israeli-defences-irgc-warns-of-200-oil-shock-1773077376525/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-iranian-missiles-break-israeli-defences-irgc-warns-of-200-oil-shock-1773077376525/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Since the US-Israeli attacks began on February 28, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the Middle East in a bid to hit US assets.So far, Turkey appears to have been spared, despite the fact that US troops are stationed at several of its bases.&nbsp;One is Incirlik air base, an important NATO facility that has been used by US troops for decades which is located just 10 kilometres (six miles) outside the city of Adana."On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave Consulate General Adana due to the safety risks," the embassy said on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Southeast Türkiye: The Travel Advisory for Southeast Türkiye has been raised to Level 4 - Do Not Travel. The Travel Advisory for Türkiye remains at Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution. There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators for Türkiye. However, the area… <a href="https://t.co/TUYmDEbFN2">pic.twitter.com/TUYmDEbFN2</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy Türkiye (@USEmbTurkiye) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbTurkiye/status/2030956605563363463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;It referenced a State Department travel advisory saying: "Americans in southeast Turkey are strongly encouraged to depart now."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-be-relentlessly-lethal-centcom-commander-briefs-troops-amid-iran-conflict-operation-epic-fury-1772520944164">'Be relentlessly lethal': CENTCOM commander briefs troops amid Iran conflict</a>&nbsp;On Wednesday, NATO troops intercepted a Turkey-bound ballistic missile launched from Iran that prompted a sharp warning from Ankara. NATO has since said it strengthened its "ballistic missile defence posture" as Iran steps up its strikes across the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-plans-attack-on-iran-pentagon-pizza-index-spikes-reveals-major-activity-1771821364550">US plans attack on Iran? ‘Pentagon Pizza Index’ spikes, revealing major activity</a>&nbsp;Ankara's defence ministry said NATO's defence systems had intercepted and neutralised "a ballistic missile fired from Iran and detected heading towards Turkey" but added no further details.Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said the missile was spotted by Spanish troops manning a Patriot missile battery, who are based at Incirlik. They had "detected and reported the missile attack", though they were not the ones that shot it down, she said.&nbsp;(With agency inputs)

US State Department issues urgent "Do Not Travel" order for southeast Turkey and orders non-emergency staff out of Consulate General Adana. Follow the latest on the Saudi Arabia evacuation orders and the NATO missile interception over Turkish airspace as Middle East tensions escalate.

After Saudi Arabia, the US has advised non-essential staff to leave its consulate near the southern Turkish city of Adana, which is near a key NATO base. The embassy in Ankara has asked citizens to leave southwest Turkey. In the travel advisory issued for the southeast region of the country, it has been highlighted that the risk level has been raised to level 4, while there are no changes in the risk factor for the rest of Turkey. https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-iranian-missiles-break-israeli-defences-irgc-warns-of-200-oil-shock-1773077376525/embed Since the US-Israeli attacks began on February 28, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the Middle East in a bid to hit US assets.So far, Turkey appears to have been spared, despite the fact that US troops are stationed at several of its bases. One is Incirlik air base, an important NATO facility that has been used by US troops for decades which is located just 10 kilometres (six miles) outside the city of Adana. "On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave Consulate General Adana due to the safety risks," the embassy said on X.

US State Department issues urgent "Do Not Travel" order for southeast Turkey and orders non-emergency staff out of Consulate General Adana. Follow the latest on the Saudi Arabia evacuation orders and the NATO missile interception over Turkish airspace as Middle East tensions escalate.

Middle East spillover: US orders evacuation of Adana Consulate as Iran conflict hits Turkey

The United States Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan has issued an advisory for its citizens, warning them to “reconsider travel” to the country. The US notice classified the threat as ‘Level 3’ for Pakistan, while warning Americans not travel to the Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province “for any reason” at all. This comes amid military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the widening conflict in West Asia after the US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran.<h2>Why is US warning against travel to Pakistan?</h2>In the travel advisory updated on Friday (Mar 6), the US Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan said, “Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.”“On March 3, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks,” the advisory added.The US authorities also urged people not travel to Balochistan Province due to terrorism and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping.“Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings,” the notice warned.<h2>Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict</h2>The advisory comes amid military conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan as the two sides trade bombings. The United Nations on Thursday (Mar 5) said that more than 100,000 Afghans and thousands of Pakistanis have been forced from their homes as the fighting continues along the border.“Clashes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan have forced thousands of families to flee,” the UN refugee agency said in a statement.“The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan remains tense amid active conflict along the border, with reports of internal displacement in both countries,” UNHCR said, warning that “an estimated 115,000 people in Afghanistan and around 3,000 people in Pakistan” have been displaced.

