Middle East conflict: Impacts on global security and travel
The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile and could affect travel worldwide.
Should the security situation further deteriorate, airspace closures and flight disruptions in the Middle East could affect your travel plans, particularly if you are travelling within or through transit hubs in the region.
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Impacts on travel worldwide
Security implications
The tensions in the Middle East may increase security risks beyond the region.
There may be a higher risk of demonstrations and possible targeted attacks. Be especially alert in public locations, such as tourist areas and places of worship, and near embassies and consulates. Locations linked to the United States or Israel have been at increased risk.
Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Fuel shortages and rationing
The situation continues to affect the global fuel supply. In some destinations, this may lead to fuel shortages or temporary rationing measures.
This may impact:
- local transportation and essential services
- access to local goods and services
- your ability to stay in a country
Potential flight disruptions
If jet fuel shortages occur, flights could be delayed, rerouted or cancelled, including in destinations outside of the Middle East. Routes may be longer; travel costs may increase, including for flights, accommodations and meals; and flight availability may be impacted.
Disruptions can happen with little or no notice. Check with your airline or travel provider before leaving Canada and before your return trip.
Before you go
The decision to travel abroad, especially to destinations where the Government of Canada recommends avoiding non-essential travel or all travel, is your choice and your sole responsibility. You must make your own informed decisions, including those that affect your safety and well-being when outside of Canada.
If you decide to travel and become stranded, you should not rely on the Government of Canada for financial assistance. Our ability to provide assistance may be limited.
If you choose to travel despite global disruptions:
- consult our Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination and any transit points to evaluate how the situation may affect your security
- verify your travel insurance coverage:
- Ensure your travel insurance includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption
- Before leaving Canada, read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully, particularly the limitations, exclusions and policy requirements
- Confirm with your provider if there are any coverage exclusions or limitations related to fuel shortages or regional conflicts
- Have a contingency plan: Be prepared for your travel plans to change on short notice and have a plan in place in case you are delayed
- This includes bringing extra medication in case of unexpected delays and having access to additional funds for unplanned stays, including for accommodations and meals
- Register your trip: Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service so we can contact you in an emergency
Canadians living or retired abroad
If you live or are retired abroad, you should:
- monitor local news closely, as fuel shortages could impact your ability to stay
- ensure your travel documents and those of your family members are up to date, accessible and secure
- know which documents you need and where to get them
- contact local immigration authorities to ask about extensions if you are unable to leave a country as planned and your visa is about to expire
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