As tensions rise across parts of the Middle East, a viral Instagram video is urging Americans stranded or traveling overseas to broaden where they seek emergency guidance.
The post, shared by @xophoenixriks, carries a clear message: “If you’re an American traveling abroad, please track the State Department evacuation notices while also reading advisories from other countries.”
In the video, the woman references a segment on CNN in which a retired U.S. general discussed evacuation efforts for American citizens, noting that current operations in the Middle East appear “very slow to non-existent” compared to what other nations are doing.
‘Supplement State Department Warnings’
Her core advice is direct and emphatic.
“If you are an American, and you are currently abroad, or you plan to travel abroad, please supplement State Department travel warnings with warnings and advisories from other nations you trust,” she says.
While stressing that Americans should continue monitoring official alerts from the U.S. Department of State, she suggests also paying close attention to guidance from countries such as Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.
“If I see that Canada’s telling its people to evacuate, I’m going — even if the U.S. hasn’t yet issued an evacuation notice,” she says. “If Germany says it, France, the UK, really most of the EU, I’m out of there. If Jordan says it’s time to get up and go, I’m leaving.”
Concerns Over Capacity
In explaining her reasoning, she points to staffing reductions across the federal government in 2025, including layoffs at the State Department.
“In a situation like this, an emergency across the Middle East … you don’t have as many people at the State Department perhaps focused on all of these issues and focused on all of the citizen services that are needed,” she says.
While she stops short of accusing U.S. authorities of negligence, she frames her advice as practical risk management.
“Follow those State Department travel advisories because you want to know when and if the U.S. is coming to evacuate you,” she says. “But also please follow travel advisories from other nations … because they might be issuing warnings a little bit faster.”
A Broader Travel Debate
Her remarks arrive amid growing uncertainty for international travelers as strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks heighten geopolitical tensions, disrupt air travel and raise security concerns in the region.
The video has sparked discussion online, with some users praising the cautious approach and others defending U.S. evacuation capabilities.
At its core, her message reflects a sobering reality for global travelers: in fast-moving crises, information — and how quickly you act on it — can make all the difference.