The US Embassy has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Pakistan, urging American citizens to reconsider visiting the country and ordering some US government staff and their families to leave. Here’s why:

The United States Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan has issued an advisory for its citizens, warning them to “reconsider travel” to the country. The US notice classified the threat as ‘Level 3’ for Pakistan, while warning Americans not travel to the Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province “for any reason” at all. This comes amid military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the widening conflict in West Asia after the US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran. Why is US warning against travel to Pakistan? In the travel advisory updated on Friday (Mar 6), the US Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan said, “Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.” “On March 3, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and the family members of U.S. government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks,” the advisory added. The US authorities also urged people not travel to Balochistan Province due to terrorism and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping. “Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings,” the notice warned. Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict The advisory comes amid military conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan as the two sides trade bombings. The United Nations on Thursday (Mar 5) said that more than 100,000 Afghans and thousands of Pakistanis have been forced from their homes as the fighting continues along the border. “Clashes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan have forced thousands of families to flee,” the UN refugee agency said in a statement. “The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan remains tense amid active conflict along the border, with reports of internal displacement in both countries,” UNHCR said, warning that “an estimated 115,000 people in Afghanistan and around 3,000 people in Pakistan” have been displaced.

The US Embassy has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Pakistan, urging American citizens to reconsider visiting the country and ordering some US government staff and their families to leave. Here’s why:

‘Leave Pakistan’: Why is US warning its citizens against travelling to Pak?

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”.

It said that the warning was "due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces" as well as the potential for harassment of US citizens by Russian authorities, the travel advisory said, repeating calls for Americans travelling or living in Russia to leave "immediately", reports AFP.

The Tuesday statement was in reference to US basketball star Brittney Griner who has been kept in Russian custody for more than a month.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17 for allegedly possessing an oil derived from cannabis, a charge which can result in up to 10 years in prison in Russia.&nbsp;

On March 18, a Russian court extended&nbsp;the star's detention to May 19. She is being held in a pre-trial detention centre near Moscow, where she will stay until her next court appearance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russia-ukraine-exclusive-putin-should-be-behind-bars-ex-ukraine-president-tells-wion-466807">Russia-Ukraine | Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION</a>

Griner was in Russia playing for the team UMMC Ekaterinburg, which she has done for the past seven years.

Russian teams offer WNBA players like Griner an opportunity to make additional money during the US' off season.

The 31-year-old makes almost $1 million per season in Russia, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-ukraine-enhances-eus-resolve-to-act-in-indo-pacific-says-top-diplomat-gabriele-466800">War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat</a>

The arrest is said to have occurred in response to the worsening relations between US and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden has imposed economic sanctions on Russia and President Vladimir Putin in response to waging war against Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-allies-remain-cautious-as-russia-pledges-to-reduce-attacks-amid-the-russian-invasion-466831/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”.

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”. It said that the warning was "due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces" as well as the potential for harassment of US citizens by Russian authorities, the travel advisory said, repeating calls for Americans travelling or living in Russia to leave "immediately", reports AFP. The Tuesday statement was in reference to US basketball star Brittney Griner who has been kept in Russian custody for more than a month. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17 for allegedly possessing an oil derived from cannabis, a charge which can result in up to 10 years in prison in Russia. On March 18, a Russian court extended the star's detention to May 19. She is being held in a pre-trial detention centre near Moscow, where she will stay until her next court appearance. Also read | Russia-Ukraine | Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION Griner was in Russia playing for the team UMMC Ekaterinburg, which she has done for the past seven years. Russian teams offer WNBA players like Griner an opportunity to make additional money during the US' off season. The 31-year-old makes almost $1 million per season in Russia, according to the Associated Press. Also read | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat The arrest is said to have occurred in response to the worsening relations between US and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has imposed economic sanctions on Russia and President Vladimir Putin in response to waging war against Ukraine. Watch | Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion (With inputs from agencies)

‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory

US taxi and limousine services are seeing a boom in business from customers seeking to enter Canada by land to avoid a restriction on international travel that applies only to air traffic.

While both Canadian land and air travellers are required to take a test within three days of departure, and again on arrival, only those flying to Canada must spend up to three days of the country's 14-day required quarantine period in a hotel.

