CommunicationPublished on 13 March 2026

Situation in the Middle East

Switzerland is deeply alarmed by the escalation in the Middle East following the military strikes on Iran. It calls for full compliance with international law and urges de-escalation. In view of the tense security situation, the FDFA has updated its travel advice. Swiss nationals in the region should follow the instructions of the local authorities, register their travel with Travel Admin and, if necessary, contact the FDFA helpline or the relevant representation. The FDFA does not organise departures; departure is under the responsibility of the individual and at their own expense.

Switzerland notes the latest military developments with great concern. It calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. — © FDFA

Contents

• Latest updates
• Swiss nationals – current data and figures
• Travel advice for countries in the Middle East
• Travel Admin App and Contact
• Newsticker

11.03.2026 – The FDFA temporarily closes its embassy in Iran

In view of the war in the Middle East and the increasing security risk, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land today and are now safely outside the country. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries.

Press release

Swiss nationals – current data and figures

As of 13 March 2026, 2.30 p.m.

• Number of Swiss nationals living in various countries or travellers who have registered there on the Travel Admin App

Travel advice for countries in the Middle East

• On 13.03.2026, the FDFA updated its travel advice for Oman: it now advises against non-essential and non-urgent travel to Oman. Please keep up to date with developments and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
• The FDFA's travel advice for Azerbaijan was updated on 05.03.2026 with a section entitled “Current events” (regional risks).
• The FDFA's travel advice for Turkey was updated on 03.03.2026 with a section entitled “Current events” (regional risks).
• Since 03.03.2026, the FDFA has advised against travel to Iraq and the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan.
• The FDFA's travel advice for Egypt and Cyprus was updated on 02.03.2026 with a new section entitled “Current events” (regional risks).
• Since 02.03.2026, the FDFA has generally advised against travel to Lebanon.
• Since 01.03.2026, the FDFA has generally advised against tourist and non-urgent travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
• Since 28.02.2026, the FDFA has generally advised against travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (until 28.02.2026, tourist and other non-urgent travel to Israel was advised against).
• Since 02.08.2024, the FDFA has generally advised against travel to Iran.
• The travel advice reflects the current assessment of the security situation on the ground. It is reviewed on an ongoing basis and updated as necessary. Please also refer to the country-independent travel information on the same website.

Travel Admin App and Contact

• Swiss travellers are advised to download the FDFA's Travel Admin travel app and register their trip. Travellers who have left the region are requested to update their details on Travel Admin or to end their registered trip.
• In urgent cases, the FDFA helpline in Bern can be contacted around the clock on [phone] / [phone] or by email [e-mail].
• Swiss nationals can also contact the competent Swiss representation in case of emergency.
• Swiss nationals in the region are also urged to follow the instructions of the local authorities.
• Swiss nationals wishing to leave the country should contact airlines and tour operators for information on departure options.
• The FDFA is not organising any organised departures for Swiss nationals from the region. Each country supports its nationals within the framework of its own national legislation and policy. The legal basis in Switzerland is the Swiss Abroad Act, which emphasises the personal responsibility of travellers.
• The crisis unit of the Consular Directorate is continuously reviewing options to assist Swiss nationals in leaving the Gulf region. To this end, it is in close contact with SWISS. As soon as reliable and safe transport options are available, the FDFA will immediately inform the Swiss nationals concerned.
• The decision to leave the region is made at the expense and on the responsibility of the person leaving (Art. 48 Swiss Abroad Act).

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If the security situation deteriorates further, Switzerland may only be able to provide limited or no services and may only be able to provide limited assistance in emergencies. The principles of personal responsibility and subsidiarity apply in accordance with the Swiss Abroad Act.

Newsticker

11.03.2026 – The FDFA temporarily closes its embassy in Iran

In view of the war in the Middle East and the increasing security risk, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. The ambassador and five Swiss staff members left Iran by land today and are now safely outside the country. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. As part of its good offices, Switzerland will continue to maintain an open line of communication between the United States and Iran, in consultation with the two countries.

Press release

05.03.2026 – Edelweiss flights from Oman on 7 March 2026

In coordination with the FDFA, Edelweiss will operate an additional flight on Saturday, 7 March, in addition to the regular Zurich–Muscat–Salalah–Zurich connection. These are direct flights from Muscat and Salalah to Zurich.

Bookings were made exclusively via a SWISS hotline and were aimed at travellers in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The flight from Muscat to Zurich was fully booked within a short time.

In cooperation with the airline SWISS, a special flight from Muscat to Zurich was already operated on 5 March. This flight enabled around 210 people to return to Switzerland.

The FDFA is continuing to examine options for assisting Swiss nationals stranded in the region to leave the country. As soon as reliable and safe transport options are available, the FDFA will inform those affected. People who wish to leave the region must primarily consider commercial flight connections.

05.03.2025 – Limited resumption of flights in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Several national airlines have today resumed limited operations at Abu Dhabi and Dubai international airports. The Swiss representations in the region have contacted the governments concerned through diplomatic channels and asked them to facilitate efforts to get stranded Swiss nationals out of the country (in particular Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates).

