Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
Fragomen fully understands the need for considered and timely action in any situation. We have developed this page to provide up-to-date immigration insights and guidance. This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Updated 26 April 2024 13:24 GMT
Following the escalation of events in the Middle East, Fragomen continues to closely monitor the developments. We are working with various governmental agencies and other organizations in the region to assess the situation on the ground.
An increasing concern for businesses navigating the uncertainty is the safety of employees and ongoing business continuity.
Our Alerts page remains the best space for up-to-date information on immigration developments in the Middle East.
Middle East Situation FAQs
HOW HAS AIR TRAVEL BEEN IMPACTED IN THE REGION?
Commercial airlines continue to have flights into and out of the countries in the regions but travelers are advised to monitor their flight status and contact the airlines directly.
ARE COUNTRIES EVACUATING OR REPATRIATING THEIR CITIZENS FROM THE REGION?
We recommend individuals contact their home country’s consular posts for guidance.
TO WHICH COUNTRIES CAN EMPLOYEES TRAVEL THE FASTEST?
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. 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.
WHICH COUNTRIES OFFER DIGITAL NOMAD / REMOTE WORK VISA OPTIONS?
Please refer to our Digital Nomad and Remote Work Fact Sheet.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT VISA/PERMIT HOLDERS IN ISRAEL?
Israel's Population and Immigration Authority had previously indicated that all visas with an expiration date prior to November 9, 2023 would automatically be adjusted to at least November 9, 2023 (this included work visas). However, they have not announced an automatic visa extension beyond this date. Employers and employees may need to assume that no further automatic visa extensions will occur, and visa holders seeking to extend their stays should go through the extension process.
For the latest in immigration-related developments from within Israel, please check our Immigration Alert.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT ONGOING WORK PERMIT/VISA APPLICATIONS IN ISRAEL?
Applications in progress are likely to be delayed due to closures or staff shortages at the immigration authorities in Israel or at Israeli consular posts globally.
For the latest in immigration-related developments from within Israel, please check our Immigration Alert.
WHAT IF ISRAELI NATIONALS IN OTHER COUNTRIES NEED TO RETURN TO ISRAEL – COULD THEIR ABSENCE JEOPARDIZE THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS?
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 file something to officials before or shortly after departure to retain their status.
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.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BOOKED TRAVEL TO REGION?
We recommend speaking to the airline or travel agency responsible for your travel to determine whether your flight or travel will be impacted. Anyone considering travel to the region should review the most current travel advice from the traveler’s national government, such as the US Department of State or the UK Foreign Office. We also recommend employees follow their company’s internal travel guidance and processes.
WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS CAN FOREIGN NATIONALS TAKE?
Fragomen advises that all foreign nationals in Israel:
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- Register with their national embassy/consulate
- Keep all original biographical and travel documents, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. readily available and up to date
- Keep abreast of travel restrictions with airlines and at the Israel government website gov.il, available from the drop-down on the left side of the page in Arabic, English, French, Hebrew, Russian and Spanish
Online Resources
- Ben Gurion Airport (iaa.gov.il)
- Israel Government Portal (English)
- Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visas
- Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Israeli Population and Immigration Authority
- Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry
- U.S. Government Resources
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- U.S. citizen emergency contact info for U.S. Embassy Israel
- U.S. Embassy Israel - News Feed
- U.S. citizen assistance form - cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake or call from the U.S. at +1-833-890-9595 and +1-606-641-0131 or from Israel at 03-519-7426
- U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs Website
- Department of State Press Statement: U.S. Government to Assist U.S. Citizens in Departing Israel
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