That has led to a surge of calls for taxi and limousine services from Canadians who fly through US&nbsp;airports in states like New York and then cross over the land border, representatives of four companies told Reuters.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-chops-environmental-budget-a-day-after-us-climate-summit-pledge-379754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"They call from six in the morning to 12 at night," John Arnet, general manager of 716 Limousine in Buffalo, N.Y. said.

"We`ve had so many requests for border crossings that we`re turning them down."

The company now does more business driving Canadians to their homes in Ontario than with U.S. clients.

A taxi trip across the border can cost around $200 or $250 compared with a three-day hotel stay of more than C$1,200 ($961), Canadian travel insurance broker Martin Firestone said.

With the Canada-U.S. land border mostly closed for more than a year due to the pandemic, and overall tourism down, the recent surge in business has come as a relief to some struggling taxi operators.

Boccio, general manager of Buffalo Limousines, said the Canadian clientele has helped the company bring back chauffeurs.

On Friday, Boccio said the company gave nine different rides to Canadian passengers on just one flight from Florida.

Canada has imposed tough restrictions since the start of the pandemic, including a ban on most foreigners from entering the country. Canadians can fly out of the country and return either by land or air.

But concerns are mounting due to a surge in virus variants, with the once temporary hotel quarantine now mandatory for air travelers through late May, and a ban introduced this week on direct flights from India and Pakistan.

Will the boom last?

Firestone said some of his clients who spent the winter in Florida are returning by land to avoid hotels. Some get rides; others who usually get their cars shipped are driving them north.

"Every single limousine company has got on the bandwagon," Firestone said.

Some Canadians ask to be driven home, while others take rides to the border, cross on foot and get another ride in Canada, drivers said.

Non-commercial land border crossings were 60% higher during one week at the end of March and beginning of April than in the same week in 2020, according to data from the Canada Border Services Agency. Air travel for that same week, meanwhile, increased 18.8%.

The discrepancy between the rules at the land border and by air is a sore point for Canada`s hard-hit carriers. (Full Story)

Unlike land travelers who can choose where to quarantine, air passengers who test positive at a hotel must self-isolate at a government-mandated facility.

According to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) data for Feb. 22 through March 25, 1.5% of air passengers to the country tested positive for the virus on arrival compared with 0.3% of land travellers.

The boom for U.S. taxis could soon be muted as premiers from Canada`s two most populous provinces, Quebec and Ontario, have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take further action at the land border.

Tighter requirements might help, such as a mandatory hotel stay for those entering Canada at certain land crossings, said Customs and Immigration Union president Jean-Pierre Fortin, but would be logistically challenging given the vast border.

“It would be very hard to enforce without having clear places for them to go.”

US taxi and limousine services are seeing a boom in business from customers seeking to enter Canada by land to avoid a restriction on international travel that applies only to air traffic.

US taxi and limousine services are seeing a boom in business from customers seeking to enter Canada by land to avoid a restriction on international travel that applies only to air traffic. While both Canadian land and air travellers are required to take a test within three days of departure, and again on arrival, only those flying to Canada must spend up to three days of the country's 14-day required quarantine period in a hotel. That has led to a surge of calls for taxi and limousine services from Canadians who fly through US airports in states like New York and then cross over the land border, representatives of four companies told Reuters. Watch | "They call from six in the morning to 12 at night," John Arnet, general manager of 716 Limousine in Buffalo, N.Y. said. "We`ve had so many requests for border crossings that we`re turning them down." The company now does more business driving Canadians to their homes in Ontario than with U.S. clients. A taxi trip across the border can cost around $200 or $250 compared with a three-day hotel stay of more than C$1,200 ($961), Canadian travel insurance broker Martin Firestone said. With the Canada-U.S. land border mostly closed for more than a year due to the pandemic, and overall tourism down, the recent surge in business has come as a relief to some struggling taxi operators. Boccio, general manager of Buffalo Limousines, said the Canadian clientele has helped the company bring back chauffeurs. On Friday, Boccio said the company gave nine different rides to Canadian passengers on just one flight from Florida. Canada has imposed tough restrictions since the start of the pandemic, including a ban on most foreigners from entering the country. Canadians can fly out of the country and return either by land or air. But concerns are mounting due to a surge in virus variants, with the once temporary hotel quarantine now mandatory for air travelers through late May, and a ban introduced this week on direct flights from India and Pakistan. Will the boom last? Firestone said some of his clients who spent the winter in Florida are returning by land to avoid hotels. Some get rides; others who usually get their cars shipped are driving them north. "Every single limousine company has got on the bandwagon," Firestone said. Some Canadians ask to be driven home, while others take rides to the border, cross on foot and get another ride in Canada, drivers said. Non-commercial land border crossings were 60% higher during one week at the end of March and beginning of April than in the same week in 2020, according to data from the Canada Border Services Agency. Air travel for that same week, meanwhile, increased 18.8%. The discrepancy between the rules at the land border and by air is a sore point for Canada`s hard-hit carriers. (Full Story) Unlike land travelers who can choose where to quarantine, air passengers who test positive at a hotel must self-isolate at a government-mandated facility. According to Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) data for Feb. 22 through March 25, 1.5% of air passengers to the country tested positive for the virus on arrival compared with 0.3% of land travellers. The boom for U.S. taxis could soon be muted as premiers from Canada`s two most populous provinces, Quebec and Ontario, have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take further action at the land border. Tighter requirements might help, such as a mandatory hotel stay for those entering Canada at certain land crossings, said Customs and Immigration Union president Jean-Pierre Fortin, but would be logistically challenging given the vast border. “It would be very hard to enforce without having clear places for them to go.”