The FDFA is in close contact with local airlines through its embassy in Abu Dhabi and is working to create travel options for Swiss nationals. On the afternoon of 5 March, an Emirates Airbus A380 took off from Dubai bound for Zurich. Further flights are planned for the coming days.

04.03.2026 – SWISS special flight for departure from Oman

In close cooperation with the FDFA, SWISS International Air Lines will operate a special flight from Zurich to Muscat and back on Thursday, 5 March 2026. This special flight will enable Swiss citizens who are stranded due to the current crisis in the Middle East to leave Oman and return to Switzerland. Bookings can be made via a SWISS hotline. The embassy and the FDFA helpline are unable to provide any assistance with booking this flight. The FDFA recommends that people who wish to leave Oman check all departure options, including alternative flight connections.

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People who have already left the territory of Oman are requested to update their data in Travel Admin to ensure that an overview of those still in the country is maintained.

The crisis unit of the Consular Directorate at the FDFA is continuing to examine options for assisting Swiss nationals in leaving the Gulf region. To this end, it is in close contact with SWISS. As soon as reliable and safe transport options are available, the FDFA will inform the Swiss nationals concerned immediately.

Information from Swiss, 04.03.2026

03.03.2026 – Four Swiss embassy employees were able to leave Iran

Four Swiss embassy employees were able to leave Iran on 3 March 2026. They are on their way to Switzerland. There are no longer any accompanying persons on site. Like all Swiss representations abroad, all representations in the region have the necessary security and crisis management measures in place. These are continuously reviewed and adapted. The measures also include emergency plans. For security reasons, the FDFA does not comment on specific measures and precautions.

The Swiss Embassy in Iran is currently operational and providing limited consular services. The embassy in Tehran currently has a staff of six transferable employees and 18 local employees.

02.03.2026 – “Die Kapazitäten der Helpline EDA wurden kurz nach Ausbruch der Krise erhöht”

Marianne Jenni — © EDA

Viele Schweizer Staatsangehörige sind derzeit an verschiedenen Flughäfen im Nahen und Mittleren Osten blockiert. Marianne Jenni, Direktorin der Konsularischen Direktion im EDA, erläutert die Arbeit der Helpline EDA, die immer erreichbar ist, um im Rahmen ihrer Möglichkeiten die Menschen in ihrer schwierigen Lage zu unterstützen.

• Interview

  Frau Jenni, am vergangenen Samstag ist der Konflikt im Mittleren Osten eskaliert. Wie lange arbeiten Sie schon im Krisenmodus?

  Die Krisenzelle wurde im Januar aktiviert. Sie hat seither regelmässig die Entwicklung in der Region beobachtet. Noch am Donnerstag vor dem Beginn der Angriffe gab es wieder eine Koordinationssitzung. Bei den Reisehinweisen wurde schon länger darauf aufmerksam gemacht, dass in der Region sehr bald eine Krise ausbricht und es zu Einschränkungen im Luftverkehr kommen kann. Ich kann aber gut nachvollziehen, dass bei den Menschen, die in einem der Länder des Nahen und Mittleren Ostens blockiert sind, die Unsicherheit gross ist und es viele Fragen gibt.

  Was können die Schweizer Staatsangehörigen tun, wenn sie Fragen haben?

  Sie können immer die Helpline EDA oder die Vertretungen vor Ort kontaktieren. Dies sind die ersten Anlaufstellen des EDA. Die Helpline ist während 24 Stunden am Tag an sieben Tagen in der Woche geöffnet. Zur Helpline wird auch umgeleitet, wer ausserhalb der Öffnungszeiten einer Vertretung bei der Vertretung anruft.

  Wie arbeitet die Helpline EDA in der aktuellen Krise?

  Die Kapazitäten der Helpline EDA wurden kurz nach Ausbruch der Krise erhöht. Seit Samstag hat die Helpline über 1000 Anfragen persönlich beantwortet, weitere 1200 Anfragen wurden über das automatische Telefonsystem beantwortet.

  Die Helpline unterstützt zum einen konkret bei Notfällen, etwa bei medizinischen Problemen. In einem solchen Fall stellt die Helpline den Kontakt mit der Person, die sich in Not befindet, und der zuständigen Vertretung her, damit der Person vor Ort geholfen werden kann.

  Mit Blick auf die Reisenden, die an Flughäfen in verschiedenen Ländern gestrandet sind, kann die Helpline nur auf die Möglichkeiten verweisen, welche uns im Moment zur Verfügung stehen.

  Was bedeutet das?

  Im Moment ist der Luftraum in der Region gesperrt. Die Fluggesellschaften kommunizieren direkt mit den Passagieren. Das EDA seinerseits steht zum einen mit der Swiss in Kontakt, um mögliche Lösungen zu sondieren, zum anderen mit den Krisenzellen der Partnerstaaten.

  Wir gehen davon aus, dass die Fluggesellschaften ihre Flüge rasch wieder aufnehmen, sobald der Luftraum wieder geöffnet wird. Dann wird die Ausreise für die gestrandeten Passagiere möglich sein mit den kommerziellen Flügen. Wichtig ist auch, dass sich die Reisenden auf der Travel Admin App des EDA registrieren und dort ihre Reise registrieren.

