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The 2026 Iran War Travel Lockdown Exposed: Why Thousands of Green Card Holders Are Now Stranded?

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Rising tensions in the Middle East amid the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran have triggered a collapse in regional air travel. Widespread airspace closures, airport shutdowns, and thousands of canceled flights have stranded travelers across major transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.

Among those caught in the disruption are thousands of green card holders and visa holders who left the United States temporarily and are now unable to return as flights remain suspended and regional travel remains restricted.

In this video, we discuss key steps the State Department recommends for permanent residents and other noncitizens currently stranded in the region.

75-Country Ban on Immigrant Visa Issuance

As a reminder, the Trump administration imposed an indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries beginning January 21, 2026. Due to the pause, the State Department has suspended the issuance of all immigrant visas while it develops new procedures to assess whether applicants may become financially dependent on the U.S. government under the public charge standard.

  • Impact: While U.S. consulates may continue accepting applications and conducting interviews, they are currently unable to issue or print immigrant visas, including family- and employment-based green cards, for affected applicants until the new policy is implemented. This further complicates travel for immigrants residing in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.

  • Iran: For Iranian applicants, the ban on immigrant visas and the rising tensions in Iran make acquiring a U.S. immigrant visa even harder, delaying family reunification and lawful permanent residence for many who had planned to return or start new lives in the United States.
  • Designated Posts: The U.S. Consulate in Dubai is currently designated to process nonimmigrant visas for Iranian nationals, while the U.S. Embassies in Ankara, Abu Dhabi, and Yerevan will process immigrant visas once the immigrant visa ban is lifted.

Dual Nationals of Iran Must Exercise Caution: Green Card + Iranian Passport

If you are a permanent resident or noncitizen who also holds Iranian nationality, exercise heightened caution. You may be subject to secondary inspection and questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. To avoid unnecessary delays, keep all U.S. documents handy. Green card holders should travel with a folder that contains proof of residence and your strong ties to the U.S., in case of scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry. Noncitizens holding nonimmigrant visas should keep documentation of their U.S. employment or U.S. studies (if on a work or student visa), or a detailed travel itinerary (tourists), along with proof of sufficient funds to support their stay, and evidence of strong ties to their home country.

If your travel is delayed or complicated, consult an immigration attorney experienced with dual-national cases to protect your ability to return safely to the United States.

Impact on Nationals in the Region Not Subject to the 75-Country Ban

Even nationals not included in the 75-country immigrant visa ban are still being affected by regional instability, as U.S. Consulates and Embassies near conflict zones have suspended or limited routine services.

Below is a summary of operational changes at key U.S. embassies and consulates in the region:

United Arab Emirates

  • U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and U.S. Consulate in Dubai canceled all visa and U.S. citizen services appointments while personnel sheltered in place.

Beirut

  • Since February 23, all non-emergency personnel have departed U.S. Embassy Beirut, and all consular visa services have been suspended.

Qatar

  • Routine consular appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Doha are canceled due to ongoing security concerns until further notice.

Israel

  • U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv branch office have suspended all routine visa services through March 13, prioritizing assistance to U.S. citizens.

Jordan

  • U.S. Embassy in Amman issued a shelter-in-place directive; visa services are suspended for the foreseeable future.

Kuwait

  • Embassy personnel are sheltering in place; all routine visa services have been suspended.

Dubai, UAE

  • U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Dubai branch office issued a shelter-in-place directive; all routine visa services and appointments postponed.

Pakistan

  • Non-emergency U.S. government employees at Consulates Lahore and Karachi have been ordered to leave.
  • U.S. Embassy Islamabad is open only for emergency services; routine services suspended.

Cyprus

  • Non-emergency U.S. government employees have been ordered to leave.
  • All routine visa and U.S. citizen services are suspended due to armed conflict threats.

Saudi Arabia

  • U.S. Consulate and Embassies have suspended all routine and emergency consular services until further notice.
  • Non-emergency U.S. government employees authorized to depart.
  • U.S. Consulate in Dhahran advises the public to stay away due to ongoing attacks and security concerns.

This overview highlights the widespread disruptions that affect not only visa applicants but all travelers needing U.S. consular support in the region.

What U.S. Visa Applicants and Employers Should Expect

Visa applicants in the region and employers should anticipate significant delays and disruptions in visa processing during this time. Likely impacts include:

  • Appointment cancellations and delayed rescheduling
  • Extended administrative processing times
  • Delays in passport returns
  • Possible ripple effects at consular posts outside the immediate region
  • Emergency appointments limited to humanitarian or urgent national-interest cases

Returning to the U.S. After Extended Travel

If you’ve been outside the United States for more than six months because of regional conflict and widespread flight cancellations, returning without a re-entry permit can be complicated.

Customs and Border Protection may question your extended absence, and in some cases, your admission could be delayed or denied.

To protect your status, travel with documentation proving your ties to the U.S., such as your green card, employment records, property/lease documentation, and evidence of family relationships. It’s also important to maintain records of why your travel was extended—flight cancellations, embassy advisories, or regional safety concerns that prevented you from returning to the U.S. on time. It is important to document your good faith efforts to return to the U.S. and demonstrate that the circumstances were beyond your control.

Consulting with an immigration attorney can help you prepare for potential scrutiny at the border and ensure you can return safely without jeopardizing your permanent resident status.

More Practical Tips for Immigrants Stranded Abroad

  • Avoid unnecessary travel: Only travel if absolutely essential.
  • Be patient but ready: If you’re stuck overseas, wait for flights to resume and consulates to reopen, then take the earliest available flight home.
  • Check embassy and consulate updates: If you need to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate, monitor their website closely for information on emergency services and operational changes.
  • Plan for contingencies: Prepare for delays by adjusting start dates for work, rescheduling planned events, or making alternative arrangements in case travel remains disrupted.

The Bottom Line

The ongoing travel disruptions in the Middle East have left many green card and visa holders stuck far from home. While the situation is challenging, keeping your documents in order, and following embassy guidance can make a big difference.

If you’ve been affected, plan your departure from these regions safely and consult an immigration attorney when needed to help you navigate further delays.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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