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THIS WEEK ABROAD
Unless you’ve been nomading in the Amazon rainforest, then you’re probably aware of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
How could this affect expats and nomads? We have everything you need to know in this week’s newsletter.👇
MUST-KNOW NEWS
MIDDLE EAST WAR: WHAT EXPATS NEED TO KNOW
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is beginning to ripple through global travel, financial markets, and immigration policy.
While most Americans living abroad will not face direct danger, experts say the economic and travel disruptions tied to the war could affect airfare prices, visa policies, and international mobility in the months ahead.
• Airfare Prices Already Rising
One of the clearest impacts so far has been in global aviation. The conflict has pushed oil prices sharply higher, which directly affects airline operating costs.
According to analysts cited by S&P Global, jet fuel typically represents 20% to 30% of an airline’s operating costs, meaning sudden energy spikes can quickly translate into higher ticket prices.
Travel analysts say the impact is already visible. Oil prices recently surged above $100 per barrel. In some disrupted routes tied to the conflict zone, airfares have skyrocketed, costing up to 7× more than a week earlier as airlines cancel routes and reduce capacity.
• Flight Networks Are Under Strain
The war has also disrupted key international transit hubs in the Gulf. Airports such as Dubai International Airport, Doha Hamad International Airport, and Abu Dhabi International Airport serve as major global transfer points linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Since the escalation of the conflict, aviation data shows that more than 21,300 flights have been cancelled across seven major airports in the region, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
Several airlines have also suspended routes entirely. For example, Air France recently extended cancellations on flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, and Riyadh due to security concerns.
• Visa Policies and Travel Restrictions May Tighten
Conflict zones often lead to tighter immigration controls. Governments frequently increase security screening, issue new travel advisories, or temporarily restrict travel.
The U.S. Department of State has already issued emergency guidance urging Americans to leave or avoid travel to several countries in the region. At one point, a “depart now” advisory applied to 16 countries across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt.
For expats, these advisories can have practical consequences. Travel insurance policies sometimes become invalid in regions with high risk warnings, and visa applications can face additional scrutiny if an applicant has recently traveled through conflict areas.
• What Expats Should Watch
For most Americans living abroad, the conflict will remain an indirect issue rather than a personal safety concern. However, experts say expats should watch three practical developments closely.
Airfare prices could rise quickly if fuel costs stay elevated.
Global flight networks may remain unstable as airlines avoid Middle Eastern airspace.
Governments could tighten travel rules or visa screening if the conflict spreads.
In an interconnected world, regional conflicts rarely stay regional. For expats who depend on international mobility, these ripple effects can influence everything from travel plans to the cost of visiting home.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
AVOID THESE TAX FILING MISTAKES IN 2026
In our latest video, we break down the six most common and expensive tax mistakes U.S. expats and digital nomads make, and more importantly, how to avoid them.
From the widespread myth that you don’t have to file U.S. taxes if you live abroad, to the often-overlooked $400 self-employment filing threshold and the 15.3% self-employment tax many remote workers forget about, we explain what actually applies to Americans overseas.
We also cover the 183-day rule and how staying too long in one country can unexpectedly make you a tax resident there. You’ll learn the difference between the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion — which allows you to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income for 2025 — and the Foreign Tax Credit, and how choosing the wrong one can cost you serious money.
And don’t forget about FBAR reporting requirements and the $10,000 combined foreign account threshold that triggers mandatory disclosure, along with state tax traps in places like California and New York.
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