by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:35 PM ET, Wed January 14, 2026
The Canadian government is instructing any Canadians who are able to safely leave Iran to do so immediately.
The situation in Iran is presently dangerous, rating a red “avoid all travel” advisory from Global Affairs.
Increased trouble in the Middle Eastern country started with protests that have been on-going in Iran since Dec. 28, 2025, in connection with the cost of living and worsening economic conditions, prompting the government's strong warning.
Also of concern are the “ongoing disruptions to telecommunications services, including mobile internet access, as well as clashes between protestors and security forces, resulting in casualties and arrests.”
The advisory presently states:
“Avoid all travel to Iran due to ongoing nationwide demonstrations, tensions in the region, the high risk of arbitrary detention and the unpredictable enforcement of local laws.”
Iranian authorities have arrested and detained foreign and dual national people to exert political or diplomatic influence on their governments.
Noting that Canadian ability to provide consular services in Iran is extremely limited, Canadians are instructed to consult the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara, which has consular responsibility for Iran, if they need help.
Leaving Iran will pose challenges for the people heeding this warning as many airlines have suspended flights to and from the country. Global Affairs advises overland crossing options. The land borders with Armenia and Türkiye are open, and Canadian passport holders don’t require a visa to enter these countries.
You can read the full advisory here.
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