Middle East: Situational Guidance and Regional Developments

Effective March 7, 2026, Canada imposed an Administrative Deferral of Removals (ADR) for individuals facing removal to Israel or Lebanon.  

Canada also implemented several measures to help Iranian nationals maintain their status in Canada and to support family reunification efforts. The measures apply to eligible Iranian nationals already in Canada, as well as to certain family members abroad. 

New Zealand has issued guidance for temporary visa holders affected by travel disruptions in the Middle East.  

Foreign nationals must continue to meet all visa conditions, and those whose visas are expiring soon must apply for a new temporary visa before expiry, as extensions are not automatic.  

The government may issue Interim Visas for onshore applicants and will take a pragmatic approach when documentation is difficult to obtain due to the crisis. Offshore visa holders whose visas expire must apply for a new visa before returning.  

No grace periods or automatic extensions are planned, but Section 61 requests remain available for individuals who become unlawful and cannot depart. New Zealand continues to monitor the situation and encourages affected travelers to use online services and verify travel validity before making plans. 

The UAE has announced a temporary policy enabling residents currently outside the country, whose residency permits expired on or after 28 February 2026 and who were unable to return due to airspace closures or flight suspensions, to re‑enter the UAE without applying for a new entry visa. The temporary measure will remain in place until 31 March 2026.

For more details, visit our news alert: United Arab Emirates Temporarily Allows Return of Residents with Expired Permits. 

Qatar extended all expired or soon‑to‑expire entry visas for one month, effective 28 February 2026, with the possibility of further extensions. 

Qatar confirmed that the extension applies to all categories of entry visas, and the process will be handled automatically through approved electronic systems. No fees, in‑person visits or additional applications are required.  

For visas that incurred violations before 28 February 2026, individuals must first settle the reconciliation fine for the overstay period. Once the fine is paid, the one‑month extension and fee exemption will apply. 

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.  

The Argentine Foreign Ministry is coordinating with its consular network in the Middle East, which remains in constant contact with its citizens in order to assist them in any eventuality. 

Austria reports that the security situation across multiple Middle Eastern countries remains highly unstable, with violence, airspace disruptions and rapidly changing conditions.

Citizens in affected areas are advised to stay indoors whenever possible and follow all instructions from local authorities and Austrian consular services. 

Bermuda has issued an advisory urging Bermudians in the Middle East to follow the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and prioritizing personal safety. 

Safety Instructions for Bermudians 

• Shelter in place due to ongoing missile attacks. 
• Stay indoors in a secure location and avoid all non‑essential movement. 
• Follow local authority instructions and monitor official updates. 

Registration and Consular Support 

The advisory urges Bermudians to register their presence with both: 

• FCDO country‑specific registration portals (Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, UAE). 
• Government of Bermuda, London Office, for additional support and tracking. 

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. 

Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing deep concern over the escalation of hostilities in the Gulf region, advising travelers and foreign nationals:  

• Travelers should expect potential disruptions, including airspace closures or delays, given the scale of retaliatory actions referenced. 
• Brazil’s emphasis on civilian protection and monitoring suggests that further advisories may follow if conditions worsen. 

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. 

The Cayman Islands Government relayed updated U.K. travel advice for the Middle East, noting heightened regional tensions and the possibility of sudden airspace restrictions and flight disruptions.  

Travelers to or transiting through the UAE, Israel, Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are urged to stay alert, follow local authority guidance and monitor official updates closely.  

The government also emphasizes avoiding high‑risk areas, preparing for itinerary changes and checking the latest country‑specific guidance before traveling. 

Finland is urging its nationals in the Middle East to stay indoors, limit movement and follow only verified instructions from local authorities as the regional security situation worsens. 

France is urging its citizens in the Middle East to follow strict security guidance as regional tensions escalate. The government has issued the following guidance:  

• French citizens are advised to strictly follow all security instructions issued by local authorities and French consular services.  
• Travel to Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank remains strongly discouraged due to heightened security risks.  
• Potential airspace closures, flight cancellations and delays may occur depending on regional developments. Citizens should stay in contact with their airlines.  
• France continues to monitor the situation closely, with no French victims reported at this stage. 

Greece activated 12 emergency telephone lines to support citizens affected by the escalating regional situation. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these lines supplement existing consular contacts and are intended to ensure fast access to assistance. 

According to the Hong Kong government, multiple airlines have suspended or rerouted flights due to airspace closures in parts of the Middle East. These disruptions have affected Hong Kong residents traveling through the region, prompting the government to activate support measures. 

The Immigration Department and Hong Kong’s overseas Economic and Trade Offices are providing assistance to residents who are stranded or experiencing travel delays. 

