europe covid travel restrictions from uk

A common approach to travel measures in the EU

Common approach to travel measures: key areas.

On 25 January 2022 the Council adopted a revised recommendation on facilitating safe and free movement in the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement follows the Commission’s proposal of 25 November 2021 .

Under the updated recommendation, COVID-19 measures should be applied based on the individual situation of persons and no longer on the region of origin, with the exception of areas where the virus is circulating at very high levels. This means that a traveller’s COVID-19 vaccination, test or recovery status, proved by a valid  EU Digital COVID Certificate , should be the key determinant. This recommendation responds to the significant increase in vaccine uptake and the rapid roll-out of the EU Digital COVID Certificate, and replaces the previously existing recommendation.

In line with the new rules, EU Member States must accept vaccination certificates for a period of 270 days (9 months) since the completion of the primary vaccination series:

• For a two-dose vaccine, this means 270 days from the second shot or, in line with the national vaccination strategy, the first and only shot after having recovered from COVID-19.
• For a single-dose vaccine, this means 270 days from the first and only shot.

EU countries should not provide for a different acceptance period for the purposes of travel within the European Union. The standard acceptance period does not apply to certificates for booster doses.

As of 1 February 2022, new rules have also been implemented regarding the encoding of booster shots in the Certificate. As already clarified in December, boosters will be recorded as:

• 3/3 for a booster dose following a primary 2-dose vaccination series
• 2/1 for a booster dose following a single-dose vaccination or a one dose of a 2-dose vaccine administered to a recovered person.

Certificates that were issued differently before that clarification need to be corrected and issued again, to make sure that boosters can be distinguished from the status of full vaccination.

This recommendation entered into force on 1 February 2022 .

On 3 February 2022, the Commission proposed to extend the EU Digital COVID Certificate system by a year, until 30 June 2023.

Read more in this factsheet

Person-based approach

Travellers in possession of a valid EU digital COVID Certificate should, in most cases, not be subject to additional restrictions to free movement.

A valid EU Digital COVID Certificate includes:

• A  vaccination certificate  for a vaccine approved at European level if at least 14 days and not more than 270 days have passed since the last dose of the primary vaccination series. Vaccination certificates for booster doses are valid immediately and without a maximum validity, at this stage. EU countries could also accept vaccination certificates for vaccines approved by national authorities or the WHO.
• A negative PCR  test result  obtained no more than 72 hours before travel or a negative rapid antigen test obtained no more than 24 hours before travel.
• A  certificate of recovery  indicating that no more than 180 days have passed since the date of the first positive test result.

Persons who are not in possession of an EU Digital COVID Certificate should be required to undergo a test prior to or no later than 24 hours after arrival.

Travellers with an essential function or need, cross-border commuters and children under 12 should not be required to be in the possession of a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate.

Map of EU regions

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will continue to publish a map of Member States’ regions according to a traffic light system (green, orange, red, dark red). The map will be based on the 14-day case notification rate, vaccine uptake and testing rate.

The traffic light map serves mainly as an information tool, but also to coordinate measures for areas with particularly high circulation of the virus. Based on this map, EU countries should apply measures regarding  travel to and from dark red areas , where the virus is circulating at very high levels. They should discourage non-essential travel and require persons arriving from those areas who are not in possession of a vaccination or recovery certificate to undergo a test prior to departure and to quarantine after arrival.

Certain exceptions to these measures should apply to travellers with an essential function or need, cross-border commuters and children under the age of 12.

Emergency brake

When a Member State imposes restrictions in response to the emergence of a new variant, the Council, in close cooperation with the Commission and supported by the ECDC, should review the situation. The Commission, based on the regular assessment of new evidence on variants, may also suggest a discussion within the Council. Similar measures are also possible in case the epidemiological situation in a Member State or in an area within a Member State worsens quickly.

During the discussion, the Commission could propose that the Council agree on a coordinated approach regarding travel from the areas concerned. Any situation resulting in the adoption of measures should be reviewed regularly.

