Quick Summary
- U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes, have triggered widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions across the Middle East. Conditions are changing rapidly.
- Foreign nationals should register with their respective embassies immediately and monitor official government channels for updates.
- Organizations must verify employee and dependent safety, keep personnel data current, review travel and assignment plans against government advisories, and maintain consistent communication with affected staff.
What’s Happening
The U.S. and Israel have launched an airstrike campaign targeting Iran. Retaliatory strikes have followed, and the ripple effects across the region are significant — particularly for air travel and cross-border movement.
What This Means on the Ground
Airspace and Flight Disruptions
Iran, Israel, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, and Qatar have all closed their airspaces. Additional closures are expected. Major airlines are suspending Middle East routes, and this situation is evolving by the hour.
Land Border Closures
Reports of land border closures are emerging across the region. Always verify current status with local authorities before attempting any cross-border movement.
Country-by-Country Concessions
Canada
The Canadian government has introduced updated measures to support Iranian nationals currently residing in Canada as temporary residents.
India
The Ministry of External Affairs is advising affected foreign nationals in India to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for visa extensions or regularization of stay. The FRRO will assist with all necessary formalities to ensure lawful status during this period.
Israel
- Automatic visa extensions: Israeli visas (B-1, B-2, B-4, A-1 through A-5, and DCL permits) expiring between February 22 and March 31, 2026 will automatically receive a three-month extension.
- Re-entry visa (Inter-Visa) extensions: Foreign workers who departed Israel with a valid re-entry visa that expired or expires between February 28 and March 14, 2026 will receive an automatic extension until March 21, 2026. No application is required. Note: this extends only the re-entry visa — not the underlying work visa or permit. It does not apply to foreign experts or short-term visa holders (up to 90 days).
Kuwait
- All visit entry visas that have expired or are nearing expiry will be automatically extended for one month, effective February 28, 2026. Fines and fees are waived.
- Residents currently outside Kuwait who have exceeded their permitted absence period will automatically receive a three-month absence permit, also exempt from fines and fees.
- These measures may be extended depending on how the situation develops.
Qatar
- The Ministry of Interior has announced a one-month automatic extension for all entry visa categories that have expired or are close to expiry.
- Extensions are processed online with no additional fees.
- Individuals with visa violations prior to February 28, 2026 must clear outstanding overstay fines to qualify.
Saudi Arabia
- Egyptian nationals entering Saudi Arabia by land can now obtain an emergency visa on arrival, enabling onward travel through major Saudi airports. This is subject to consular instructions.
- Indian nationals registered with the Indian Embassy in Doha may exit Qatar and enter Saudi Arabia via the Salwa border under an emergency entry arrangement, with onward travel facilitated through major Saudi airports.
- Indian nationals in Bahrain can register with the Indian Embassy in Bahrain for assistance entering Saudi Arabia. The embassy will coordinate with both governments to facilitate emergency entry where needed.
- Some limited flexibility has been observed at Saudi land borders, with certain individuals permitted entry on emergency passports. However, this is assessed case-by-case at the discretion of border officials — do not rely on this as a guaranteed option.
Thailand
Foreign nationals in Thailand who cannot depart due to Middle East airspace closures may either leave once flights resume without overstay penalties, or apply for a Temporary Stay Extension of up to 30 days. Applications require a passport copy, the relevant forms, and a written explanation of the necessity for extension.
United Arab Emirates
- Visa extensions: Holders of visit or tourist visas, exit permits, or cancelled residency visas who cannot depart due to flight disruptions will be exempt from departure delay fines, effective February 28, 2026.
- Emergency entry visas: Reports indicate authorities are granting emergency visas for foreign nationals seeking to enter the UAE under current circumstances.
- Accommodation costs: The UAE government will cover housing and accommodation costs for stranded passengers during the operational adjustment period.
Additional Operational Impacts
Visa Processing
Consular posts across the region are experiencing disruptions. Check individual embassy websites for the latest operational status. Posts outside the region may also be affected — for example, all Israeli consular posts have temporarily suspended services.
Government Office Operations
Expect delays. In Israel, the Population Authority and other government offices are running on reduced staffing with limited services, which will slow processing times.
Shelter-in-Place Notifications
Several countries have issued shelter-in-place advisories for foreign nationals. Take these seriously and follow local authority guidance.
Emergency Travel Documents
Anyone needing an emergency passport should contact their nearest consular post without delay. Dual nationals should reach out to both relevant embassies.
What Should You Do?
For Individuals:
- Register with your embassy immediately if you haven’t already.
- Monitor your government’s official communications closely and consistently.
For Organizations:
- Connect your mobility, immigration, travel, and security teams now — designate a senior point of contact.
- Confirm the location, safety, and wellbeing of all employees and dependents in the region.
- Instruct your foreign national population to register with their respective embassies.
- Verify that nationality, visa status, dependent, and emergency contact data are current.
- Review all upcoming travel and assignments in and around the region, including contingency and evacuation options.
- Communicate clearly and regularly with affected employees — make sure escalation and emergency contacts are visible.
- Reassess non-essential travel policies in line with current government advisories.
- Revisit relocation, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and remote work plans to confirm they are ready to activate.
What to Expect Next
This situation is fluid and is expected to escalate quickly across the region. Monitor official government sources and check back here regularly for updates.