Government Support Measures 

• 24‑hour assistance through the Immigration Department’s hotline 
• Coordination with airlines to help residents adjust travel plans 
• Support from overseas offices for individuals needing on‑the‑ground guidance 
• Monitoring of regional conditions to assess further travel impacts 

Officials emphasized that they will continue to track developments and provide updates as the situation evolves. 

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.  

Lithuania is continuing efforts to help its citizens leave the Middle East, with authorities coordinating departures, monitoring security conditions and maintaining close contact with Lithuanians in affected areas.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Lithuania’s embassies are identifying citizens in the region, providing guidance on safe travel options and preparing evacuation support should the situation worsen.  

For immediate assistance, the government has set up a 24-hour hotline and a frequently asked questions page.  

Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued updated travel advisories for Malaysians in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE due to escalating regional tensions and airspace disruptions.  

Malaysians in these countries are urged to stay alert, follow local authority instructions, monitor official announcements and avoid high‑risk areas.  

The government advises postponing non‑essential travel to affected locations and encourages Malaysians to register with the nearest Malaysian Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Ministry continues to monitor developments and may issue further guidance as the situation evolves. 

Mexico’s Foreign Secretary, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, held a coordination meeting with Mexico’s ambassadors assigned to Middle Eastern countries to review the evolving regional security situation. 

Embassy and Consular Measures 

• Consular readiness: Embassies are assessing their ability to support Mexican nationals amid potential travel disruptions or security escalations. 
• Communication channels: Missions were instructed to maintain continuous communication with local authorities, international partners and Mexican citizens in their jurisdictions. 
• Contingency and evacuation planning: Ambassadors discussed preparedness measures, including coordination with host governments and other diplomatic missions, should evacuation or emergency assistance become necessary. 
• Monitoring and reporting: Embassies will continue providing real‑time updates to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support rapid decision‑making. 

What Travelers and Mexican Nationals Should Know 

• Stay in close contact with your local Mexican Embassy or Consulate: Missions are actively monitoring conditions and can provide guidance if travel routes or security conditions change. 
• Register with the embassy: Travelers and residents are encouraged to enroll in the consular registration system so they can receive alerts and be contacted quickly in an emergency. 
• Monitor official announcements: Follow updates from local authorities, airlines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as airspace restrictions and flight cancellations may occur with little notice. 
• Expect possible delays or rerouting: Regional instability will affect flight paths, airport operations and transit hubs. 
• Contingency plan: Travelers should be prepared for sudden changes in travel itineraries and ensure they have valid documentation and emergency contact information. 

Romania issued a statement to address the situation of Romanians stranded near Iran and across the Middle East due to the regional conflict. The government has also implemented the following measures: 

• Crisis cell active: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its crisis unit and will hold regular press briefings to keep citizens informed.  
• Cross‑ministerial coordination: Senior officials from Foreign Affairs, Transport, Economy, Defense, and Finance participated to coordinate response measures.  
• Repatriation planning: Authorities are preparing evacuation and transport options amid ongoing airspace closures and flight cancellations. 

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. 

Thai authorities report that roughly 110,000 Thai nationals are currently in the Middle East, with no injuries reported at this time.  

Embassies and Consulates‑General across the region have issued safety advisories and are preparing evacuation plans, which may involve coordination with other countries or international organizations.  

Missions in affected areas have opened registration for Thai nationals wishing to return home and are working closely with host governments to facilitate assistance if needed.  

The Ministry continues to monitor regional tensions and adjust response plans as the situation evolves. 

On March 4, 2026, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that exceptional flights are now operating at UAE airports to help stranded passengers depart the country.  

These flights will run according to schedules communicated directly by airlines.  

Passengers are urged not to go to the airport until their airline provides updated timing and instructions to avoid congestion and ensure smooth processing. The Authority emphasized that passenger cooperation is essential for maintaining orderly operations. 

Previously, on February 28, 2026, the GCAA temporarily and partially closed its airspace as an exceptional precautionary measure. This decision followed a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks amid escalating regional tensions. 

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. 

Embassy Alerts

The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have both issued shelter-in-place orders in response to ongoing events.  

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait will be closed until further notice. Officials at the embassy have canceled all regular and emergency consular appointments.   

Embassy Officials encourage U.S. citizens to remain in contact with their respective embassies.  

Officials in Vietnam are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and have directed relevant ministries and diplomatic missions to be ready to protect and assist Vietnamese nationals in affected areas. Preparations include identifying citizens in the region, assessing local conditions and coordinating potential evacuation logistics. 

Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas missions have been instructed to maintain communication with Vietnamese communities, provide safety guidance and ensure rapid response capabilities if conditions deteriorate. 

Government Actions Include: 

• Coordinating with foreign partners and local authorities to track developments 
• Identifying and contacting Vietnamese citizens currently in impacted areas 
• Preparing transportation and evacuation plans should conditions require it 
• Providing safety advisories and consular support through embassies and hotlines