Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Oman Are Now Dangerous for Tourists Amid Iran-US Tensions – Official Warnings and Unpredictable Risks Reveals New Issues: Travellers You Are Not Ready for These
Travel disruptions, heightened security, and official warnings make Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and other Gulf nations risky destinations for 2026 travelers amid rising Iran-US tensions.
As tensions escalate between Iran and the US, several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, are facing unpredictable travel risks and tourism disruptions. These countries are grappling with a volatile security situation that includes rising terrorism threats, the risk of missile attacks, and growing concerns about civil unrest. As a result, many popular tourist destinations are facing disruptions, with airspace closures, flight cancellations, and heightened security risks becoming the norm. Travelers are advised to stay informed and exercise caution when planning visits to these nations. While the Middle East has always been geopolitically significant, recent developments have intensified these challenges, with tourism in the region facing an increasingly unpredictable environment. Nations like Saudi Arabia are confronting threats such as terrorist activities and drone attacks, particularly near the Yemen border, while Qatar and Bahrain are dealing with terrorism and potential civil unrest in popular tourist areas. In the UAE, airspace risks and flight cancellations are causing disruptions, and Oman is warning visitors about the dangers near its Yemen border, while also advising travelers to prepare for extreme weather conditions. Kuwait remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks and the risk of protests. As these nations face heightened risks, tourists must adjust expectations, exercise vigilance, and follow local travel advisories to ensure their safety during this uncertain time.
| Country | Government Source | Advisory Level | Key Concerns | Effective Date | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (Iran) | U.S. Department of State | Level 4 – Do Not Travel | Terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention | Ongoing | Advises U.S. citizens to leave Iran immediately, due to limited consular services. |
| India (Iran) | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) | Defer non-essential travel | Unrest, terrorist activities, protests | January 5, 2026 | Advises Indians to avoid protests and register with the Embassy. |
| Australia (Qatar) | Smartraveller | High Degree of Caution | Terrorism, missile attacks, flight disruptions | January 21, 2026 | Recommends caution due to the unpredictable security situation. |
| Australia (Saudi Arabia) | Smartraveller | High Degree of Caution | Terrorism, missile and drone attacks, border conflicts | January 21, 2026 | Advises against travel near the Yemen border. |
| Global (Travel Anxiety) | International travel behaviour reports | High Anxiety & Cancellations | Security concerns impacting tourism decisions | Ongoing | Global travellers are adjusting plans due to rising security risks. |
| Netherlands (KLM) | KLM | Suspension of flights | Escalating tensions, military risks, airspace closures | January 24, 2026 | KLM avoids several Middle Eastern airspaces due to heightened tensions. |
| Impact Level | Airport | Airlines Affected | Operational Changes | Effective Dates | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Impact | Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), Tel Aviv | KLM, Lufthansa Group, United Airlines, Air Canada, ITA Airways | Suspended services to Tel Aviv until further notice. ITA Airways suspended overnight operations. | Ongoing | Major Western carriers have ceased flights to Tel Aviv. |
| Tehran Mehrabad (THR) and Imam Khomeini (IKA), Iran | Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, flydubai, Emirates | Lufthansa suspended all flights to Tehran until March 28, 2026. Austrian Airlines suspended until February 16, 2026. flydubai and Emirates cancelled routes to Iranian cities (Mashhad, Tehran, Shiraz). | March 28, 2026 (Lufthansa), February 16, 2026 (Austrian) | Most international airlines avoiding Iranian airspace. | |
| Moderate Impact | Dubai International Airport | KLM, Transavia, British Airways | KLM and Transavia cancelled all flights to Dubai. British Airways previously halted overnight services. | January 28, 2026 (KLM, Transavia) | Specific routes to Dubai suspended, though airport remains open. |
| Queen Alia International Airport, Amman | Lufthansa Group | Lufthansa Group restricted services to daylight-only operations to ensure crews avoid overnight stays. | Ongoing | Restrictions imposed on overnight services. | |
| King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh | KLM | KLM suspended flights to Riyadh. | Ongoing | European carriers halting flights to Saudi destinations. | |
| Bahrain International Airport | European carriers (KLM) | European carriers (including KLM) suspended operations to Bahrain. | Ongoing | Suspension of flights affecting Bahrain. |
The ongoing Iran-US tensions have introduced a new level of unpredictability for the tourism industry across the Gulf region. While Saudi Arabia continues to be a major tourist destination with its historical sites and religious significance, the country now faces an elevated risk of terrorism and border conflicts, particularly in its southern regions. The US Embassy has advised against non-essential travel to areas near the Yemen border, where missile strikes are possible. Qatar, known for its stability, is now experiencing an increase in security threats, especially in crowded tourist spots, and is warning travelers to avoid protests and public gatherings that could turn violent. Similarly, Bahrain is facing increased terrorism risks and the possibility of civil unrest due to the region’s instability. While the UAE remains a popular destination, the growing threat of terrorism has led to travel advisories urging high caution for tourists, especially in crowded areas. Oman, though relatively peaceful, is also dealing with increased security risks due to its proximity to Yemen, and travelers are advised to avoid the border regions. Kuwait continues to face the threat of terrorism and demonstrations, and travelers should remain cautious, adhering to local regulations and staying informed about the evolving security situation. As these Gulf nations work to protect their tourism industries, tourists must remain vigilant, stay updated on official advisories, and exercise caution to minimize risks during these challenging times.
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