The geopolitical crisis that erupted in late February 2026 in the Middle East has significantly reshaped the global travel map. Military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran, and Tehran’s response with missile and drone attacks across the wider region, have prompted many governments to issue strict travel warnings.

The escalation has had an immediate impact on international travel. Many airlines have suspended routes, airspace closures have occurred temporarily, and several airports in the region have operated under restrictions or suffered damage to infrastructure. Some incidents have raised particular concern, including attacks near strategic installations in the Persian Gulf and damage to critical infrastructure affecting the operation of international transport hubs.

At the same time, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and several European states have issued new guidance to their citizens, urging them either to avoid travel to specific areas or even to leave certain countries immediately. These warnings (“Avoid All Travel” or “Depart Now”) mainly concern regions close to the epicenter of the crisis, as well as states hosting military bases or key energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the global map of travel risks still includes countries that have long been considered extremely dangerous due to wars, civil conflicts, or terrorist threats. The new crisis in the Middle East is now adding to this already complicated landscape.

Countries With the Highest Travel Risk

• Iran
• Israel
• Lebanon
• Yemen
• Syria
• Iraq
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Jordan
• Afghanistan
• Sudan
• Congo
• Russia
• Ukraine
• Myanmar
• Mali

The New Geopolitical Tension in the Middle East

The conflict unfolding between Iran, Israel, and the United States has significantly increased risk across the wider Middle East. Iran stands at the center of military operations, while Israel continues to face threats of missile attacks and broader regional escalation.

Lebanon and Syria are also considered high-risk areas, as they lie close to the core of the conflict and host armed organizations directly or indirectly involved in the developments. In Iraq, the presence of foreign military forces and the activity of armed groups add further concern about potential strikes or attacks.

Particularly significant is the shift in the situation in the Persian Gulf. Destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are major hubs for global aviation and tourism. However, the presence of military bases, energy facilities, and strategic ports makes them potential targets if the crisis escalates further.

Drone and long-range missile attacks have heightened fears that key infrastructure or airports could be targeted, which could cause major disruptions to international travel. For this reason, several airlines have already adjusted their flight routes to avoid certain parts of the region’s airspace.

Traditional High-Risk Zones

Beyond the new Middle East crisis, there are regions of the world that have remained under high travel risk for many years.

Afghanistan is considered one of the most dangerous countries for international travelers due to the presence of armed groups and limited state security. In Sudan, the ongoing civil conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis and the collapse of essential services.

Russia and Ukraine also remain high-risk destinations because of the ongoing war in the region, while in Myanmar political instability and clashes between the military and armed groups create an uncertain environment for visitors.

What Travelers Should Know

Experts advise travelers to always check official sources before planning trips to regions affected by geopolitical developments. Important information sources include travel advisories from foreign ministries, such as the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs via mfa.gr, as well as the corresponding services of the United States and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, travelers are advised to have travel insurance that covers cancellations or trip interruptions due to crises, and to closely monitor developments in air travel, which can change within a matter of hours.

For those planning trips in 2026, several experts recommend destinations with lower geopolitical risk, such as countries in Northern Europe or more remote areas of the South Pacific.