The war in the Persian Gulf region

On 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States launched attacks against Iran, which responded with strikes against Israel and other countries in the region. The area is now experiencing a state of war or conditions closely resembling war. Swedish citizens in the region are urged to follow the guidance from the Swedish embassies.
Updated
Foto: Johnér

Swedish citizens in the countries listed below are urged to:

  • register on the Swedish list (”Svensklistan”)
  • download the UD Resklar app (Swedish only) and enable push notifications
  • stay in contact with their family members.

For up-to-date information on the situation and opportunities to leave the country, follow the information provided by the embassies. It is updated regularly. 

Iran

Because of the current security situation, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Utrikesdepartementet) advises against all travel to Iran and urges all Swedish citizens to leave Iran as soon as it is safe to do so. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the embassy will not be carrying out any evacuations. 

Swedish nationals in Iran are urged to exercise the utmost caution, avoid areas that may be targeted for attacks, and refrain from non-essential travel on the roads.

Intense air strikes are currently underway against Tehran and several other locations in Iran. The attacks have targeted both military targets and the Iranian state’s infrastructure. Security forces have set up roadblocks in cities and along major roads.

Iranian airspace has been closed and all civilian flights to and from
Iran have been suspended until further notice. There are disruptions to telephone and internet services, and fuel supplies are being rationed.

The embassy office is closed to visitors until further notice. Swedish citizens in Iran who are in need of assistance can contact the embassy by email or by telephone on +98 (0)21-2371 2200.

Israel

The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Israel. The advisory is valid until further notice. The situation in Israel and large parts of the Middle East is serious and may deteriorate further, according to the Swedish Embassy.

Israel's airspace is currently closed, according to Israeli authorities. Some commercial air traffic from Ben Gurion Airport has resumed, but the number of seats per flight may be limited.

Israeli airspace is closed, and all commercial flights are cancelled. Swedish citizens with planned travel are advised to ensure their airline has up-to-date contact details and to monitor the airline’s website for continuous updates. The Embassy refers all questions regarding cancellations or rebookings directly to the respective airlines.

Palestine

The Swedish Ministry of foreign affairs advises against all travel to Palestine. This advisory remains in force until further notice.

United Arab Emirates

The Swedish Ministry of foreign affairs advises against all non-essential travel to the UAE.

This advisory does not apply to transit through Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, or Sharjah International Airport.

Air strikes have caused explosions in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Swedes already in the area are advised to stay indoors and follow developments via the media and instructions from local authorities. A curfew may be in place at night. Follow advice via the UAE Civil
Defence app and avoid crowds.

Commercial flights are operating from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including to the Nordic countries and the rest of Europe. Check for tickets on the airlines’ websites. Do not go to the airport without confirmation of a valid ticket.

A limited number of flights have been able to depart from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Local authorities intend to continue these if the security situation allows. More commercial flights to European destinations are planned with a number of airlines. Do not go to the airport without confirmation of a valid ticket and that the airport is open for traffic. Keep in touch with your airline or tour operator.

Bahrain

The Swedish Ministry of foreign affairs advises against all non-essential travel to Bahrain.

The security situation in the region is difficult to assess and there is a risk of rapid and unpredictable escalation.

Iranian airstrikes have caused explosions in the country. Swedes already in Bahrain are urged to remain indoors and follow developments via the media and local authorities. 

Contact your airline for updates regarding your journey, as the airspace around Bahrain may be affected.

Sweden does not have a full embassy in the country.  

Kuwait

The Swedish Ministry of foreign affairs advises against all non-essential travel to Kuwait.

Iranian airstrikes have caused explosions in the country. Swedes already on site are urged to remain indoors and follow information from local authorities and media.

Qatar

The Swedish Ministry of foreign affairs advises against all non-essential travel to Qatar.

This advisory does not apply to transit through Hamad International Airport.

Explosions have been reported in Doha. Swedes already in Qatar are urged to stay indoors and follow developments via the media and local authorities.

Jordan

The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to Jordan. The advisory is valid until further notice.

The security situation in the region is changing rapidly. Follow the instructions of local authorities, for example in the event of an air raid alarm, and keep up to date with developments in the region and the country.

Jordanian airspace is currently open. Given the uncertain situation in the region, there is a risk that airspace may be closed at very short notice. Travellers are advised to contact their airline for further information.

Saudi Arabia

The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has issued a stronger advisory against travel to Saudi Arabia. Because of a deteriorating security situation, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon

The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Lebanon and urges Swedish citizens in the country to leave. The advisory is valid until further notice.

The current conflict in the region has led to a deterioration in the security situation in Lebanon, and there is a risk of further escalation.

Lebanese airspace is not closed, but there are disruptions to air traffic with many flights cancelled. Swedish citizens are advised to book flights with Middle East Airlines (MEA), which is continuously adding extra flights. Swedes are urged to stay up to date on developments and follow news reports and instructions from local authorities

Iraq

The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to the country. The warning is valid until further notice.

The security situation in Iraq can deteriorate rapidly, with little or no warning. This may result in airspace closures and flight cancellations.

Effects on Swedish security

The Swedish Security Service ("Säkerhetspolisen") assesses that ongoing developments in the Middle East pose an increased threat primarily to American, Israeli and Jewish interests abroad, also in Sweden. There are also threats to Iranian opposition groups and individuals in Sweden.

This information was provided by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (Utrikesdepartementet) and The Swedish Security Service  ("Säkerhetspolisen").