Canadians avoiding hotel quarantines for air travellers fuel taxi boom on US border

US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said on Tuesday he is considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil, which has the world's third highest number of people infected by the novel coronavirus.

Responding to a question over whether he would institute a travel ban on Brazil, Trump said, "We are considering it. We hope that we are not going to have a problem."&nbsp;

"I don't want people coming over here and infecting our people. I don't want people over there sick either. We're helping Brazil with ventilators. ... Brazil is having some trouble, no question about it,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;added.

Later in the cabinet meeting when discussing the merits of the trade deal between the US&nbsp;and China, President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;veered once more to raising questions without offering answers about why China instituted strict measures domestically to prevent the spread of the virus after it had already begun spreading internationally.

"How did they let that happen? And how come it didn't go into other sections of China? Why did they block it from leaving Wuhan, but they didn't block it from going to the rest of the world, including the United States.&nbsp;I'm very disappointed in China," he said.

US has been blaming China for the origin of the coronavirus in its city Wuhan was was the epicentre of the outbreak.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he is considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil, which has the world's third highest number of people infected by the novel coronavirus.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he is considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil, which has the world's third highest number of people infected by the novel coronavirus. Responding to a question over whether he would institute a travel ban on Brazil, Trump said, "We are considering it. We hope that we are not going to have a problem." "I don't want people coming over here and infecting our people. I don't want people over there sick either. We're helping Brazil with ventilators. ... Brazil is having some trouble, no question about it," Trump added. Later in the cabinet meeting when discussing the merits of the trade deal between the US and China, President Trump veered once more to raising questions without offering answers about why China instituted strict measures domestically to prevent the spread of the virus after it had already begun spreading internationally. "How did they let that happen? And how come it didn't go into other sections of China? Why did they block it from leaving Wuhan, but they didn't block it from going to the rest of the world, including the United States. I'm very disappointed in China," he said. US has been blaming China for the origin of the coronavirus in its city Wuhan was was the epicentre of the outbreak.

US considering travel ban on Brazil over COVID-19, says Trump

By Vahid Niayesh

Did President Donald Trump’s travel ban – in place now for more than 22 months – become, in practice, a Muslim ban?

The third version of President Donald Trump’s travel ban went into full effect on December 8, 2017.

The list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the United States include Muslim-majority countries Iran, Syria, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, as well as North Korea and Venezuela.

Now that time has passed, policymakers, political scientists like myself and all Americans can start to understand the ban’s effects.

Was it actually a Muslim ban, as it was called at the time it was introduced? Or was that just an anti-Trump label? What percentage of people from those banned countries did pass the “enhanced vetting” and get an actual visa to enter the United States?

I looked through the government’s data to find answers.

Sharp decline

The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs regularly provides data on the number of visas issued for all countries.

Based on the data the agency provides for the fiscal year, the number of immigrant visas issued for the country of Iran decreased by 78 per cent between 2017 and 2018.

However, the fiscal year data for the year 2018 included the last three months of 2017, when the travel ban wasn’t still implemented. I broke the data down by months to understand how travel ban changed the number of visas issued from calendar year to calendar year. This offered a more accurate picture of the travel ban.

