Travellers Club The Travellers Club, a free to join on-line club for everyone who loves to travel.
As tensions escalate in parts of the Middle East, many travelers are left wondering: is it safe to visit the region right now? The answer isn’t simple—it depends on where you’re going, what your travel plans involve, and how closely you’re monitoring current events.
Here’s a breakdown of the current safety outlook across the Middle East as of late June 2025.
Areas to Avoid: High-Risk and Active Conflict Zones
Israel and Iran
In recent days, the situation between Israel and Iran has deteriorated rapidly. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, and Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks. As a result, airspaces have closed, airports have been shut down, and international carriers—including Emirates and Etihad—have suspended or rerouted flights across the region.
These developments have created a volatile environment, not just in Israel and Iran, but across parts of the Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean. Western governments have issued emergency travel warnings, and some embassies have ordered citizens to shelter in place.
Lebanon
Tensions along the Israel–Lebanon border remain dangerously high due to Hezbollah’s involvement in the ongoing conflict. Most Western foreign ministries currently advise against all travel to Lebanon.
Iraq and Syria
Parts of Iraq remain inaccessible, especially near the Iranian border. Iraq’s civil aviation authority recently shut down airspace to civilian flights due to regional hostilities. Syria remains extremely dangerous, with multiple conflict zones and virtually no consular support for foreign nationals.
Yemen
Yemen continues to be one of the most dangerous places in the world for travelers due to civil war, terrorism, and humanitarian crisis. All travel is strongly discouraged.
Areas Under Caution: Safe for Some, Risky for Others
Qatar & UAE
Despite being modern transit hubs, both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are feeling the ripple effects of the regional conflict. The U.S. Embassy in Doha recently ordered Americans to shelter in place due to security concerns. Air traffic disruptions continue, especially for flights over conflict-adjacent airspace.
Jordan and Egypt
Both countries remain open to tourism and are generally considered stable, though heightened caution is advised. Key travel destinations like Petra, the Dead Sea, Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts remain operational. However, travelers are urged to avoid border areas near Israel, Gaza, and North Sinai.
Safer Destinations (With Precautions)
If you’re looking for Middle Eastern travel with relatively low risk, consider:
- Morocco
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia (selected cities)
- Jordan (excluding border zones)
- Egypt (main tourist centers)
- UAE (excluding sensitive transit areas)
These countries are not directly involved in current conflicts and maintain a strong security presence in tourist areas. Still, travelers should remain alert and monitor local news and embassy updates closely.
What Travelers Should Know
Given the rapidly shifting landscape, anyone considering travel to the region should:
- Check your government’s travel advisories regularly.
- Avoid high-risk border zones, especially near Israel, Gaza, and Iran.
- Have flexible travel plans, as flights may be delayed, canceled, or rerouted.
- Stay connected to your embassy in case conditions deteriorate.
- Avoid public demonstrations or large gatherings.
Final Verdict
The Middle East is a diverse region, and safety conditions vary widely from country to country. While destinations like Morocco, Oman, and parts of Egypt and Jordan remain accessible and relatively safe, other areas—particularly Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria—are currently experiencing significant conflict and should be avoided.
If you’re planning travel in the near future, proceed with caution, stay informed, and be ready to adapt your plans. In this region, circumstances can change overnight.
