Travel warnings have multiplied across the Middle East as the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday morning, with President Donald Trump confirming “major combat operations” are underway.
The attack follows failed negotiations in Geneva this week, causing an increasing number of governments to urge citizens to leave Iran, Israel and parts of the wider region, alongside airlines adjusting routes and services in response to shifting risk assessments.
Multiple Middle East airspaces have closed as a result of the attack—including Iran, Israel and Iraq —expected to have an impact on flight schedules across the wider region.
Middle East travel advisories and warnings
These travel advisories and warnings are in place as of Saturday, 28 February. This story will be updated with new information if advice changes.
United Kingdom: The UK government has urged its citizens in the UAE to take precaution and “shelter in place”. In updated advice issued on Saturday, 28 February, it said: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.” Similar warnings are in place for UK citizens in Qatar and Bahrain, while it is advising against all travel to Israel.
United States: The US government also urged its citizens in the UAE, Doha and Bahrain to “shelter in place”. Its latest advice as of Saturday, 28 February, urged citizens to “monitor media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust your plans.”
Australia: Australian citizens in Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE were advised to “shelter in place” on Saturday, 28 February. Earlier in the week, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised Australians to consider leaving Israel and Lebanon, and offered voluntary departure arrangements for families of diplomatic staff in Israel, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar and Jordan amid what they deem to be a “deteriorating security situation.”
Canada: On Saturday, Canada escalated its security alert risk for several parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain to “exercise a high degree of caution”. Earlier in the week, it advised against non-essential travel to Lebanon, and urged Canadians in Iran to “leave now if you can do so safely”. Officials have also advised citizens to ensure travel documents are up to date and to maintain sufficient supplies in case they are required to shelter in place if commercial flights are suspended.
India: India’s Embassy in the UAE issued an update to citizens on Saturday, advising all Indian nationals to “avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines and advisories.” Last week, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals in Iran to leave by available means of transport, including commercial flights, citing escalating tensions in the region.
Netherlands: The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised its travel alert level for the region, advising Dutch citizens in both Israel and Iran to monitor flight availability closely and to depart while commercial options remain feasible.
Finland: Finland’s Foreign Ministry has advised citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and to leave Yemen and Libya immediately, citing the risk of regional spillover as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensify.
Germany: The German Federal Foreign Office has issued updated guidance for nationals in Israel and Lebanon, advising them to stock up on essential supplies, including water, food and medicine, and to familiarize themselves with the location of the nearest bomb shelters. Officials warned that embassy support could be “extremely limited” in the event of airspace closures.
Turkey: Turkish authorities have issued a high alert for border regions with Iran. Citizens currently in Iran for tourism or business have been advised to coordinate with the Turkish embassy in Tehran regarding potential overland departure routes should flights be grounded.