Common passenger locator form and data protection

Passenger locator forms play a key role to ensure effective contact tracing of travellers. Data exchanges between Member States' contact tracing authorities can be particularly important when passengers are crossing borders in close proximity to each other, such as in airplanes or in trains. In order for Member States to exchange relevant passenger data across borders, the Commission adopted two implementing acts in May and July 2021, thus providing the necessary legal conditions for processing such personal data and establishing a passenger locator form exchange platform. To support the digitalisation and harmonisation of passenger locator forms, the EU Healthy Gateways Joint Action developed a web application for an  EU Digital Passenger Locator Form . Digital passenger locator forms combined with the passenger locator form exchange platform allow for easier and more rapid data collection and exchange between Member States, making contact tracing more effective and efficient.

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A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe

Everything you need to know for a safe and healthy trip to Europe.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first spread around the world, many countries shut their borders. In the years since, countries have opened, welcoming tourists with different vaccination or testing rules in place. 

But many countries in Europe have since dropped travel-related restrictions, reverting back to pre-pandemic times and making it easier than ever to plan a trip. 

Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status, including entry any requirements foreign travelers need to know.

Albania does not require U.S. travelers to show any COVID-19-related documents or tests, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries. Beyond that, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra, according to the Andorra tourism site .

Austria is open to travel and there are no vaccination or testing requirements in place, according to the country’s official tourism site . In Vienna, masks must be worn on public transportation. 

Belgium welcomes travelers from the U.S. and does not require them to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium . 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Bulgaria welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria . 

Croatia welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board .

Cyprus has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism . Masks remain mandatory on public transportation. 

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .

Denmark eliminated all of its COVID-19 entry and internal restrictions, according to the government’s COVID-19 website .

Estonia has eliminated all COVID-19-related rules, according to the government .

Finland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Finnish government .

France has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to the French government .

There are no longer any COVID-19-related entry rules for travel to Germany, according to the German Missions in the United States .

Greece has lifted all pandemic-era travel rules, according to the government . Greece has an optional Passenger Locator Form travelers can choose to fill out.

Hungary has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Hungarian Police .

Iceland welcomes travelers without any pandemic-era entry rules in place, according to Iceland’s COVID-19 website .

Ireland has removed all COVID-19-related entry rules for travel, according to the government .

Italy has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the country's National Tourist Board .

Travelers entering Kosovo are not required to show proof of vaccination, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , but the embassy recommends travelers bring such proof. The country also doesn’t require pre-arrival testing, but the embassy said some airlines may.

Access to public institutions, malls, and indoor dining inside does require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for customers over 16.

Latvia has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the Latvian tourism board .

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Switzerland handles all immigration for Liechtenstein. COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted in Liechtenstein, according to the European Union .

Lithuania no longer requires any pre-arrival testing or proof of vaccination to visit, according to the national tourism development agency .

Luxembourg welcomes travelers from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg . Travelers do not need any pre-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Malta has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions, according to the Malta Tourism Authority .

Moldova does not have any COVID-19-related entry restrictions in place for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova .

To get to Monaco, most visitors must travel through France. Monaco does not have any pandemic-related travel restrictions in place, according to the government .

Montenegro does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro . Face masks are required on public transportation, according to the country’s government .

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers who are not required to undergo any COVID-related entry requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

Norway has discontinued all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including pre-arrival testing, according to the government . 

Poland has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, including for vaccination and testing, according to the government . 

Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, according to Visit Portugal .

Romania has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, according to the government . 

San Marino is a landlocked country surrounded by Italy. The country doesn’t have any specific COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the International Air Transport Association .

Serbia has removed all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia .

Slovakia has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to Slovakia Travel . Travelers no longer have to show any proof of vaccination or tests to enter hotels, restaurants, or other venues.

Slovenia has eliminated pandemic-era travel restrictions, according to the government .

Spain has dropped all COVID-19-related health controls at entry points, according to the government , becoming one of the last European countries to do so. However, the country still asks that travelers from outside the European Union travel with either proof of vaccination administered within 270 days, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within 180 days.

Sweden no longer has any COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden .

Switzerland

Switzerland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Federal Office of Public Health .

Turkey is open to foreign travelers and does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey .

Visitors to Ukraine must show proof of either vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine . Travelers must also have a health insurance policy to cover the potential costs of COVID-19 treatment.

