The Australian Government has updated its Middle East travel advice for travellers, raising the threat level to exercising a high degree of caution or reconsidering the need to travel as the prospect of US strikes on Iran heightens tensions in the region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) has issued new Middle East travel advice for Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On its Smartraveller website, DFAT said widespread tensions “may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions”.
DFAT offered specific warnings to Australians in Israel and Lebanon to “consider leaving while commercial options to depart are still available”.
The government has issued a specific direction for Australian diplomats, officials and their families posted in these countries to leave immediately.
It has also offered “voluntary departures” for Australian diplomats, officials and their families posted in Jordan, Qatar and the UAE due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
It comes as US President Donald Trump used his State of the Nation address to renew his threats to Iran.
DFAT warns that the security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable and conflicts in these areas could lead to increased tensions elsewhere in the region, such as the five countries named.
For Jordan, it also warned Australian travellers in the region of the threat of missiles and drones from outside the country, which may lead to falling debris and to stay indoors until alerted by authorities.
DFAT also advises travellers to avoid all demonstrations and protests as local security situations could deteriorate with little notice.
For the latest info and Middle East travel advice, head to smartraveller.gov.au
