Middle East Escalation Disrupts U.S. Visa Processing Across the Region

Escalating military action involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is disrupting visa services across the Middle East.

Several U.S. embassies have canceled routine visa appointments. Airspace closures and flight suspensions are limiting travel across the region. In multiple countries, U.S. government personnel have been directed to shelter in place.

The situation remains fluid. If you have a visa appointment scheduled, or employees in the region, expect delays.

U.S. State Department Advises Americans to Depart

The U.S. Department of State has issued guidance urging Americans in several Middle Eastern countries to depart using available commercial transportation due to serious safety risks.

Countries identified in the advisory include:

• Bahrain
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen

Americans are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and monitor updates from their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

This advisory helps explain why many U.S. diplomatic posts in the region have limited routine visa operations.

Current Status of U.S. Embassies in the Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Posts affected:
U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi
U.S. Consulate General Dubai

Current status:

• Early March visa and U.S. citizen services appointments canceled
• Personnel directed to shelter in place
• Additional cancellations possible

Applicants should check official embassy websites daily for rescheduling guidance.

Qatar

Post affected:
U.S. Embassy Doha

Current status:

• Routine consular appointments canceled for the week
• Shelter-in-place order in effect
• Emergency services prioritized

Expect delays in both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing.

Israel

Post affected:
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem

Current status:

• Operational but prioritizing U.S. citizen services
• Routine visa services suspended
• Personnel sheltering in place

Separately, Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority has announced automatic re-entry visa extensions through March 21, 2026 for certain foreign workers whose visas expired or are expiring in late February and early March.

Important: This extension applies to re-entry validity only. It does not extend work authorization.

Jordan

Post affected:
U.S. Embassy Amman

Current status:

• Shelter-in-place directive for personnel
• Limited or suspended visa services

Routine appointments may be unavailable for the foreseeable future.

Kuwait

Post affected:
U.S. Embassy Kuwait

Current status:

• Personnel ordered to shelter at home
• Visa services expected to be suspended

Applicants should anticipate cancellations and rescheduling delays.

Regional Travel Disruptions

Beyond embassy operations, mobility across the region is constrained:

• Airspace closures in multiple Middle Eastern countries
• Airline suspensions and rerouted flights
• Possible land border restrictions

Even where embassies remain open, passport return logistics may be delayed.

What This Means for Visa Applicants

If you are applying for a visa in the region:

• Expect canceled or postponed appointments
• Anticipate longer administrative processing timelines
• Prepare for delayed passport returns
• Understand that emergency appointments will likely be limited to urgent humanitarian or national interest cases

Applicants outside the region could also experience indirect delays if consular workloads shift.

What Employers Should Do Now

Employers with personnel in or traveling through the Middle East should take immediate steps:

• Confirm the location and safety of all employees and dependents
• Audit visa expiration dates and passport validity
• Pause non-essential travel
• Evaluate remote work options
• Review relocation or evacuation contingency plans
• Centralize communications under a single internal lead

Collect and securely store copies of visas, entry stamps, and assignment letters in case access becomes restricted.

Outlook

The regional security posture remains volatile. Additional mission closures or expanded travel restrictions remain possible if conditions escalate.

For immigrants, the priority is documentation and close monitoring of official embassy updates. For employers, the priority is proactive contingency planning.

We will continue tracking developments and provide updates as the situation evolves.

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