The U.S. Department of State has currently issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning against visiting Ukraine due to the ongoing war and Russian invasion.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has dropped all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

Vatican City

Vatican City is the world's smallest country and is encircled by the Italian city of Rome. It is open to travelers who are able to enter Italy .

The information in this article reflects that of the publishing time above. However, as statistics and information regarding coronavirus rapidly change, some figures may be different from when this story was originally posted. While we strive to keep our content as up to date as possible, we also recommend visiting sites like the CDC or websites of local health departments.

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Covid restrictions still in place for UK travellers in Europe

While many rules have been lifted, holidaymakers must still comply with each European country’s varied, and extended, rules

Families from the UK who are heading abroad for the spring half-term break continue to face a complex array of Covid testing requirements as restrictions for popular destinations remain in place. While the UK has relaxed all Covid travel restrictions , many other countries have retained a variety of test requirements before holidaymakers can enter. On Sunday (15 May) Spain announced that it was extending its entry rules until at least 15 June, meaning adults must be fully vaccinated before travelling to the Spanish mainland, Canary Islands or the Balearics. Unvaccinated children can travel, but those aged 12 and over need to show a certificate of Covid recovery or take a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before they travel. Spain’s rules are stricter than most other countries in Europe, with destinations such as Greece, Croatia and Austria lifting all restrictions on travellers, regardless of their vaccination status. Others, such as France and Turkey, allow unvaccinated holidaymakers to travel but only having completed a negative lateral flow or PCR test before they arrive. However, even here there are differences in approach, with Portugal and Cyprus both requiring lateral flow tests for the unvaccinated to be completed by a healthcare professional no more than 24 hours before departure, rather than allowing travellers to take their own swabs at home. For most countries, testing requirements start with children aged 12 and over, but the rules are different for families going to Italy, where anyone who is unvaccinated and over six must prove their Covid status with a test. The US is stricter still, with every traveller aged two and above required to complete a Covid test no more than 24 hours before they travel, regardless of their vaccination status. “It’s great to see people are travelling abroad again, but as individual countries are responsible for their own Covid testing rules, passengers must remain wary to ensure they’ve taken the right tests for their destination,” said Nick Markham, co founder at Cignpost ExpressTest, which operates testing centres at airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham and Edinburgh. “The risk is that they can’t get a last-minute test in time for their flight, so prebooking the right test at the airport should be thought of as a holiday essential, like buying insurance or finding the best deal for your travel money. “With testing rules changing regularly and often at short notice, we advise people keep checking the requirements for their destination to make sure they don’t get caught out.”

Families who navigate the Covid testing requirements must also keep on top of rules for wearing face masks, with the EU recently announcing that coverings are no longer required on flights to many EU countries. However, popular destinations including Greece, Italy and Spain say they intend to keep mask rules in place for the half-term break. To check for the latest entry requirements travellers can visit gov.uk or use ExpressTest’s free find the right test tool .

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Home > Newsroom > News archive > 2021 > Europe Minister explains latest travel restrictions between France and (...)

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Europe Minister explains latest travel restrictions between France and UK

European affairs – COVID-19/health pass – Interview given by M. Clément Beaune, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to CNews (excerpt)

Paris, 7 June 2021

Q. – French people won’t be able to go to Britain, for example, this summer?

THE MINISTER – Let me emphasize two points; sorry, it’s technical and practical. Rules for countries you travel to are set by those countries. So today it’s Britain, not us, which decides whether or not French people can go to Britain. There’s quite a limited set of circumstances where you can travel to Britain today. They’re gradually going to review their list of “green” countries, countries with which they’re opening up, between now and the start of the summer. So I think it will be possible to go to Britain over the course of the summer.

Q. – And in the other direction?

THE MINISTER – And in the other direction.

Q. – Will French people who want to go to Britain be able to come back to France?

THE MINISTER – French people going to Britain and returning [to France] – we set the rules for this. Indeed, Britain is an “amber” country, like most of the world’s countries – the United States, for example. This means you can come to France from Britain; if you’ve been vaccinated, you still do a test, because it isn’t a country where the health situation is good enough for things to be relaxed too much. So once you’re vaccinated, you still do a PCR or antigen test. And if you haven’t been vaccinated, you do a test and in addition – let me emphasize this – there must be a so-called “compelling” reason [for you to travel], i.e. a court summons, or a really pressing or important professional reason. But our French nationals coming from Britain or elsewhere still have the right to return to France. Depending on which country they’re coming from, they’re required to do tests, even quarantine if it’s a “red” country, but our nationals still have the right to come back to France – that’s natural. (...)./.

