Canada’s response to the situation in the Middle East

Canadians in the Middle East should leave if and while commercial options remain available and if they assess that it is safe to do so.

Should the armed conflict intensify, it could affect Canadians’ ability to leave the region and the Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services.

The situation throughout the Middle East remains unpredictable due to ongoing armed conflict in the region. The security situation could deteriorate further without notice.

Overview of the situation

On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes against Iran, with several explosions in central Tehran and across the country.

Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and US-related military installations and other facilities across the region. Given the scale and pace of these exchanges, the conflict may continue for an indeterminate period.

Impacts of the conflict in the Middle East

There is an increased risk of attacks against civilian targets, especially those associated with American interests. This includes:

academic institutions
hotels
financial institutions
businesses, including in the information and communication technologies and artificial intelligence sectors

Critical infrastructure across the region has been targeted, including:

roads
bridges
energy and water facilities

Travel advice for Canadians in the Middle East

Due to armed conflict in the Middle East, we continue to update our travel advice for destinations in the region. Canadians are advised to avoid all travel to Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen and to avoid non-essential travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Canadians in the region should leave at the earliest opportunity if and while commercial options remain available, and if they assess that it is safe to do so. Should the armed conflict intensify, it could affect Canadians’ ability to leave the region and the Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services.

Find more advice and information per destination.

There are disruptions to movement and transportation, including:

border closures or restrictions
flight cancellations
airspace closures

Canadians in the affected regions should:

be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including any orders to shelter in place
ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date
monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation

The Government of Canada cannot guarantee the safety of Canadians abroad.

Travel conditions can change quickly. Airspace, flights and border crossings may close without warning. Always check with airlines and local authorities before attempting to travel.

The Government of Canada issues travel advice and advisories about safety and security conditions abroad to enable travellers to make their own informed decisions regarding destinations, including assessing the security of their travel routes and ensuring that they meet the entry requirements of their destination. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Register with us

We urge all Canadians in the region to sign up for the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service so that they can receive direct, important updates.

If you’re a loved one of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in the Middle East who cannot register themselves, please do so on their behalf and include their phone number.

Registration can also be completed by contacting Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

Canadians who are already registered should make sure their registration and contact details are up to date.

Impacts on travel and security worldwide

The armed conflict in the Middle East has caused widespread flight cancellations and travel disruptions both in the region and worldwide. Some countries’ airspace in the Middle East are closed. Those currently open may be subject to sudden changes or restrictions.

Your travel plans may be affected even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Check directly with your airline and travel agent to confirm the status of your flight.

If you are stranded in a country that requires a visa, consult local immigration authorities to inquire about extensions or available overstay measures.

If you choose to travel to the Middle East despite our advice, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates further.

The conflict in the Middle East has significantly impacted the global fuel supply and has had repercussions on some supply chains. Some countries may face fuel shortages and impacts on essential services, and could impose measures to temporarily reduce fuel consumption and preserve local supplies.

Safety and security

The armed conflict in the Middle East may have repercussions on safety and security beyond the region.

Heightened tensions could lead to demonstrations and terrorist attacks in the Middle East and across the world. Be particularly vigilant in and around:

Places of worship
Public areas frequented by tourists
Embassies and consulates
Military installations

Iran has threatened to target locations associated with the United States and Israel.

You should also:

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Emergency assistance for Canadians in the Middle East

The Government of Canada remains focused on helping Canadians make informed decisions, access safe departure options, and obtain the consular assistance they may require.

As commercial flights gradually resume and many Canadians have already departed, the number of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their eligible family members seeking or requiring assistance to leave the Middle East has decreased significantly.

Those still in the region are urged to leave by commercial means if they can do so safely. If the situation deteriorates further, it could impact Canadians’ ability to leave the country and the Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular services.

The Government of Canada and its network of missions abroad remain fully engaged and stand ready to assist Canadians in the Middle East who reach out for assistance.

Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre: ME-MO.SOS@international.gc.ca

Canadians can also reach us by:

calling: +1-613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available)
texting: +1-613-686-3658
WhatsApp: +1-613-909-8881
Signal: +1-613-909-8087
reaching out to the nearest Canadian office

Canadians and permanent residents, as well as their immediate family members who intend to travel to Canada, should apply for a travel document as soon as possible.

Travel documents required for travel to Canada or to a safe third location

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their family members (spouse and dependent children) must have valid travel documents to travel to Canada or to a safe third location.

If you need to urgently leave your current location due to a deteriorating security situation, the Government of Canada’s ability to help you could be extremely limited if you and your family members don’t have valid travel documents. The authorities of the country you intend to travel to could deny you entry or allow you to transit for a very short period of time if:

your passport expires soon, usually within the next 6 months
you don’t have a valid visa (electronic or counterfoil) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA)