The State Department, as well as multiple other countries’ governments, has issued travel warnings against visiting the Middle East. The warnings cover the following 14 countries:
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel, the West Bank and Gaza
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Yemen
Employers with personnel in the region should consider:
- Conducting immediate location tracking and welfare checks.
- Reviewing evacuation and duty-of-care protocols.
- Coordinating with security providers for real-time intelligence updates.
- Assessing payroll, immigration status, and work authorization implications if employees are forced to relocate unexpectedly.
Given the rapidly changing conditions, all travel plans involving the region should remain flexible, and non-essential travel to the affected areas should be deferred until stability returns.
Severe Transportation Disruptions
Since March 1, 2026, thousands of flights have been cancelled while others are being rerouted to avoid the area of conflict in the Middle East. This is particularly observed in the skies over Bahrain, Iraq Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE.
In addition, travelers should anticipate significant secondary disruptions even outside the immediate conflict zone. Airlines globally are rerouting long-haul flights between Africa, Asia, and Europe to avoid affected airspace, which may result in longer flight times, fuel stops, missed connections, aircraft repositioning delays, and cascading cancellations worldwide. Travelers transiting through major Middle Eastern hubs, such as Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai, may experience extended delays even if their final destination is outside the most seriously affected region.
For Americans already present in the region, the U.S. is advising them to take commercial flights and return to the U.S. However, for those who may be in Iran, the U.S. is recommending sheltering in place or, if safe to do so, exit by land. Land border crossings may also become congested or close with little notice. Individuals attempting to exit by land should confirm border status in real time and remain aware that neighboring countries may impose entry restrictions or visa requirements on short notice.
Larger countries, particularly those with migrant populations in the affected regions, are in the process of planning repatriation flights. Airports and other transportation hubs may be considered potential targets or may close abruptly due to security threats. Travelers should avoid unnecessary presence at airports until flights are confirmed operational and should closely monitor official government advisories, rather than relying solely on airline communications. The maritime sector may also be impacted. Disruptions in key waterways and ports could affect cruise travel and commercial shipping routes, potentially contributing to broader supply chain delays and indirect economic effects that may influence business travel planning.
Limited Consular Operations
The next step for those already in the region and have had their flights canceled is to contact your government and register your presence by reaching out to the nearest embassy or consulate since they will be able to share specific evacuation instructions. Most consular posts in the region are under a security alert. Consular personnel at some posts have been under shelter-in-place instructions. As always, the best advice for assessment of current consular operation at a specific post is to follow instructions provided by the consular post itself.
Other Measures
Communication disruptions are possible. In conflict zones, internet and cellular service interruptions can occur, limiting access to airline notifications, embassy updates, or digital boarding passes. Travelers should maintain physical copies of passports, visas, and other critical documents.
If possible, travelers should enroll in their home country’s traveler registration programs (such as the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)) to receive direct security updates and evacuation instructions. You may enroll with STEP at https://step.state.gov for the latest State Department security alerts.
Jackson Lewis attorneys are closely monitoring the evolving situation and can assist with your proactive response.