  Was bringt die Registrierung auf der Travel Admin App?

  Wer dort seine Reise registriert, erhält vom EDA Informationen, sobald es Neuigkeiten gibt. Etwa wenn die Reisehinweise geändert werden oder wenn sich eine Möglichkeit zur Ausreise aus dem Land ergibt.

  Wie viele Schweizer Staatsangehörige sind derzeit in den verschiedenen Ländern blockiert?

  Derzeit sind rund 4000 Schweizer Staatsangehörige betroffen, die ausreisen oder in die Schweiz heimreisen wollen. Die Zahl der Personen, die sich auf Travel Admin App eingeschrieben hat, ist seit letztem Samstag deutlich gestiegen. Deshalb gehe ich davon aus, dass sie ausreisen und in die Schweiz heimreisen wollen.

  Sind Evakuierungen ein Thema?

  Das EDA arbeitet mit den Mitteln, die es hat. Der Bundverfügt über kein Transportflugzeug. Deshalb organisiert das EDA keine Repatriierungsflüge. Wir arbeiten in der Regel mit der Swiss und stehen wegen möglicher Transportkapazitäten auch in Kontakt mit Partnerländern, wobei natürlich zuerst die eigenen Bürgerinnen und Bürger evakuiert werden.

  Was raten Sie Personen, die z.B. in einem Hotel festsitzen?

  Das Wichtigste ist, dass sie sich über die Anweisungen der lokalen Behörden informieren und sich an die Anweisungen halten. Die lokalen Behörden können am besten beurteilen, wie die Situation vor Ort ist und welche Massnahmen notwendig sind.

© FDFA

© FDFA

© FDFA

© FDFA

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01.03.2026 – Swiss representations in the region

• The Swiss Embassy in Iran is currently operational and providing limited consular services. The staff are safe and well. The normal staffing level of the representations in Tehran is 14 Swiss and 23 local employees. The number of embassy staff on site has been adjusted in line with the current assessment of the situation. There are no longer any accompanying persons on site.
• The Swiss embassy in Tel Aviv is operational. The staff are safe and well. The normal staffing level for the representations in Tel Aviv is 6 Swiss and 14 local employees. The number of embassy staff on site has been adjusted in line with the current assessment of the situation.
• All other representations in the region are operational. The staff are safe and well.
• Like all Swiss representations abroad, all representations in the region have the necessary security and crisis management measures in place. These are continuously reviewed and adjusted. The measures also include emergency plans. The FDFA does not comment on specific measures and precautions.

28 February 2026 – Statement by the FDFA

Switzerland is deeply alarmed about today’s attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as about the dangerous and rapidly expanding escalation following the military strikes and attacks on Gulf states and across the Middle East.

Switzerland calls for full respect of international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. Switzerland urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Switzerland regrets any development that contributes to an escalation of tensions. It is convinced that conflicts can only be resolved sustainably through diplomatic means. Switzerland’s good offices remain available to all parties involved. As with the recent talks in Geneva facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman, Switzerland stands ready to support any diplomatic process that leads to de-escalation and a return to dialogue.

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Iran

The Swiss representation in Tehran is operational. The Swiss embassy staff has been reduced from 14 to 10 people in recent days. The ambassador is on site. The embassy staff are safe and well. Like all Swiss representations abroad, the representations in Tehran have the necessary security and crisis management measures in place. These are continuously reviewed and adapted. The measures also include emergency plans. The FDFA does not comment on specific measures and precautions.

Since August 2024, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has advised against travel to Iran. The travel advice for Iran reflects the current assessment of the security situation on the ground. It is reviewed on an ongoing basis and adjusted if necessary.

Around 180 Swiss nationals are registered in Iran, the clear majority of whom also hold Iranian citizenship. Five individuals are registered as travellers on Travel Admin.

The Swiss channel, which represents the interests of the United States in Iran under the protecting power mandate, is active. It is available to both sides and operates in both directions.

Israel

The Swiss representation in Tel Aviv is operational. The Embassy currently has five Swiss staff members and 13 locally employed staff. The Ambassador is on site. Like all Swiss representations abroad, the representation in Tel Aviv has the necessary security and crisis Management measures in place. These are continuously reviewed and adapted as required. The arrangements also include emergency planning.

The travel advice for Israel was updated this morning. Travel to Israel is now generally advised against.

Around 25,000 Swiss nationals are registered in Israel, the clear majority of whom also hold Israeli citizenship. Twenty individuals are registered as travellers on Travel Admin.

The FDFA does not organise departures for Swiss nationals. Swiss nationals in Iran and Israel are advised to follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Contact Helpline FDFA

365 days a year – around the clock

The Helpline FDFA deals as central contact point with matters relating to consular services.

• Telephone

  [phone]

  [phone]

• E-Mail

  [e-mail]

• Social media

  X: @travel_edadfae

• Travel Admin App

  

  Travel Admin – the travel app of the FDFA. — © FDFA

  Travel safe and worry-free with Travel Admin, the FDFA's travel app. The Travel Admin app helps you prepare for your trip.
  
  Here's more information and the link to download it: Travel Admin App