The escalating conflict between Iran and its adversaries is disrupting travel plans for German tourists, with the Foreign Office issuing advisories and warnings for numerous popular destinations.
Munich – As the vacation season approaches, many travelers have already booked their trips, particularly to sunny destinations in the south. However, the situation in the Middle East is casting a shadow on those plans. Beyond warnings for areas near Iran, disruptions to air travel are occurring, including impacts on flights with planned layovers in Dubai or Qatar.
Since February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States have been conducting airstrikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. This has led millions of Germans to question whether their vacation plans can proceed and if they will be safe even as abroad.
Iran War Impacts Vacation Plans: Map Shows Warnings and Advisories
For travelers, the Foreign Office is the primary source of information. Since the outbreak of hostilities in Iran, it has advised against travel to large parts of the Middle East. Tens of thousands of people remain stranded in affected areas due to flight restrictions, and shipping traffic is too impacted.
Popular destinations like Greece and Turkey are not fundamentally affected by the war. The Foreign Office considers tourist centers in Turkey, such as Istanbul or Antalya, to be safe. However, travelers should still monitor the news. The updated security advisory from March 16, 2026, advises against non-essential travel to the border region of Turkey with Iran, Iraq, and Syria in the provinces of Agri, Igdir, Van, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Sırnak and Hakkâri.
Travel Rights in a Crisis
If your vacation turns into an emergency, you should understand your rights. The guide, based on the experience of a legal advisor, serves as an orientation aid.
Download the guide for free HERE
For Egypt, it is advisable to carefully check the current situation before traveling. The country is generally accessible, but the northern Sinai Peninsula and the border area with Israel (excluding Taba) are subject to warnings. Well-known resorts on the Red Sea, such as Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, are not affected (as of March 16).
UAE, Qatar & Co.: Countries in the Gulf Region Affected by Travel Warnings
The situation in the Gulf region is significantly different: The Foreign Office has issued official travel warnings for Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon. Anyone who has planned a trip to these countries should reconsider and inquire with tour operators and airlines about cancellation conditions and refund options. Cancelling too early carries the risk of incurring high cancellation fees.
Active war zones are currently Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Many airlines have suspended their connections to the region. The Foreign Office also recommends that all travelers register on the ELEFAND crisis list so that German missions abroad can capture swift action in an emergency. (Sources: Foreign Office, dpa) (asc)
