Travel Advisory for the Middle East

22 June 2025 MIDDLE EAST – TRAVEL ADVISORY 

SUMMARY

Avoid all non-essential travel/ Avoid all travel. The Middle East encompasses Western Asia and, sometimes, Northeast Africa. Commonly included are Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Some definitions of the Middle East also include territories like the Palestinian Territories (Gaza and the West Bank). It is recommended to avoid all travel to the following countries: Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, and Syria. This advisory contains important information regarding the current security situation in the Middle East. The Ministry encourages all Bahamians who are travelling or living abroad to register here. If you are in urgent need of consular assistance, please email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs.

SECURITY ALERT 

Ongoing hostilities pose serious security risks across the region, specifically in Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hostilities are escalating quickly and pose significant security risks for the wider region. There are reports of military debris falling in various locations. Drone and missile attacks have either targeted and/or been intercepted over Middle Eastern countries. Further attacks are likely to occur imminently.

TERRORISM

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. 

Targets may include:  

  • military sites  
  • oil infrastructures
  • transport and aviation interests  
  • crowded places and restaurants  
  • hotels, beaches and residential compounds 
  • shopping centres 
  • places of worship
  • touristic sites

 

Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events.

ADVICE TO BAHAMIANS

If you are in the Middle East, please prepare for disruptions to movement and transportation, including border closures or restrictions, flight cancellations and airspace closures.

You should:

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

 

TRAVEL BY AIR 

Iran, Iraq, and Israel have either closed their airspaces or suspended airline travel. Lebanon and Jordan are partially open but many large airports across the Middle East are subject to suspended flights and air travel.

TRAVEL BY SEA

There is a curfew in effect on the waterways around Bahrain from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Vessels operating in these waters may be detained and inspected, even outside curfew hours.

Regional tension may affect your travel. Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. The authorities have detained and inspected vessels entering these areas. Mariners should make careful enquiries with relevant local authorities before entering these waters. As vessels have been subject to detention, inspection and attacks, exercise caution in the following areas: Gulf of Oman; Northern Arabian Sea; Gulf of Aden; and Bab El Mandeb.

Travel by sea is not recommended unless this is the only route available for evacuation. 

Last updated: 22 June 2025