Published on 08/06/2021

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Quick access

• Consulate generals of France in the UK

New UK travel restrictions could penalise Europeans under 30

Even Angela Merkel could be affected by the new rule.

The UK has made a sudden change in their travel rules which will come as a shock to many Europeans, especially young people.

As of 12 August the UK requires visitors with doses of two different COVID vaccines to quarantine on arrival for 10 days when arriving from an amber list country. European countries like France, Spain, Sweden, Portugal and the Netherlands are all on the amber list.

Quarantine can be done at a location of your choice, with tests required on the second and eighth days of isolation. There are many reports of authorities calling or visiting those who are quarantining to check they are following the rules. Fines of up to £10,000 can be issued to those who break quarantine.

The policy comes as a shock as many assumed they would be able to skip quarantine if they are fully-vaccinated and traveling from an amber list country. However the UK government only recognises those with two doses of the same vaccine as fully-vaccinated. They updated the government website on 12 August to reflect this change.

• Avoid UK hotels this summer with our alternative accommodation guide
• UPDATED: Where can I travel in Europe? A list of COVID entry rules for every European country

Why has this travel rule change been criticised?

Opinion is split on mixing vaccine doses with the WHO advising against it. However, there is no evidence that mixing doses offers less protection and it is common practice when immunising against other illnesses such as Ebola. Some studies suggest it may even offer more immunity from COVID-19.

“You are basically presenting the antigen (the recognisable part of the pathogen) to the immune system in a different way”, Rodolphe Thiébaut, professor of public health at University of Bordeaux, told Horizon.

“If you mix different types of vaccine, we can imagine that you will increase the (immune) response against the common antigen,” adds Dr Frédéric Martinon an immunologist at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research.

Mixing doses is widespread in Europe, where changing guidance on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine resulted in many who had been administered one dose of AstraZeneca having a different vaccine for their second shot.

Notable people who have received mixed doses include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, but the policy change will affect young Europeans the most.

Many youngsters were given Pfizer or Moderna as their second dose after receiving AstraZeneca for the first dose. This is because guidance changed due to concerns over links to blood clots, with under 50s being recommended not to have Astrazeneca in some European countries.

AstraZeneca and the EU

The concerns over AstraZeneca which led to more youngsters being administered a mix of doses are complex and convoluted.

After teething problems negotiating a contract with AZ the EU was then hit with supply issues.

• Countries change tack on AstraZeneca vaccine despite EU call for unity
• AstraZeneca: France says under 55s to receive different second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

After approval from the European Medicines Agency, some EU countries then refused to authorise the jab for over-65s, and the rollout of AZ was paused by 13 European countries due to concerns over blood clots.

Many EU countries including France and Germany now only recommend use of AstraZeneca for over-55s or over-60s. Others, such as Denmark, have stopped administering AstraZeneca altogether.

• Protests against COVID-19 health pass held across France for 4th consecutive week
• Green pass: Which countries in Europe require a COVID vaccine pass to get around?
• Digital green pass, vaccine passport, EUDCC: What is it and who can use it?

Travel restrictions for travelling to the UK

The UK lifted all domestic COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July so bars, theatres, museums and nightclubs are all open. Vaccine passports are not widespread although they will be required to enter nightclubs from September.

The UK has a traffic light system in place for foreign travel separated into three categories. Those arriving from a red list country (including Pakistan, Brazil and Chile) can only enter if they are a British citizen or have residency rights and must quarantine in a designated hotel at their own expense.

Those arriving from amber list countries must quarantine for 10 days at a location of their choice and take two COVID tests on day two and day ten of their isolation. People who are vaccinated with two doses of the same vaccine can skip this quarantine but must take a test on arrival.

Travellers from green list countries (for example, New Zealand) face no isolation requirements but must still take a test before they travel and after arrival.