This analysis shows that only 537 immigrant visas were issued in 2018 for the 12 months after the travel ban went into effect for individuals born in Iran. Compare that to 6,643 visas issued in the previous year. That is a 92 per cent decrease in number of visas issued.

Other Muslim countries in the ban were similarly affected.

For instance, Somalia experienced 86 per cent decrease in number of immigrant visas issued during the 12 months after the travel ban went into effect. Yemen’s visas reduced by 83 per cent.

Libya and Syria had the smallest change among the Muslim countries in the ban, decreasing by 80 per cent and 77 per cent respectively.

Muslim vs non-Muslim countries

Many critics of the new travel rules argued that they were effectively a “Muslim ban.”

The Trump administration countered that there are Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan that are not included in the travel ban, and there are non-Muslim countries like Venezuela and North Korea that are included.

However, US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs data shows that there was a significant decrease in the number of immigrant visas issued to Muslim countries affected by the travel ban. Meanwhile, the number of immigrant visas issued per month to the non-Muslim countries in the ban virtually remained unchanged.

In fact, there was a 40 per cent increase in the number of visas issued to North Koreans per calendar-year data, relative to the prior year, when the travel ban was blocked by federal courts.

Country of chargeability

There are some questions that government data cannot answer.

For example, rather than providing data on where each visa recipient lives, the U.S. Department of State by report if the Visa Office only offers information on the country of chargeability, which basically means where the applicant was born.

There were five fiancé visas issued to Iranians in calendar year 2018, compared to 358 fiancé visas issued in 2017. But even that low number does not tell us whether these five visas were given to Iranians that actually lived inside Iran. These visas may have been given to Iranians who had been living in Canada or Europe for many years but were born in Iran.

The actual impact of the Trump travel ban, in other words, could be even bigger than what the data shows.

Visas and waivers

Waivers are another important issue that is hard to study.

The vast majority people from the seven restricted countries who applied for a visa after the implementation of the ban were rejected outright.

However, US officials may grant a waiver to someone if there is evidence that the applicant is facing so much undue hardship that they need to be united with their loved ones in the US.

This could happen, for example, if a family member in the United States is dying and a person from a restricted nation wants to see them one last time, like the Yemeni mother who got a chance to see her baby boy just two days before he died.

In the first six months after the full implementation of the ban, such waivers were only given to around 2 per cent of individuals from banned countries. This gradually increased to 6 per cent after one year.

Being considered for a waiver is not the same as getting a visa. A person who is being considered for a waiver still cannot enter the US. They must wait under “administrative processing” status until they are cleared for a visa. It could take several years before applicants find out the results of their application. During this period, they cannot enter the U.S.

One recent lawsuit against the travel ban claims that some of their 14 clients have been under consideration for a waiver for 18 months at least, with no visa being granted to any of them yet.

What’s next

The first congressional hearing on the travel ban, held on September 24, established a need to reassess the impacts of the policy.

From what I see, looking at 18 months of government-provided data, the current travel ban is in effect a Muslim ban. I think that policymakers should take a deeper look into travel ban statistics and hold the Trump administration accountable for its visa policy for the restricted countries.

(Vahid Niayesh is Lecturer in Political Science, California State University, Long Beach)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-trumps-travel-ban-really-looks-like-almost-two-years-in-123564"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Vahid Niayesh Did President Donald Trump’s travel ban – in place now for more than 22 months – become, in practice, a Muslim ban? The third version of President Donald Trump’s travel ban went into full effect on December 8, 2017.

