The United States is preparing to evacuate all its citizens from the Middle East. A new security alert has been issued, and regardless of whether you choose to leave or not, the consequences are your own responsibility.

– U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq:

For President Donald Trump, Secretary Marco Rubio, and the entire U.S. Department of State, nothing is more important than the safety and security of American citizens.

We are working to find more options to help American citizens leave the Middle East. Please continue to check your email for more information or any updates.

We are closely monitoring the situation and committed to providing timely information and assistance to American citizens. We urge all American citizens to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, and consult the latest guidelines issued by the U.S. embassy.

Your safety is always our top priority.

Any new exit options will be communicated to American citizens who wish to leave.

We will continue to provide you with the latest information so that you can make informed decisions about your own safety.

Iran and its affiliated armed/terrorist groups continue to pose a significant threat to public safety. There have been calls for attacks on American citizens and interests in Iraq.

Hotels and other facilities frequently visited by foreigners in the Kurdish region of Iraq have become targets of attacks.

Critical infrastructure throughout Iraq has also been attacked.

Being at places related to the United States or where American citizens gather may put you at risk.

American citizens should remain low-profile.

It is strongly recommended that American citizens in Iraq leave the country as soon as it is safe to do so.

Those who choose to stay should be prepared to live in a secure location for an extended period and ensure they have sufficient food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies.

Departure Options: Currently, there are no commercial flights out of Iraq.

You can travel by land to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

Most land border crossings are open, but they may close at any time.

Local ground transportation is currently operating normally.

If you believe it is safe, American citizens should seriously consider leaving via the above-mentioned land routes.

The airspace of neighboring countries may also be closed, and you must comply with local entry and exit regulations.

The following information is intended to help you make a decision, but it may change:

Jordan's airspace is currently open, but flight delays or cancellations may still occur.

American citizens cannot apply for a visa upon arrival at the land border crossings into Iraq. They must apply for a visa through the electronic visa system of the Jordanian Ministry of Interior.

Kuwait's airspace is closed, but the land route to Saudi Arabia remains open.

American citizens can apply for a visa upon arrival in Kuwait.

Citizens wishing to return to the United States from Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or Qatar can fill out a form to obtain information about departure options provided by the U.S. government.

Saudi Arabia's airspace is open, and commercial flights are available for departure from the region. American citizens can get a visa on arrival, but applying online for an e-visa helps avoid delays at the entry point.

Tourist visa fee: approximately $105.

Transit visa fee: about $10.50, valid for only 96 hours.

Turkey's airspace is open, and commercial flights are available. American citizens can enter Turkey without a visa, with a maximum stay of 90 days.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859085099004043/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.