Following our recent alerts on regional security developments, travel disruption, land border considerations, and evacuation and repatriation preparedness, we are issuing this further update to reflect recent developments across parts of the Middle East and the resulting implications for regional travel and immigration planning.
The situation remains highly fluid. Ongoing military activity, airspace restrictions, and operational disruption continue to affect commercial aviation and travel routes across parts of the region. Governments, airlines, and diplomatic missions are issuing updated guidance as conditions change, and commercial capacity remains constrained and subject to short-notice operational adjustments.
Organizations with employees located in the region should continue to monitor developments closely, particularly where individuals may be considering regional movement or alternative travel routes due to flight disruption. This update outlines the current operational picture and immigration considerations, including entry options that may be relevant where individuals are assessing movement to neighboring countries.
This note is for situational awareness and contingency planning only. It is not intended to recommend or encourage movement where local authorities or embassies are advising individuals to remain in place. Any movement should only be considered where necessary, lawful, and safe, and only after checking official guidance, route status, border requirements, and documentation implications.
Security developments across the region have intensified in recent days. Reports indicate that Israel has carried out strikes in Lebanon, including attacks affecting areas in and around Beirut and southern Lebanon. Attacks are also continuing across parts of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
These developments are likely to contribute to continued travel disruption, including flight cancellations, airspace restrictions, and broader operational uncertainty for airports and airlines operating across the wider region. Employers should assess impacted employee and family populations in Lebanon, as well as elsewhere in the region, and continue active monitoring and communication processes.
Diplomatic missions are also updating guidance to their nationals. For example, the United States Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has advised US citizens requiring assistance to submit requests through the US State Department crisis intake system, which may assist authorities in prioritizing requests for support.
US citizens can submit requests through the following link:
https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
Employers with US national employees in the UAE may wish to encourage affected individuals to register through this system where consular assistance may be required.
Airspace across parts of the Middle East continues to experience significant operational disruption, with several countries implementing temporary closures or operational restrictions.
Restrictions or closures have been reported affecting airspace in parts of Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Syria, and Israel.
Saudi Arabia has also reportedly implemented partial airspace restrictions affecting areas bordering Iraq and the Gulf, while the United Arab Emirates has implemented emergency air traffic control measures affecting certain airspace zones.
These developments may lead to flight cancellations, reduced commercial flight availability, longer flight routing times, and delays caused by rerouting and operational adjustments.
Airlines continue to adjust operations in response to evolving conditions, and travelers should confirm flight status directly with their airline before traveling to the airport.
Where employees and companies are considering movement within neighboring GCC countries where travel remains possible, they should remain up to date with government advisories and ensure safety procedures are followed. International SOS (ISOS) can advise further with respect to the safety of air and land border crossings.
Individuals holding valid residence permits issued by GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman) may be eligible to enter other GCC states, subject to meeting certain conditions.
Eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction but typically require a valid GCC residence permit, a passport valid for at least six months, and, in some cases, that the profession listed on the residence permit falls within an approved profession list. Certain nationalities may be restricted or subject to additional screening.
Eligibility is determined by the destination country’s immigration policies and requirements may vary depending on whether entry is by air or land. Land border crossings between GCC countries may remain operational but may experience longer waiting times and additional security screening procedures, including biometric registration for travelers entering a country for the first time.
For individuals located in neighboring countries who may be considering travel to Oman, the following immigration considerations may apply.
Oman categorizes nationalities into three visa groups (for visit purposes):
Individuals holding valid GCC residence permits may be eligible for an entry visa or an eVisa, depending on nationality and profession.
Visa eligibility is generally the same whether entering Oman by air or land, although travelers entering via land borders should confirm that crossings remain operational. The typical processing time for an Oman eVisa is approximately two to four working days once the application has been submitted.
Individuals in neighboring countries may also consider travel to Saudi Arabia where entry options are available.
Certain travelers may obtain a visa on arrival if they hold a valid tourist or business visa issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, or a Schengen Member State. Alternatively, visa applications may be submitted through a Tasheer visa submission center.
Land travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia via the Salwa border crossing has been reported as operational, allowing travelers to exit Qatar and enter Saudi Arabia by land. Travelers who have not previously entered Saudi Arabia may be required to complete biometric registration procedures, including eye scanning, at the border. A Saudi transit visa may also be available for short-term travel through the country and allows entry for up to 96 hours.
As with all regional movement planning, travelers should confirm route status, border operations, entry requirements, and documentation implications immediately before travel is considered.
We recommend employers continue to take the following actions for impacted employee populations and travelers:
We continue to monitor developments closely and will share further updates as official guidance evolves.
For the latest updates and practical guidance, please refer to our:
If you require access to the dashboard, please email crisis_support@vialto.com and include:
For immediate assistance or case-specific support, please contact our Crisis Support team at crisis_support@vialto.com, or your usual Vialto contact.
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