By Vahid Niayesh Did President Donald Trump’s travel ban – in place now for more than 22 months – become, in practice, a Muslim ban? The third version of President Donald Trump’s travel ban went into full effect on December 8, 2017. The list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the United States include Muslim-majority countries Iran, Syria, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, as well as North Korea and Venezuela. Now that time has passed, policymakers, political scientists like myself and all Americans can start to understand the ban’s effects. Was it actually a Muslim ban, as it was called at the time it was introduced? Or was that just an anti-Trump label? What percentage of people from those banned countries did pass the “enhanced vetting” and get an actual visa to enter the United States? I looked through the government’s data to find answers. Sharp decline The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs regularly provides data on the number of visas issued for all countries. Based on the data the agency provides for the fiscal year, the number of immigrant visas issued for the country of Iran decreased by 78 per cent between 2017 and 2018. However, the fiscal year data for the year 2018 included the last three months of 2017, when the travel ban wasn’t still implemented. I broke the data down by months to understand how travel ban changed the number of visas issued from calendar year to calendar year. This offered a more accurate picture of the travel ban. This analysis shows that only 537 immigrant visas were issued in 2018 for the 12 months after the travel ban went into effect for individuals born in Iran. Compare that to 6,643 visas issued in the previous year. That is a 92 per cent decrease in number of visas issued. Other Muslim countries in the ban were similarly affected. For instance, Somalia experienced 86 per cent decrease in number of immigrant visas issued during the 12 months after the travel ban went into effect. Yemen’s visas reduced by 83 per cent. Libya and Syria had the smallest change among the Muslim countries in the ban, decreasing by 80 per cent and 77 per cent respectively. Muslim vs non-Muslim countries Many critics of the new travel rules argued that they were effectively a “Muslim ban.” The Trump administration countered that there are Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan that are not included in the travel ban, and there are non-Muslim countries like Venezuela and North Korea that are included. However, US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs data shows that there was a significant decrease in the number of immigrant visas issued to Muslim countries affected by the travel ban. Meanwhile, the number of immigrant visas issued per month to the non-Muslim countries in the ban virtually remained unchanged. In fact, there was a 40 per cent increase in the number of visas issued to North Koreans per calendar-year data, relative to the prior year, when the travel ban was blocked by federal courts. Country of chargeability There are some questions that government data cannot answer. For example, rather than providing data on where each visa recipient lives, the U.S. Department of State by report if the Visa Office only offers information on the country of chargeability, which basically means where the applicant was born. There were five fiancé visas issued to Iranians in calendar year 2018, compared to 358 fiancé visas issued in 2017. But even that low number does not tell us whether these five visas were given to Iranians that actually lived inside Iran. These visas may have been given to Iranians who had been living in Canada or Europe for many years but were born in Iran. The actual impact of the Trump travel ban, in other words, could be even bigger than what the data shows. Visas and waivers Waivers are another important issue that is hard to study. The vast majority people from the seven restricted countries who applied for a visa after the implementation of the ban were rejected outright. However, US officials may grant a waiver to someone if there is evidence that the applicant is facing so much undue hardship that they need to be united with their loved ones in the US. This could happen, for example, if a family member in the United States is dying and a person from a restricted nation wants to see them one last time, like the Yemeni mother who got a chance to see her baby boy just two days before he died. In the first six months after the full implementation of the ban, such waivers were only given to around 2 per cent of individuals from banned countries. This gradually increased to 6 per cent after one year. Being considered for a waiver is not the same as getting a visa. A person who is being considered for a waiver still cannot enter the US. They must wait under “administrative processing” status until they are cleared for a visa. It could take several years before applicants find out the results of their application. During this period, they cannot enter the U.S. One recent lawsuit against the travel ban claims that some of their 14 clients have been under consideration for a waiver for 18 months at least, with no visa being granted to any of them yet. What’s next The first congressional hearing on the travel ban, held on September 24, established a need to reassess the impacts of the policy. From what I see, looking at 18 months of government-provided data, the current travel ban is in effect a Muslim ban. I think that policymakers should take a deeper look into travel ban statistics and hold the Trump administration accountable for its visa policy for the restricted countries. (Vahid Niayesh is Lecturer in Political Science, California State University, Long Beach) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What Donald Trump’s travel ban really looks like, almost two years in

The US State Departement today issued travel advisory for its citzens placing India in Level 2 and Pakistan on Level 3 in the &lsquo;reconsider travel&rsquo; category.

The US government issued four new levels of threat assessments for its citizens - from &quot;normal precautions&quot; to &quot;no travel&quot;, every country has a travel advisory and is placed in one of these four categories.

India has been ranked Level 2 (exercise increased caution). The advisory on Pakistan said that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan and may attack with little or no warning.

&ldquo;They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, military and government installations, airports, universities, ... schools, hospitals, places of worship, and local government facilities,&rdquo; the advisory said on Pakistan.

&quot;These improvements will provide US citizens with clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information worldwide,&quot; the State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

On India, the State Department identified &quot;crime and terrorism&quot; for Americans to exercise increased caution.

It asked Americans not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except eastern Ladakh and Leh and not to venture within 10 miles of the India-Pak border.

