As geopolitical tensions rise, the U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide caution advisory, telling Americans who are traveling overseas to be extra careful.

The agency said in a security alert released on March 22 that U.S. diplomatic facilities and American interests abroad could be attacked, especially by groups that back Iran.

The warning is valid all over the world, but it stresses extra care in the Middle East. The State Department also told travelers to be ready for problems that might happen, such as airspace closures that could affect foreign flights from time to time. Americans living abroad should follow the advice of the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to them and read travel advisories for their intended location before leaving.

The agency also told visitors to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that U.S. embassies could send them security updates and alerts while they were away.

Some Americans already say they are nervous about going to other countries, so this warning comes at a bad time. 44% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45 who answered a survey by the shipping company Send My Bag in February said they had lied about being American while traveling abroad. Some said they did this because they were afraid of political tensions or unwanted talks about U.S. policy.

Travelers are told to be aware of their surroundings, follow the advice of locals, and stay up to date on the latest alerts through official State Department channels.

This story first appeared on USA TODAY: State Department issues worldwide caution advisory Americans abroad