Dalena Reporters l Tuesday, March 3, 2026
OTTAWA — Canadians living and travelling in parts of the Persian Gulf say they are increasingly relying on regional air-defence systems to stay safe as the military confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel intensifies across the Middle East. Reports from expatriates and tourists indicate that cities in the region have become tense as missile interceptions and air-raid alerts become more frequent.
According to Global Affairs Canada, about 85,000 Canadians and permanent residents are registered as being in the Middle East, including residents and travellers. Many have found their plans disrupted by flight cancellations, airspace closures and security warnings triggered by the escalating conflict.
Some Canadians currently in Gulf states say they have heard sirens and explosions in the sky as local defence systems intercept incoming missiles. While many cities remain operational, residents describe a “tense” atmosphere and heightened concern among locals and foreign nationals alike.
The Canadian government has issued updated travel advisories urging citizens to avoid travel to several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, warning that the security situation could deteriorate quickly. Officials have also advised Canadians already in the region to follow instructions from local authorities and stay informed through official updates.
Global Affairs Canada has encouraged citizens abroad to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad system so they can receive safety updates and consular guidance. However, officials also caution that during active conflicts, Canada’s ability to provide direct assistance may be limited, particularly if airspace closures prevent evacuation flights or normal travel routes.
For many Canadians currently in Gulf cities, the immediate focus remains monitoring the evolving security situation while waiting for travel routes to reopen. With missile exchanges continuing and tensions high across the region, observers say the conflict has created a new layer of uncertainty for thousands of foreign nationals temporarily or permanently living in the Middle East.