MIDDLE EAST – Impact of conflict on travel, immigration, and visa processing

Hannah In-Chan, Director (Newland Chase Advisory), Vivek Radhakrishnan, Senior Manager, Immigration, and Paul Buckley, Editor.

June 24, 2025

This page provides timely travel and immigration updates related to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. It is designed as an evolving resource to help travelers, mobility managers, and global businesses navigate changing entry requirements, visa policies, and regional advisories.

Content is continuously monitored and updated by the CIBT Newland Chase global team of experts as new information becomes available from official government sources. Updates will be timestamped to ensure reliable, up-to-date guidance.

Update June 24, 2025

Easing of restrictions following regional tensions

As of June 24, conditions across the Middle East show signs of stabilization following recent escalations:

Regional airspace reopens: While some routes remain suspended, airspaces across the region is now open, enabling the resumption of standard commercial flight operations and reducing rerouting delays.
Reported ceasefire: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is ‘now in effect’. While not formally confirmed by all parties, this statement aligns with a broader de-escalation in regional military activity.
Saudi consular services resume: Saudi consular missions in the UAE have reactivated appointment scheduling for short-term permits, including for 14 nationalities previously subject to a suspension. This development is expected to ease application backlogs and improve mobility planning for affected travelers.

We continue to monitor the situation and recommend that clients confirm appointment availability and airline schedules prior to travel.

Update June 23, 2025

Evolving impact of Iran-Israel tensions on regional mobility.

In recent days, the Iran-Israel conflict has escalated with broader regional repercussions for travel and immigration logistics across the Middle East. Key developments are now affecting airspace availability, airline operations, visa application patterns, and consular service access—all majorly impacting international assignees and corporate travelers.

Regional developments

Iran has launched missile strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Qatar and Iraq, further raising regional risk profiles.
Kuwait has temporarily closed its airspace. This is impacting regional flight routes and may delay or reroute international connections.
Qatar has suspended inbound and outbound air traffic operations, although domestic security remains stable.
Emirates Airlines has extended its suspension of service to both Iran and Iraq.
Numerous delays and flight cancellations have been reported across the Gulf region. Travelers should anticipate extended transit times and reduced connectivity.

Internal observations and visa processing trends

We are observing an uptick in the cancellation of business visa cases involving destinations in the broader Middle East, reflecting employer caution and reassessment of short-term mobility plans.
There are currently no confirmed disruptions to consular services or mobility channels in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, though knock-on effects such as rerouted travel or extended processing times are possible.
Qatar has suspended inbound and outbound air traffic operations, although domestic security remains stable.
The Bahraini government has introduced remote work protocols for select sectors, which may support continued operations despite infrastructure uncertainty.
Several Saudi consular missions have yet to reopen appointment availability for short-term permits, particularly for 14 nationalities previously under suspension, which may impact project timelines and onboarding of foreign talent.

We continue to monitor developments closely. Organizations planning travel or assignments in the region are advised to maintain flexible travel arrangements, stay updated with airline advisories, and consult with immigration experts to reassess timelines and visa strategies in light of fast-evolving conditions.

Update June 18, 2025

Potential indirect impact on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and neighboring countries.

Organizations operating in the GCC and neighbouring countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey are advised to remain alert and closely monitor the evolving situation.

As of now, there has been no direct impact on residents or immigration processing within the GCC. However, indirect effects can be observed, including:

Closure or restrictions in regional airspace
Flight cancellations, delays, or route changes
Increased airfare and logistical disruption

All Israeli embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions have been shut worldwide until further notice.

Recommended actions:

Closely monitor government advisories and airline updates.
Review and prepare business continuity and contingency plans, particularly for employee mobility and travel.
Avoid non-essential travel to affected areas until further clarity is available.
Ensure employees traveling in or through the region are aware of potential delays and have access to support if needed.

In case of escalation:

Should the situation worsen, further restrictions may be introduced at short notice. Organizations are advised to have appropriate measures in place, including:

Emergency communication protocols
Alternative routing or travel arrangements

Update June 17, 2025

Nationals of Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya can expect additional scrutiny and restrictions on entering Egypt.

All visa applicants will be subject to increased security checks if travelling to strategic areas of Egypt such as Port Said, Suez, and anywhere in the vicinity of Sinai. Entry will not be granted until security checks are completed even if the visitor has a valid residence permit cards. Visitors to Egypt are advised to consult with an immigration advisor if they plan on internal travel during their stay.

Update June 17, 2025

The Population and Immigration Authority of Israel announced an automatic extension to September 30, 2025 of all visas that were valid as at June 12, 2025. No action is required by visa-holders. The extension is automatically granted to applicable visas. The following visa types are affected:

General B/1 Work Visa
B/2 Tourist Visa
B/4 Volunteer Visa
A/1 Temporary Resident
A/2 Student Visa (excluding agricultural trainees)
A/3 Clergy/Religious Workers Visa
A/4 Accompanying Family Member Visa
A/5 Temporary Resident Status
DCO (Stay Permit for Palestinians) for Family Unification and Humanitarian Cases

Update June 16, 2025

The recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran has triggered major disruptions across air travel networks and immigration services in the region. As the security environment continues to evolve, individuals and employers with cross-border operations should prepare for significant impacts on mobility, particularly relating to travel to and from Israel and visa processing capabilities.

Regional disruptions to air travel.

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international hub in Tel Aviv, has been closed until further notice. Iran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport has also suspended outbound flights. In response, numerous global carriers have canceled or rerouted flights involving Israeli and Iranian airspace. These changes are causing widespread delays and reduced regional connectivity.

Travelers should be aware that options for commercial departure and arrival are currently very limited and subject to last-minute changes.

Suspension of immigration and visa services.

Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority, along with its Ministry of Interior offices, has closed operations indefinitely. As a result, visa applications, work permit requests, and other immigration-related services are currently paused. Furthermore, several Israeli diplomatic missions abroad have suspended visa services altogether.

Applicants should expect substantial delays in both domestic and consular immigration processing, with no confirmed timeline for the resumption of services.

Implications for foreign nationals in Israel.

Foreign nationals currently in Israel may face challenges if their visas or permits are due to expire. Authorities are expected to show flexibility in such cases:

Overstays due to flight disruptions: Individuals unable to depart the country due to flight cancellations may be eligible for a temporary defense against overstaying. Supporting documentation—such as proof of a previously booked outbound flight—will likely be required.
Permit renewals impacted by closures: Those unable to renew visas or permits due to the closure of government offices should not face penalties, provided delays are demonstrably outside their control.

Employers are advised to maintain clear records and communication with affected employees and to consult with immigration counsel on documentation requirements.

CIBTvisas insights.

While the full scope and duration of this crisis is still unfolding, the effects on global mobility are already being felt. CIBTvisas continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available.

How CIBTvisas can help.

In times of geopolitical instability, trusted immigration guidance is critical. CIBTvisas provides strategic advice and operational support for companies and individuals impacted by disrupted visa and immigration services. Our global teams are prepared to advise on compliance, document extensions, and contingency planning as the situation in Israel and the region develops.

Information has been compiled with the assistance of Kan-Tor & Acco (Israel), and Challenge Law Firm (Egypt).

This update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to CIBTvisas for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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