Currently, most European countries are on either the amber or green list, however, the mixed-dose rule only applies to those visiting England and not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

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• International travel, immigration and repatriation during COVID-19
• Entering England during COVID-19

Travel to England from another country – COVID-19 rules

Check if there are any COVID-19 rules in place for travel to England from abroad.

Applies to England

• Guidance for Northern Ireland
• Guidance for Scotland
• Guidance for Wales

Travel to England rules

When you travel to England, you:

• do not need to complete a UK passenger locator form before you travel
• do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
• do not need to quarantine when you arrive

This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

It includes people who are transiting through England.

Other countries may have rules about what you need to do to leave the country to travel to England. You should check travel advice for the country you are travelling from.

How to stay safe while in the UK and on public transport

Check separate public health guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while you are in the UK .

Travel provider and transport hub rules

Your travel provider, or the transport hub you travel through, may have COVID-19 rules in place. For example, they may require or advise you to wear a face covering.

You should follow any COVID-19 rules and guidance from:

• your travel provider – airline, ferry, coach or train company
• the transport venue – airport, port, coach or railway station

Travel abroad from the UK

Other countries may still have COVID-19 rules that you must follow to travel there from the UK .

Check the ‘Entry requirements’ section of foreign travel advice for all countries you will visit or travel through .

You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests to travel to England from mainland China.

Updated rules for people travelling from mainland China announced.

New rules for travel from China come into force today.

More information about COVID-19 testing requirements for travel from mainland China to England.

From 5 January, people flying from mainland China to England will be asked to take a COVID-19 pre-departure test.

When you arrive in England from abroad you do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a UK passenger locator form.

If you will arrive in England after 4am, Friday 18 March, you do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a UK passenger locator form.

If you began your journey in Russia, you do not need to complete a passenger locator form, or take a COVID-19 test before travel to England or on arrival.

If you began your journey in Ukraine, you do not need to complete a passenger locator form, or take a COVID-19 test before travel to England or on arrival.

From 9am Monday 28 February, you can fill in the UK passenger locator form up to 3 days before you arrive in England.

From 24 February, there is no legal requirement to self-isolate if you get a positive day 2 test result.

You do not need to take any COVID-19 travel tests or self-isolate on arrival in England if you qualify as fully vaccinated.

The testing and quarantine rules for international travel to England will change 11 February 2022.

You can now choose a lateral flow test or a PCR test as your post arrival test.

From 4am 7 January you do not have to quarantine on arrival in England if you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England.

Changes to rules for fully vaccinated people travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.

People who qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England can now end self-isolation after 7 days with 2 negative lateral flow tests.

Further information about quarantine rules for children aged 4 and under.

People aged 12 years and over must COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.

From 4am, Tuesday 7 December all people aged 12 years and over must also take a PCR or LFD COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.

People who qualify as fully vaccinated must quarantine and take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after they arrive in England. Lateral flow tests will not be accepted.

From 4am 30 November 2021, fully vaccinated people must self-isolate and take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after they arrive in England. They may leave self-isolation if their PCR result is negative. Lateral flow tests will not be accepted.

South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe will move onto the red list at 12.00 midday Friday 26 November. A temporary flight ban will be in place and all travellers who have been in these countries must quarantine and take tests.

Travel to England rules for children no longer depend on their place of residence.

Clarification about unclear or inconclusive test results.

From 4am 22 November 2021, all children aged 17 and under will not have to quarantine on arrival in England.

People who qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England can book a lateral flow test for use from 24 October instead of a PCR test.

From 22 October, if you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England, you will be able to book an antigen lateral flow device (LFD) test instead of a PCR for your ‘on arrival’ test.

Rule changes for international travel to England for people who qualify as fully vaccinated.

Changes to amber list rules on quarantine and testing.

First published.

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

• Share full article

By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

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Israeli settlers fatally shot two Palestinians in the West Bank , according to Israeli and Palestinian officials, as tensions  continued to spike in the Israeli-occupied territory.

Ruth Patir, the artist representing Israel at the Venice Biennale, said she wouldn’t open her show in the national pavilion  until Israel and Hamas reach “a cease-fire and hostage release agreement.”

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary  has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.