Middle East Travel Advisories: What Travelers Need to Know Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions
Condé Nast Traveler
by Hana Al-KhodairiFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
As US-Iran nuclear talks intensify amid rising regional tensions, a wave of travel advisories has been issued across the Middle East, urging citizens to reconsider plans to Iran and parts of Lebanon due to heightened security risks. Countries including Australia, the UK, Canada, India, Serbia, Poland, Sweden, Cyprus, Singapore, and Brazil have all issued warnings, reflecting concerns over potential escalations in conflict. While many areas remain operational with flights and services running as usual, travelers are advised to monitor updates closely and exercise caution.
The situation has led governments to take proactive measures, such as voluntary departure programs for diplomatic staff and their families in countries like Israel, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. For instance, the US State Department has ordered non-essential personnel and family members to leave its embassy in Beirut, while India’s embassy in Tehran has urged nationals to depart Iran immediately. Similarly, Sweden and Poland have advised their citizens to avoid all travel to Iran, highlighting the growing regional instability.
Despite these warnings, much of the Middle East continues to function normally, with airports and commercial flights operating across major hubs like the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. However, travelers should remain vigilant and prepare for potential disruptions by staying in touch with airlines, allowing flexibility in itineraries, and ensuring comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations and delays.
The surge in advisories underscores the unpredictable nature of the current security landscape,
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Originally published on Condé Nast Traveler on 2/26/2026