The State Department&#39;s highest &quot;do not travel&quot; advisory placed Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Guerrero at the same warning level as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

&quot;Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travellers,&quot; said the State Department.

Mexico also found mention in the advisory, the State Department said: &quot;Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime ... violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread.&quot;

The US government issued four new levels of threat assessments for its citizens

The US State Departement today issued travel advisory for its citzens placing India in Level 2 and Pakistan on Level 3 in the ‘reconsider travel’ category. The US government issued four new levels of threat assessments for its citizens - from "normal precautions" to "no travel", every country has a travel advisory and is placed in one of these four categories. India has been ranked Level 2 (exercise increased caution). The advisory on Pakistan said that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Pakistan and may attack with little or no warning. “They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, military and government installations, airports, universities, ... schools, hospitals, places of worship, and local government facilities,” the advisory said on Pakistan. "These improvements will provide US citizens with clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information worldwide," the State Department said in a statement. On India, the State Department identified "crime and terrorism" for Americans to exercise increased caution. It asked Americans not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except eastern Ladakh and Leh and not to venture within 10 miles of the India-Pak border. The State Department's highest "do not travel" advisory placed Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Guerrero at the same warning level as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. "Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travellers," said the State Department. Mexico also found mention in the advisory, the State Department said: "Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime ... violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread."

US travel advisory: 'Exercise caution' while visiting India; reconsider travel to Pak

Travel advisories issued by the US Department of State carry huge significance. Issued, primarily, to advise and warn American citizens who intend to visit other countries, such advisories end up making global news. Such as it did today.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

National news media took it very seriously as the USDS placed India in Level 2, urging American tourists to &#39;exercise caution&#39; if they do decide to travel to India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The only consolation is the US has placed Pakistan in the Level 3. Beyond this level, there are only countries, such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq and little-known places in the names of Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Guerrero.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

So, the national pride, though slightly bruised, is not completely compromised. We are better than them. At the end of the day, that is what matters.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Though primarily designed to ensure the safety of American citizens, the travel advisories of the State Department have come to carry political significance over the years. The advisory is designed in such a way as to make it easily comprehensible, direct and impactful.

&nbsp;

But the potency of the list comes from its very simplicity. The colour coded map of the world facilitates an &quot;at a glance&quot; approach. Without knowing so much about any region of the world, one can immediately know which parts will be safe or dangerous for us. The red, yellow, light brown and the creamish white colour codes come as the signifier of safety and danger.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Unwittingly, in your mind, looking at the picture, you would conjure up a hierarchical structure of dangerous to safest nations. Your vacation plan would decisively and unquestioningly block out those regions of the world which comes in Red, Brown and Yellow. What was meant to be unsafe countries for an American citizen has now become unsafe for you too. But what if the standards of safety are not as universalised as we think it to be.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What if the brush strokes are too wide, putting entire countries under blanket assumptions based on statistical figures.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If we trust too much in numbers, the danger is that we may lose trust in humans.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After all an American citizen, for whatever political reasons, are mostly unsafe outside few countries of western and continental Europe. But an Indian can be much safer. At least, we used to be until we decided to align ourselves too close to Uncle Sam. So, just like one can bask in reflected glory, one can suffer from reflected malice too.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The travel advisory has warned US citizens of prevalent crime and terrorism in India. Fair enough. Recently, a Swiss couple was beaten up. A heinous act. Both the government and media condemned it in no uncertain terms. African nationals have been treated with much meanness in this country. Robbing and duping of tourists are not uncommon, though we trust in India being incredible and working towards promoting responsible tourism.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

One of the crimes specifically mentioned in the advisory was rape. Yes, that is a problem too.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Having said that, none of these problems are unique to India. It will be such a loss if stop visiting countries based on what the travel advisories have to say.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I still remember how my husband and I, as PhD students in the US, consulted the advisory but did not let it influence our decision to visit either Mexico or Colombia. Or, more recently, Jordan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

These are all level 2 countries like India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Colombia was our honeymoon trip. Everybody said no to us visiting Colombia. Infested with drug dealers, H1N1 disease, abduction. The list of negatives was just endless.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

We had the most magnificent tour of our life, ensconced in the beautiful Walled City of Cartagena by the Caribbean Sea.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Warmth, beauty and hospitality of the people were just exemplary.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

We had a similar experience with Mexico. Known as a country of thugs and criminals, I had an exceptional experience in the city of Cancun. This was 6 months after Colombia. Newly married, I carried most of the jewelry I received as gifts in my wedding in this trip. Soon after landing, I lost the bag on the way to the hotel.

