Canada’s Urgent Travel Advisory For Qatar As Iran Attacks U.S. Base

Last Updated On 23 June 2025, 2:06 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

June 23, 2025 – The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Qatar, urging Canadians to exercise extreme caution due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East following a U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The rapidly evolving security situation, coupled with reports of military debris and potential disruptions, has prompted heightened alerts for Canadian travellers in the region.

Iran’s IRGC, via Tasnim news agency, confirmed a retaliatory missile strike, dubbed “Annunciation of Victory,” targeting the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

The attack follows U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, prompting Tehran’s vow for retaliation.

On Monday, flares lit up the sky over Doha, Qatar’s capital, accompanied by loud explosions.

It remains unclear whether these were missile impacts or the air defense systems in action.

Qatar hosts one of the largest U.S. military presences in the region, alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Al Udeid serves as a critical hub for air operations, logistics, and intelligence, making it a strategic target amid rising tensions.

Qatar closed its airspace and cancelled flights shortly before the attack was reported.

Their Foreign Ministry said, “We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations charter.”

The advisory comes in response to the volatile Iran-Israel conflict, which has raised serious safety concerns across the Middle East.

On June 23, 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a security alert advising American citizens to “shelter in place until further notice” out of an abundance of caution.

Reports of military debris falling across the region raise concerns about:

Border closures or restrictions
Flight cancellations
Airspace closures

These disruptions could severely impact travel plans, leaving Canadians stranded in Qatar or other affected areas.

The Canadian government warns that the security situation could deteriorate significantly without notice, urging travellers to stay vigilant and monitor local and international media for updates.

Qatar Airways, a major global carrier, announced on June 22, 2025, that it has rescheduled several flights to ensure network reliability amid the crisis.

Some departures may occur earlier than planned, and passengers are strongly advised to check flight statuses via qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways mobile app.

The airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety is its top priority, adhering to international aviation regulations for safe routes.

The Canadian government has outlined critical steps for citizens in Qatar to ensure their safety:

Stay Informed: Regularly check local and international news for real-time updates on the crisis.
Follow Local Authorities: Adhere to all instructions from Qatari officials, including any shelter-in-place orders.
Register with government: Enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive critical updates from the Canadian government.
Update Travel Documents: Ensure passports and other travel documents are valid and readily accessible.

The advisory extends to Canadians in other conflict-affected areas. Those in Iran, Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank face heightened risks due to ongoing hostilities.

The Canadian government advises:

Stay Near Shelters: Remain close to bomb shelters or hardened structures, away from windows, in case air raid sirens are activated.
Follow Local Guidance: Comply with instructions from local authorities to ensure personal safety.

Canadians wishing to leave Iran should consult the Travel Advice and Advisories for Iran for border crossing options.

Due to reported connectivity issues in Iran, registering with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service is critical to stay informed about commercial travel options.

Loved ones can also register on behalf of Canadians in Iran by contacting the Canadian Global Affairs 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca (mailto:me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca).

The Israeli government is coordinating departure flights for tourists, and eligible Canadians can register through the Israeli Ministry of Tourism’s form.

Those able to leave safely can explore commercial land or maritime options outlined in the Travel Advice and Advisories for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip.

Registration with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service is strongly recommended to receive updates on travel options.

The Canadian government emphasizes that it always does its best to help Canadians in such situations but cannot guarantee the safety of Canadians abroad.

Travellers are responsible for:

Assessing the security of their travel routes
Meeting entry requirements for their destinations
Making informed decisions based on the latest advisories

All Canadians in the region are urged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and ensure their contact details are up to date.

For emergency consular assistance, contact the Canadian Global Affairs 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca (mailto:me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca).

The Middle East’s escalating conflict has global implications, and Canadians in Qatar and surrounding areas must act swiftly to stay safe.

With potential disruptions to travel and communication, proactive measures like registering with the Canadian government could be a lifeline in this unpredictable crisis.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds, and share this critical information with any Canadians travelling in the region.

What should I do if I’m in Qatar during the current conflict?

Monitor news, follow local authorities’ instructions, register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, and ensure your travel documents are valid.

What if my flight from Qatar is disrupted?

Verify your flight status on qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways app, as some flights are rescheduled due to the crisis.

Who can I contact for emergency help while in Qatar?

Reach Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca (mailto:me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca) for consular assistance.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.