Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East

Many commercial airlines are currently cancelling flights into and out of some countries in the region. Additionally, traditional flight paths (including between countries not in the region) may need to be rerouted – causing changed travel timeframes – as countries periodically impose airspace restrictions or as airlines seek to avoid high-risk routes. Travelers are advised to monitor their flight status, contact the airlines directly, and have alternate plans ready in case of unexpected disruptions.

We recommend:

• • • • Reviewing the most current travel advice from relevant government authorities, including – if available – the traveler’s national government.
      • Speaking to the airline or travel agency responsible for your travel to determine whether your flight or travel will be impacted.
      • Ensuring that employees follow their company’s internal travel guidance and processes.

We recommend individuals contact their home country’s consular posts for guidance.

Depending on the severity of the security situation, consular posts may close or significantly reduce services for a short or long period of time.

As a rough guide, if a closed consular post simply reschedules existing appointments to a later date, then the closure is more likely to be short in length. However, if the closed consular post instead designates alternate processing sites (for instance, a consular post in another country), then it is more likely that the closure will be on a long-term basis.

The decision to close or reduce consular post services, and the anticipated length of such closures or draw downs, may provide a rough guide into the expected severity of the security situation. Nonetheless, in reaching a decision to remain or leave, affected individuals should rely primarily on advice and information expressly provided by government authorities.

Consular posts may also change how they prioritize applications and assistance, including prioritizing assisting their own nationals, while deprioritizing processing of foreign nationals’ visa or permit applications. Affected individuals should consider contacting the relevant consular post, or reviewing their website, to confirm the situation.

Individuals who are seeking to leave the region quickly and are able to travel by air should prioritize destinations into which they do not normally require an entry visa for tourism or business visits, as this would allow for the fastest exit.  Additionally, individuals should consider nearby or less restrictive destinations to minimize travel delays.

Click here for a list of countries into which Israelis, Jordanians, Egyptians, Lebanese nationals, and holders of Palestinian Authority issued passports require a visa and into which they do not.

Please refer to our Digital Nomad and Remote Work Fact Sheet.

Fragomen advises that all concerned foreign nationals:

• • • • Register with their national embassy/consular post for up-to-date information and emergency assistance.
      • Keep all original biographical and travel documents, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. readily available and up to date. Additionally, be sure to keep any important medical records or travel insurance documentation on hand.
      • Prepare a list of emergency contacts (both personal and government authorities). Ensure you have a hard copy version of this list.
      • Keep abreast of travel restrictions with airlines. Consider also alternative land- or sea-based departure points as flights and airports may become unavailable without notice.
      • Keep abreast of updates from government authorities in the region, including:
        • • • via the Egypt government website presidency.eg, available in Arabic, English, and French;
            • via the Israel government website gov.il, available in Arabic, English, French, Hebrew, Russian and Spanish;
            • via the Lebanon government website gov.lb, available in Arabic and English; and
            • the list of further online resources noted below.

It depends on the local rules of the country in which they have immigration status and potentially on the specific type of visa or permit they hold or other personal circumstances. In some situations, a work visa/permit holder’s immigration status may lapse or automatically cease if they spend an extended period of time outside of their host country. In some scenarios, an individual must notify or seek approval before or shortly after departure to retain their status. Additionally, employers and employees should review their contracts for any clauses related to force majeure or political risk. 

Because the relevant rules and procedures can be fact-specific, we recommend anyone in this situation to consult their immigration service provider – if possible, given their circumstances – before departure.

• Evaluate the current political and security situation (including any significant risks) in the region where employees are stationed.
• Set up reliable communication channels to regularly update employees about the situation. Ensure they have access to emergency contact information and can easily reach out for assistance.
• Ensure that all employees have valid visas, and work permits that are compliant with the current regulations.
• If the situation worsens, consider options for relocating employees to safer regions.
• Stay in touch with local authorities and relevant consular posts to get updates and assistance.
• Create clear guidelines for employees on what to do in case of emergencies. This includes evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, and safety measures.

• Develop a comprehensive business continuity plan that includes procedures for maintaining operations amid political instability or other crises.
• Assess and implement remote work capabilities by ensuring employees can access secure company networks and tools for remote work. Review employment contracts to ensure they accommodate remote work and comply with relevant labor laws.
• Plan for employee relocation by identifying stable countries with suitable visa or visa-exempt options, as well as preparing for potential visa changes, if necessary.
• Maintain flexibility and monitor changes by regularly updating your business continuity plan and staying informed about the geopolitical situation.

There may be more restrictive screening procedures (this has been confirmed in the United Arab Emirates, among other countries). Check with your immigration provider or with each entry official. This information is subject to change and we are monitoring and updating as we learn more information.