German tourists are facing mounting uncertainty as the conflict in Iran escalates, prompting the Foreign Office to issue travel advisories for several popular destinations. Since February 28, 2026, aerial attacks between Israel, the United States, and Iran have disrupted travel plans and raised concerns about safety, particularly regarding flight routes and potential disruptions to cruise itineraries.
The German Foreign Office is currently advising against all non-essential travel to large parts of the Middle East. Thousands of travelers are reportedly stranded due to flight restrictions, and disruptions also affect maritime travel, with some cruise passengers unable to disembark at scheduled ports. Although the level of risk varies across the region, a map released by the Foreign Office highlights areas of particular concern.
Egypt, Turkey, and Cyprus are among the destinations where travelers are urged to exercise caution. Although Greece and Turkey are not fundamentally affected by the conflict, the Foreign Office advises against travel to border regions of Turkey adjacent to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, specifically the provinces of Ağrı, Iğdır, Van, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Şırnak, and Hakkâri. The advisory, updated on March 16, 2026, emphasizes the need for vigilance in these areas.
For Egypt, the Foreign Office recommends a thorough assessment of the current situation before travel. While the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are not currently subject to warnings, the northern Sinai Peninsula and the border area with Israel (excluding Taba) remain areas of concern as of March 16, 2026.
Cyprus has also issued warnings, advising travelers to avoid military installations following a drone attack on the British military base at Akrotiri in early March. The Gulf region faces the most severe travel advisories, with the Foreign Office warning against travel to Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict has led to numerous flight cancellations as airlines reroute or suspend services due to airspace closures and security concerns, impacting major transit hubs like Dubai and Qatar. The Foreign Office strongly encourages all travelers in the region to register with its ELEFAND crisis prevention list, enabling German diplomatic missions to provide assistance in emergencies.
Active conflict zones currently include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Travelers who have already booked trips to affected areas are advised to contact their travel providers and airlines to explore options for cancellations or refunds, acknowledging that early cancellations may incur substantial fees.
The Foreign Office has also issued guidance on recognizing and responding to warnings of impending air strikes, advising individuals to seek shelter indoors and away from windows when alarms sound. It also urges travelers to be aware of the increased risk around US, Israeli, and Jewish institutions and to avoid these areas whenever possible.
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