Canadians urged to exercise caution as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

The Israeli Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) (Leo Correa/AP)

The federal government is advising Canadians in the Middle East to stay vigilant as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate.

Global Affairs Canada is urging Canadians in the region to remain alert, follow the guidance of local authorities and prepare for possible travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures.

The updated advisory, issued Sunday, raised the travel risk levels for Qatar.

Risk level updates as of June 15:

• Israel: Avoid all travel
• Iran: Avoid all travel
• Jordan: Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories)
• Qatar: Exercise a high degree of caution

As of June 15, Global Affairs Canada says it has received no reports of Canadian casualties related to the recent violence.

According to the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, 78,893 Canadians are registered in the Middle East, including 2,129 in Iran and 6,376 in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.

The government notes that registration is voluntary and may not reflect the actual number of Canadians currently in the region.

Canadians in the Middle East are encouraged to ensure their travel documents are up to date and to check travel.gc.ca regularly for the latest information.

The government says the travel advisories will continue to update as the situation evolves and a dedicated crisis response webpage has also been launched to help inform and support Canadians abroad.

Those in need of emergency consular assistance can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:

• Phone: [phone]

• Email: [e-mail]

• SMS: [phone]

• WhatsApp: [phone]