Canadians vacationing and working in the Middle East are experiencing significant disruption as the conflict involving Iran escalates. Approximately 85,000 Canadians and permanent residents are registered in the region. Travelers like Gaye Gibson in Doha, Qatar, describe hearing explosions and seeing missiles intercepted, leading to fear and uncertainty. Fitness instructor Rachel Droege in Kuwait reports a tense atmosphere and cancelled classes due to the ongoing conflict.
Many Canadians, including Francis Vezina and Genevieve Beaudoin, face uncertainty about their travel plans, feeling stranded and lacking clear information from the government. Global Affairs Canada has updated travel advice, recommending avoidance of travel to Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, urging citizens to follow local authorities and register their presence abroad.