Crisis Information: Middle East & Gulf States

Last updated Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 8:45 a.m.

Note: The situation is extremely fluid. Please check the website of the Federal Foreign Office (auswaertiges-amt.de) several times a day.

Current Security Situation & Travel Advisories

In light of the military escalation since February 28, 2026 (airstrikes and airspace closures), the U.S. Department of State has issued its highest travel advisory.

Regional Travel Advisory (Highest Level)

There is currently an official travel advisory for:

Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Gulf States: UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia.
Neighboring countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen.

Legal significance: A travel warning is the strongest indication of “unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances.” This forms the basis for your right to cancel.

Travel advisories may be updated or expanded at short notice. Travelers should regularly check the security advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State and register with the ELEFAND crisis preparedness list.

Current status of air traffic: Many regular scheduled flights remain suspended. Airlines are currently operating only a few isolated flights, mostly for repatriation purposes, from the UAE, while commercial routes are largely suspended. The Gulf states, in particular, serve as key hubs for flights to other destinations such as Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Therefore, expect airports (e.g., Dubai DXB or Doha DOH) to be closed or reopened on extremely short notice. Due to the attacks by Israel and the U.S., other destinations, such as Cyprus and Egypt, may be affected.

Key Links

You can also find the latest information on the website of VIR member A3M.

Important rules of conduct on site

Follow the instructions of local authorities. If an alarm sounds, seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately.

Keep your important travel documents handy, both digitally and in hard copy.

Special Case: Crisis Measures in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Special arrangements are currently in place for travelers in the United Arab Emirates whose flights have been canceled due to airspace closures or security concerns:

Government agencies and airport authorities have implemented emergency measures to temporarily provide lodging and meals for travelers stranded due to flight cancellations. Affected travelers should contact their hotel, airline, or tour operator directly to clarify their individual situation. These measures apply only to individuals currently in the country due to flight cancellations and are subject to change at short notice.

Local support: In individual cases, the authorities may provide hotel accommodations and meals.
No legal entitlement: This is a voluntary service provided by the UAE government.
ELEFANT: Even in stable countries like the UAE, it is now strongly recommended that you register with the crisis preparedness list to be notified quickly in the event of sudden airspace closures.

Your rights depending on the type of booking

Before the trip: Due to the official travel advisory, you can generally cancel the contract free of charge. The tour operator must refund the full price of the trip (Section 651h of the German Civil Code).

If you are already there: The tour operator is legally required to arrange your return trip and cover the cost of necessary accommodations (at least 3 nights) and meals in the event that airspace is closed.

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