Tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, prompting a range of travel and immigration-related responses across the Middle East and beyond. Governments have adjusted consular operations, issued travel advisories, and introduced humanitarian immigration measures.
In the UAE, visa flexibility has been extended to affected nationals, while multiple airlines have suspended or rerouted flights to mitigate security risks. The UK and EU member states have begun precautionary evacuations of diplomatic staff and citizens, and restrictions on border crossings from Iran have increased. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further disruption to mobility, air travel, and immigration processing across the region. Travelers and employers with mobile workforces are advised to remain alert to developments and monitor official guidance closely.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has announced a waiver of overstay fines for Iranian residents and visitors who are unable to depart due to flight suspensions or border restrictions. This measure applies through the end of 2025 and is aimed at mitigating the immigration impact on individuals affected by the evolving crisis. Tourist visa extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for nationals from Lebanon, Jordan, and other directly impacted countries. Travelers are encouraged to apply for extensions in a timely manner.
Border crossings and exit from Iran
With Iranian airspace currently closed, foreign nationals seeking to exit the country must consider limited overland routes. Border entry requirements and diplomatic support vary by nationality, and conditions can change without notice. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the US State Department, and other foreign ministries have issued updated guidance for their citizens currently in Iran.
Key exit routes from Iran
Additional guidance
Border controls remain under the authority of Iranian officials and may shift without prior announcement. The FCDO, US State Department, DFAT, and MFA all stress that conditions may deteriorate rapidly. Foreign nationals should not assume that ports of exit will remain open, and should consult their respective embassies for real-time support. In addition, foreign nationals still in Iran are urged to make contingency plans and monitor official travel advisories closely.
United Kingdom
The UK has temporarily withdrawn diplomatic staff from Iran, and evacuated family members of diplomatic personnel from Israel. The UK Embassy in Tehran continues to operate remotely, with limited services for British nationals.
The FCDO has announced that it is preparing evacuation flights for British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), due to rising security concerns and the potential for airspace closure. While commercial flights remain available in some areas, overland routes are increasingly insecure, and airport access may be compromised with limited notice. British nationals are strongly urged to:
China
China has evacuated more than 1,600 nationals from Iran, utilising overland exit through Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Turkey, followed by chartered flights to China. In Israel, Chinese nationals have been evacuated via land crossings into Egypt, with further movements coordinated by the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Japan
Japan has evacuated 87 nationals and dependents. Convoys were arranged via ground transport with embassy assistance. Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft are stationed in Djibouti and remain on standby for further evacuations if necessary.
EU member states
Countries including Switzerland, Slovakia, and Bulgaria have conducted evacuations of their citizens from Israel, and Ireland has evacuated its citizens from Israel and Iran. Several EU governments have issued advisories urging their citizens to depart while commercial options are still available, warning that airspace disruptions could escalate.
Air travel and operational disruptions
The conflict has triggered widespread air travel disruptions across the region since our last alert on 17th June:
Travelers across the region should expect sudden cancellations, flight rerouting, and airport access restrictions. Confirm flight status and destination entry requirements before departure.
Governments have issued or expanded regional advisories to reflect heightened risks:
Travelers should consult national advisories regularly and avoid unnecessary overland travel in border regions without coordination from consular authorities.
Travelers across the region should expect:
The Israel-Iran conflict is volatile, and further escalation could severely impact mobility throughout the region. Vialto Partners remains actively engaged with real-time developments, supporting clients through updated guidance, crisis response planning, and mobility assessments.
Vialto Partners’ Crisis Management team is closely tracking developments in coordination with our global immigration and mobility experts. We are available to support:
We encourage clients to stay vigilant and ensure preparedness for rapid decision-making, especially where employee safety and immigration continuity may be impacted along with their family members.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Sharan Kundi
Partner – Global Immigration Lead
Anir Chatterj
Partner
Hugo Vijge
Director
Rekha Simpson
Director
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Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
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