As military tensions in the Middle East escalate sharply, governments worldwide are issuing urgent travel warnings, urging their citizens to avoid Israel, Iran, and surrounding regions. This unprecedented wave of advisories comes in the wake of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites and the looming threat of retaliatory strikes, which have dramatically heightened regional instability.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance to advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories as of June 15, 2025. This follows a surge of violence, including missile attacks and terrorism threats, prompting the UK government to highlight high-risk zones such as Shebaa Farms and Ghajar. British nationals, who make approximately 50 million trips annually, are being cautioned that travel insurance may be invalid if they travel against official advice.
Alongside the UK, a host of other nations have taken similar steps. Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong warning to its citizens, condemning the Israeli airstrikes as “unprovoked” and a violation of international law. Russian nationals are advised to avoid military zones, public gatherings, and densely populated areas, with officials emphasizing the need to prioritize safety amid the volatile situation.
Australia has declared a firm “Do Not Travel” advisory for Israel, Iran, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Australian officials warn of missile strikes, drone attacks, and widespread civil unrest, urging citizens in the region to remain near safety zones and stay informed through local updates.
The United States has aligned with this global stance, with the State Department advising Americans to avoid Israel, Iran, Gaza, and the West Bank. Those already in the region are told to shelter in place, stay alert to missile threats, and prepare for potential evacuation, while registering with the nearest embassy for emergency updates.
Canada has also issued an “Avoid All Travel” advisory for Israel, Iran, Gaza, and the West Bank, noting that flights at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport have been suspended. Canadians in the area are urged to stay indoors, avoid military or crowded places, and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
India’s updated travel guidance urges citizens to exercise extreme caution, recommending avoidance of non-essential activities in Israel and close proximity to shelters. Indian authorities also advise those in Iran to follow local safety protocols and maintain contact with Indian embassies amid the fast-changing security landscape.
France has taken a stringent stance, prohibiting all travel to Iran due to risks of arbitrary detention and discouraging trips to Israel unless absolutely necessary, such as for family or humanitarian reasons. The French government has begun withdrawing non-essential personnel from Iran and banned civil servants from official missions in the affected regions.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry has issued explicit warnings against travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories, citing heightened risks of missile and drone attacks following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. The German government has also ramped up domestic security measures, particularly around Jewish institutions, in anticipation of potential repercussions.
The Netherlands raised its travel advisory to the highest risk level, “Red,” for both Israel and Iran, strongly urging citizens not to travel under any circumstances. The Dutch embassy in Tehran has closed to the public as a safety precaution, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Pakistan has issued a targeted advisory urging its citizens, especially religious pilgrims, to avoid travel to Iran. The government has established a 24/7 crisis management cell and embassy assistance for Pakistanis currently in Iran, encouraging their safe return. Pakistan, which does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel, continues to bar its citizens from traveling there.
Bangladesh has reinstated its longstanding travel ban to Israel, reintroducing the clause in passports stating, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.” This move coincides with nationwide pro-Palestinian demonstrations and reflects the government’s alignment with the global effort to discourage travel to the conflict zone.
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised against travel to Israel and Iran, warning of disrupted flights and potential airport closures at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. Spanish citizens are urged to stay indoors and avoid non-essential movement amid the escalating violence.
New Zealand has raised its travel advisory to Level 4 – “Do Not Travel” – for Iran due to extreme volatility, violence, and terrorism risks following Israeli strikes. It also advises against travel to Israel, warning of airspace closures and extended flight disruptions. New Zealand emphasizes the importance of comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has labeled the situation “extraordinarily dangerous and volatile,” strongly advising citizens to avoid travel to Israel and Iran. Officials warn that rapidly changing conditions could severely limit the government’s ability to assist nationals abroad and recommend those in the region stay near shelters or consider immediate departure while commercial options remain available.
These coordinated travel warnings represent a rare moment of international consensus amid rising chaos. Nations from Russia and India to Canada, Australia, and the US are united in prioritizing citizen safety above all else. The advisories include calls to avoid military zones, public gatherings, and crowded areas; to remain indoors when possible; and to stay alert to local developments.
The UK FCDO also maintains a comprehensive list of countries and regions worldwide where travel is either strongly discouraged or outright banned due to security concerns. As of June 2025, 73 countries or territories have “no-go” zones, including full travel bans on Afghanistan, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Russia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Parts of numerous other countries, from Algeria to Venezuela, are flagged for all but essential travel.
Given the rapidly evolving situation, experts and officials alike stress the importance of checking the latest government advice before making travel plans. Ignoring these warnings not only risks personal safety but may also invalidate travel insurance, leaving travelers vulnerable in crisis situations.
With tensions unlikely to ease in the near term, the message from governments around the world is clear: now is not the time to visit Israel, Iran, or their neighboring areas. Travelers are urged to stay informed, heed official guidance, and prioritize their safety above all else.
