MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL ADVISORY (REGIONAL TENSIONS)

8th March 2026       MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL ADVISORY (REGIONAL TENSIONS)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Bahamian nationals travelling to or residing in the Middle East to exercise heightened caution due to ongoing regional tensions and the potential for rapid escalation. These developments may result in short-notice travel disruption, including flight delays, airspace restrictions, and changes to local security posture.

Bahamian nationals are urged to remain vigilant, monitor official guidance, and review personal safety plans.

The Ministry strongly advises Bahamian nationals to avoid all travel to:

  • Israel
  • Palestine
  • The Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Lebanon

Due to ongoing military activity and the risk of sudden escalation, Bahamian nationals should avoid all travel to the following countries. Travellers should closely monitor official announcements regarding airspace restrictions, airport operations, and security developments, and remain in direct contact with airlines regarding available departure options.

TRAVEL ADVISORY SCALE

🔴 AVOID ALL TRAVEL
🟠 AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
🟡 EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION
🟢 EXERCISE NORMAL SECURITY PRECAUTIONS

MIDDLE EAST – TRAVEL ADVISORY SUMMARY

Country Advisory Level Icon
Iran Avoid All Travel 🔴
Israel Avoid All Travel 🔴
PALESTINE Avoid All Travel 🔴
Lebanon Avoid All Travel 🔴
Syria Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Iraq Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Yemen Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
United Arab Emirates Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Qatar Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Kuwait Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Bahrain Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Oman Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Saudi Arabia Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Jordan Avoid Non-Essential Travel 🟠
Egypt Exercise High Degree of Caution 🟡
Türkiye Exercise High Degree of Caution (border areas elevated) 🟡
Cyprus Exercise High Degree of Caution 🟡

REGIONAL RISKS

There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts across the region. Bahamian nationals should take sensible precautions, including:

  • Monitor local and international media for updates.
  • Follow all instructions issued by local authorities.
  • Avoid areas around security or military facilities.
  • Keep departure plans under review and ensure travel documents are current.

SHELTER-IN-PLACE

Bahamian nationals currently residing in or visiting the following countries are advised to shelter in place and remain vigilant while monitoring official updates:

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Nationals are strongly encouraged to remain indoors in a secure location and avoid all non-essential movement. Identify the nearest safe shelter location within your building or immediate area.

TRAVEL DISRUPTION AND FLIGHTS

  • Confirm flight status directly with airlines.
  • Allow additional time for route changes and screening.
  • Ensure passport validity and retain copies of key documents.
  • Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.

LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES

Country Police Ambulance Fire / Civil Defence Emergency Official Authority State Media
UAE 999 998 997 112 NCEMA WAM
Bahrain 999 999 999 MOI BNA
Qatar 999 999 999 112 MOI QNA
Saudi Arabia 999 997 998 911 MOI SPA
Oman 9999 9999 9999 ROP ONA
Kuwait 112 112 112 112 MOI KUNA
Egypt 122 123 180 MOI SIS
Jordan 911 911 911 911 PSD Petra
Israel 100 101 102 Gov.il GPO
Palestine 100 101 102 MOI Ma’an
Lebanon 112 140 175 ISF NNA
Syria 112 110 113 MOI SANA
Iraq 104 122 115 MOI INA
Yemen 194 191 191 MOI Saba
Iran 110 115 125 MOI IRNA
Türkiye 112 MOI AA
Cyprus 199 112 112 112 MOI CNA

Last updated 8 March 2026