Since March 1, Israel and the United States have been carrying out attacks on Iran. Iranian missile strikes in the region have also been reported, including in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. This has consequences for businesses and travellers in these areas.
The transport sector has to deal with the situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace, waterways and borders. Security officers of shipping companies receive signals from the coast guard directly from the ministry about additional measures. The usual War clause (M3) In goods transport insurance , this still applies and usually has consequences for the coverage.
The situation has increased risks for companies if they supply products or services to debtors who are based in countries in the Middle East and only have to pay after delivery ('trade credit'). Reconsider the risk and take any necessary measures. For example, by making new deliveries on the basis of advance payment or by obtaining additional guarantees. The coverage that credit insurers offer to suppliers may be adjusted as a result of the war. Both in terms of available coverage capacity and in terms of premium and conditions.
The Dutch government's colour codes for the Middle East are negative for these countries. View the reisadviestool for handling damage on a specific date and for a specific area. More information for consumers about travel in relation to the current situation in the Middle East can be found on www.vanatotzekerheid.nl, the consumer website about insurance.
For crisis situations, there is a cooperation covenant between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Association of Insurers and the travel industry. That covenant was activated from 5 March 2026 due to the war situation in the Middle East. The purpose of these agreements is clear: to ensure that Dutch people who are stuck due to the war situation in countries in the Middle East are helped as well as possible and can eventually return home safely. Stranded Dutch travellers in the Middle East pay a one-off fee of 600 euros for repatriation.