&nbsp;

I had no hope of ever getting it back. But I did. In the evening, the driver came to drop off the back at my hotel reception. My faith in humanity was restored.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the US instead, in Philadelphia where I lived, I had terrible experiences of men stalking me. At the heart of Washington DC, I was scared to death by a bunch of rowdies. But NYC was always most charming-as safe as home.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Let the State Department come out with travel advisories, but let it not clip your wings. The world is a beautiful place. Kabul is my friend&#39;s favourite city followed by London.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Does it make sense? No.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

Let the State Department come out with travel advisories, but let it not clip your wings. The world is a beautiful place.

Travel advisories issued by the US Department of State carry huge significance. Issued, primarily, to advise and warn American citizens who intend to visit other countries, such advisories end up making global news. Such as it did today. National news media took it very seriously as the USDS placed India in Level 2, urging American tourists to 'exercise caution' if they do decide to travel to India. The only consolation is the US has placed Pakistan in the Level 3. Beyond this level, there are only countries, such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq and little-known places in the names of Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Guerrero. So, the national pride, though slightly bruised, is not completely compromised. We are better than them. At the end of the day, that is what matters. Though primarily designed to ensure the safety of American citizens, the travel advisories of the State Department have come to carry political significance over the years. The advisory is designed in such a way as to make it easily comprehensible, direct and impactful. But the potency of the list comes from its very simplicity. The colour coded map of the world facilitates an "at a glance" approach. Without knowing so much about any region of the world, one can immediately know which parts will be safe or dangerous for us. The red, yellow, light brown and the creamish white colour codes come as the signifier of safety and danger. Unwittingly, in your mind, looking at the picture, you would conjure up a hierarchical structure of dangerous to safest nations. Your vacation plan would decisively and unquestioningly block out those regions of the world which comes in Red, Brown and Yellow. What was meant to be unsafe countries for an American citizen has now become unsafe for you too. But what if the standards of safety are not as universalised as we think it to be. What if the brush strokes are too wide, putting entire countries under blanket assumptions based on statistical figures. If we trust too much in numbers, the danger is that we may lose trust in humans. After all an American citizen, for whatever political reasons, are mostly unsafe outside few countries of western and continental Europe. But an Indian can be much safer. At least, we used to be until we decided to align ourselves too close to Uncle Sam. So, just like one can bask in reflected glory, one can suffer from reflected malice too. The travel advisory has warned US citizens of prevalent crime and terrorism in India. Fair enough. Recently, a Swiss couple was beaten up. A heinous act. Both the government and media condemned it in no uncertain terms. African nationals have been treated with much meanness in this country. Robbing and duping of tourists are not uncommon, though we trust in India being incredible and working towards promoting responsible tourism. One of the crimes specifically mentioned in the advisory was rape. Yes, that is a problem too. Having said that, none of these problems are unique to India. It will be such a loss if stop visiting countries based on what the travel advisories have to say. I still remember how my husband and I, as PhD students in the US, consulted the advisory but did not let it influence our decision to visit either Mexico or Colombia. Or, more recently, Jordan. These are all level 2 countries like India. Colombia was our honeymoon trip. Everybody said no to us visiting Colombia. Infested with drug dealers, H1N1 disease, abduction. The list of negatives was just endless. We had the most magnificent tour of our life, ensconced in the beautiful Walled City of Cartagena by the Caribbean Sea. Warmth, beauty and hospitality of the people were just exemplary. We had a similar experience with Mexico. Known as a country of thugs and criminals, I had an exceptional experience in the city of Cancun. This was 6 months after Colombia. Newly married, I carried most of the jewelry I received as gifts in my wedding in this trip. Soon after landing, I lost the bag on the way to the hotel. I had no hope of ever getting it back. But I did. In the evening, the driver came to drop off the back at my hotel reception. My faith in humanity was restored. In the US instead, in Philadelphia where I lived, I had terrible experiences of men stalking me. At the heart of Washington DC, I was scared to death by a bunch of rowdies. But NYC was always most charming-as safe as home. Let the State Department come out with travel advisories, but let it not clip your wings. The world is a beautiful place. Kabul is my friend's favourite city followed by London. Does it make sense? No. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why US travel advisory should not affect your travel plans

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