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MIDDLE EAST – Impact of conflict on travel, immigration, and visa processing.
June 16, 2025
By: Hannah In-Chan, Director, Newland Chase Advisory and Paul Buckley, Editor, Newland Chase.
Middle East Travel & Immigration Updates
This page provides timely travel and immigration updates related to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. It is designed as an evolving resource to help travelers, mobility managers, and global businesses navigate changing entry requirements, visa policies, and regional advisories.
Content is continuously monitored and updated by the CIBT Newland Chase global team of experts as new information becomes available from official government sources. Updates will be timestamped to ensure reliable, up-to-date guidance.
Update June 17, 2025
Nationals of Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya can expect additional scrutiny and restrictions on entering Egypt.
Update June 17, 2025
The Population and Immigration Authority of Israel announced an automatic extension to September 30, 2025 of all visas that were valid as at June 12, 2025. No action is required by visa-holders. The extension is automatically granted to applicable visas. The following visa types are affected:
- General B/1 Work Visa
- B/2 Tourist Visa
- B/4 Volunteer Visa
- A/1 Temporary Resident
- A/2 Student Visa (excluding agricultural trainees)
- A/3 Clergy/Religious Workers Visa
- A/4 Accompanying Family Member Visa
- A/5 Temporary Resident Status
- DCO (Stay Permit for Palestinians) for Family Unification and Humanitarian Cases
Update, June 16, 2025
The recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran has triggered major disruptions across air travel networks and immigration services in the region. As the security environment continues to evolve, individuals and employers with cross-border operations should prepare for significant impacts on mobility, particularly relating to travel to and from Israel and visa processing capabilities.
Regional disruptions to air travel.
Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international hub in Tel Aviv, has been closed until further notice. Iran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport has also suspended outbound flights. In response, numerous global carriers have canceled or rerouted flights involving Israeli and Iranian airspace. These changes are causing widespread delays and reduced regional connectivity.
Travelers should be aware that options for commercial departure and arrival are currently very limited and subject to last-minute changes.
Suspension of immigration and visa services.
Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority, along with its Ministry of Interior offices, has closed operations indefinitely. As a result, visa applications, work permit requests, and other immigration-related services are currently paused. Furthermore, several Israeli diplomatic missions abroad have suspended visa services altogether.
Applicants should expect substantial delays in both domestic and consular immigration processing, with no confirmed timeline for the resumption of services.
Implications for foreign nationals in Israel.
Foreign nationals currently in Israel may face challenges if their visas or permits are due to expire. Authorities are expected to show flexibility in such cases:
- Overstays due to flight disruptions: Individuals unable to depart the country due to flight cancellations may be eligible for a temporary defense against overstaying. Supporting documentation—such as proof of a previously booked outbound flight—will likely be required.
- Permit renewals impacted by closures: Those unable to renew visas or permits due to the closure of government offices should not face penalties, provided delays are demonstrably outside their control.
Employers are advised to maintain clear records and communication with affected employees and to consult with immigration counsel on documentation requirements.
Newland Chase insights.
While the full scope and duration of this crisis is still unfolding, the effects on global mobility are already being felt. Newland Chase continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available.
How Newland Chase can help.
In times of geopolitical instability, trusted immigration guidance is critical. Newland Chase provides strategic advice and operational support for companies and individuals impacted by disrupted visa and immigration services. Our global teams are prepared to advise on compliance, document extensions, and contingency planning as the situation in Israel and the region develops.
Contact us today to speak with an immigration advisor.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
