U.S. urges its nationals to depart Iran by land to Armenia or Turkiye

ArmInfo. U.S. citizens should expect continued internet outages, plan alternative means of communication, and, if safe to do so, consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkiye, reads a statement issued by the U.S. Virtual Embasasy in Iran.

Protests across Iran are escalating and may turn violent, resulting  in arrests and injuries.  Increased security measures, road closures,  public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are  ongoing. The Government of Iran has restricted access to mobile,  landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit  or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service  until Friday, January 16."

Actions to Take:

Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on  U.S. government help.

If you cannot leave, find a secure location within your residence or  another safe building.  Have a supply of food, water, medications,  and other essential items.

Avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay aware of your  surroundings.

Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your  plans.

Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family and  friends to inform them of your status.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the  latest updates on security in Iran.

If You Plan to Leave Iran: 

U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports.  The  Iranian government does not recognize dual nationality  and will  treat U.S.-Iranian dual nationals solely as Iranian citizens. U.S.  nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and  detention in Iran. Showing a U.S. passport or demonstrating  connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian  authorities to detain someone.

The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety if you choose to  depart using the following options. You should leave only if you  believe it is safe to do so.

As of Monday, January 12, the Armenian land border at Agarak/Norduz  remains open.  U.S. citizens entering Armenia from Iran need a valid  U.S. passport and may stay for up to 180 days visa-free.  U.S.  citizens who require assistance should send the following to the U.S.  Embassy Yerevan American Citizens Services Unit at  [email protected]:

Name, DOB, passport information (number and dates of  issue/expiration), border crossing, and a photograph of the passport  biodata page

As of Monday, January 12, Turkish land border crossings with Iran  remain open (Gurbulak/Bazargan, Kap?koy/Razi, and Esendere/Serow).   For U.S. citizens seeking to depart Iran by land via these border  gates: 

U.S.-Iranian dual nationals who plan to enter Turkiye on Iranian or  Turkish passports do not require advance approval. U.S. citizens who  plan to enter Turkiye using their U.S.  passports and those who lack  a valid travel document should send the following to the U.S. Embassy  Ankara American Citizens Services Unit at [email protected]:

Name, DOB, passport information (number and dates of  issue/expiration), border crossing, and a photograph of the passport  biodata page

As of Monday, January 12, Turkmenistan's land borders are open, but  U.S. citizens need special authorization from the Government of  Turkmenistan before approaching the border.  U.S. Embassy Ashgabat  must facilitate this approval.  U.S. citizens who plan to request  entry into Turkmenistan should send the following to the U.S. Embassy  Ashgabat American Citizens Services Unit at  [email protected]:

Name, DOB, passport information (number and dates of  issue/expiration), border crossing, and a photograph of the passport  biodata page

U.S. citizens with an urgent need to depart Iran via Azerbaijan  should be aware that entry into Azerbaijan from Iran has been  restricted for U.S. citizens during periods of heightened tension,  such as the June 2025 conflict between Iran and Israel. U.S. citizens  should consider alternative routes for departure from Iran. U.S.  citizens should not travel to Afghanistan, Iraq, or the Pakistan-Iran  border area.

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations  with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting  through its embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for  U.S. interests in Iran.

Embassy of Switzerland - Foreign Interests Section in Tehran:

Phone(s):  +98-21-22-54-21-78 +98-21-22-56-52-73 +98-21-22-77-24-63  Email: [email protected]