Middle East: Situational Guidance and Regional Developments

VFS Global, a third‑party service provider that manages administrative visa‑processing tasks on behalf of governments worldwide, announced that it will remain fully aligned with directives issued by local authorities across the Middle East to ensure the safety and well‑being of applicants, employees and surrounding communities.  

As local guidance evolves, the organization is advising applicants to check its website for the latest updates on service adjustments and other important information before visiting a Visa Application Centre in the region.  

Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement strongly condemning the attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran on 28 February 2026.  

The Ministry confirms that all registered Bruneian nationals in Iran are safe and accounted for, and encourages citizens abroad to register their travel via the e‑Register platform. 

Canada issued updated consular guidance for citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.  

Key points from the Government of Canada 

• Emergency assistance: Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members in areas affected by regional tensions can contact sos@international.gc.ca for urgent support.  
• Registration encouraged: Individuals in the region are advised to register with Global Affairs Canada to receive updates and allow officials to reach them quickly if needed.  
• Limited support in Iraq: The Embassy of Canada in Baghdad has severely limited capacity to provide consular services due to the security environment. Canadians requiring emergency help in Iraq should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre (EWRC) in Ottawa.  
• The Consulate General of Canada in Dubai: confirms that emergency assistance is available for Canadians in the UAE and the wider region. 
• 24/7 emergency contact options: The EWRC can be reached at +1‑613‑996‑8885, via email at SOS@international.gc.ca, or through secure messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal. 

What this means for Canadians in the region 

• Consular support remains available, but services may be constrained in high‑risk areas such as Iraq. 
• Canadians in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, can still access assistance through local missions, but should rely on Ottawa’s EWRC for urgent or after‑hours needs. 
• Registration with Global Affairs Canada is strongly recommended to ensure timely communication during rapidly evolving events. 

Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs issued two formal government statements addressing the safety of Irish citizens in the Gulf and wider Middle East following regional strikes and escalating tensions. Both statements emphasize active consular support, crisis‑center coordination and the need for citizens to follow official guidance. 

Key points from the government statements 

• Citizens are urged to register on the DFA’s Citizen Registration platform, with several hundred new registrations reported in the UAE alone.  
• The Minister strongly advises a “shelter in place” strategy, noting that no evacuation routes are recommended for Gulf countries at this time.  
• Ireland is coordinating with EU partners, with the Minister joining an emergency virtual meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.  

The South African embassies in Jordan and Iraq urged South African citizens to stay alert amid the current Middle East security situation, ensure they are registered with their nearest South African embassy, and contact the embassy or consulate immediately if they are in distress or require assistance. 

Key points from the government advisory 

• South African expatriates, citizens and residents in Jordan and Iraq are advised to remain vigilant due to the evolving regional situation. 
• Individuals should register with the South African Embassy in their country of residence so officials can reach them quickly if needed. 
• Anyone experiencing distress or requiring support should contact the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate for assistance. 
• DIRCO directs citizens to its website for contact details of all South African missions abroad. 

The advisory emphasizes maintaining communication with South African diplomatic missions and monitoring official updates as conditions evolve. 

The United Arab Emirates has temporarily and partially closed its airspace as an exceptional precautionary measure following rapidly escalating regional security developments. 

Key Details from the GCAA Announcement 

• The airspace closure is intended to ensure the safety of flights and aircrews and to safeguard UAE territory amid heightened regional tensions.  
• The decision followed a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks. 
• The GCAA coordinated with relevant national and international authorities before implementing the measure. 
• Airspace safety and the protection of UAE air sovereignty remain top national priorities. 

Impact on Aviation Operations 

• Airlines operating in the UAE—including those at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport—are expected to experience flight cancellations, rerouting, and delays. 
• The GCAA has stated it will continue to update authorities and the public as the situation evolves. 

The United Kingdom’s (U.K.) Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has issued updated travel guidance in response to the rapidly escalating regional conflict, warning against travel to Israel and Palestine, urging British nationals in parts of the Middle East to stay indoors and follow local authority instructions, and noting widespread flight disruptions due to airspace closures. 

Key points from the updated U.K. guidance 

• All travel to Israel and Palestine is now advised against due to escalating military activity and the closure of Israeli airspace. 
• British nationals in several Middle Eastern countries are urged to remain indoors, avoid non‑essential movement and follow local authority guidance. 
• Airspace closures across the region have caused significant flight cancellations, diversions, and delays. 
• Iranian airspace is closed, and neighboring countries may impose additional restrictions with little notice. 
• Travelers are encouraged to monitor FCDO country pages for real‑time updates and evolving security conditions. 

The U.S. Department of State has issued updated guidance for U.S. citizens in the region, advising travelers to exercise increased caution, monitor official security alerts and follow instructions from local authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  

The Department notes that conditions may change with little notice and encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real‑time updates. To learn more visit our news alert.