The Canadian government has issued a severe warning for residents contemplating travel to Israel and surrounding areas amidst escalating tensions stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran. As of June 13, 2025, the Canadian travel advisory has elevated to an “Avoid All Travel” recommendation for Israel, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.
Travel Advisories and Flight Cancellations
The advisory explicitly urges citizens to “avoid all travel” to Israel due to the volatile security environment characterized by renewed hostilities and unpredictable situations. Travelers are advised to ensure that their travel documents are current and securely maintained at all times.
For Iran, issued on June 15, 2025, a similar advisory cautions against travel due to ongoing tensions involving Israel, the risk of arbitrary detention, and the unpredictable application of local laws. The Canadian government advises citizens in Iran to leave the country via commercial means if possible, noting that consular assistance is severely limited there.
U.S. Warnings Echo Similar Concerns
The U.S. State Department has also issued travel warnings regarding Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, emphasizing the risks associated with terrorism and civil unrest. Specifically, the U.S. warns against traveling to Gaza and advises avoidance of northern Israel close to the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to military activities and presence. Additionally, the advisory suggests a reconsideration of travel to Israeli territories due to potential risks from civil unrest.
As of March 31, 2025, the State Department had also cautioned U.S. citizens against traveling to Iran, highlighting risks such as terrorism, civil unrest, and arbitrary arrests of American nationals.
Impact on Travel and Airline Operations
Reports indicate that numerous travelers, including many Canadians, are currently stranded in Israel due to significant flight cancellations and lack of transportation options to nearby Mediterranean destinations. Current airline operations have faced substantial disruptions, with the domestic airline services halted in preparation for an operation aimed at repatriating stranded citizens.
Major airlines, including Air Canada, have announced significant service suspensions to Israel, now extending until September 8, while the state carrier El Al has paused flights until at least June 19, 2025. Delta Air Lines, having resumed service on May 20, has also suspended flights to Tel Aviv until the fall, along with United Airlines, which has canceled its flights through July 31, 2025.
Altered Flight Paths
With the rising tensions, hundreds of flights are being rerouted to avoid the airspace over Israel, Iran, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, disrupting regional connectivity.
Escalation of Violence in Conflict
The conflict has intensified following recent Israeli airstrikes in Iran, aimed at targeting perceived nuclear threats. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile attacks on Israeli territories. Reports indicate that the violence has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 224 Iranians and 24 Israelis reported dead, as confirmed by CNN.
The situation continues to escalate with no signs of de-escalation, making travel in the region exceptionally risky. For continual updates on travel advisories and safety precautions regarding these areas, individuals can refer to the official websites of their respective government advisories, including Travel Canada and the U.S. State Department.
