Middle East travel and tourism has received another boost after the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) lowered its overall travel warning levels for three popular destinations.
The move sees Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia downgraded from “reconsider your need to travel” (level three) to “exercise a high degree of caution” (level two), reflecting an improved security outlook despite lingering regional tensions.
Last week, DFAT also lowered its travel warning levels for several other Middle Eastern nations and major transit points, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, which are widely used by Australian travellers flying to Europe, the UK and beyond.
For leading Australian travel company Bunnik Tours, the latest change is particularly significant for Jordan, where touring programs had been impacted by earlier warnings.
“Absolutely fantastic news for Jordan, especially, where we’ve got quite a big touring program, so tours for Jordan are recommencing for us straight away,” joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik told Karryon.
“And the fact that the Gulf warnings came down (last week) as well means that this coming high season… Egypt and Jordan tours [and] Middle East tours will go ahead.”
Bunnik also flagged the positive impact the updates will have on local communities.
“[It’s] fantastic news not only for Australian travellers, but obviously also for the locals who were relying on visitors coming. So, for the local communities, it’s a good news story all around.”
Jordan remains one of the Middle East’s most popular tourism destinations, home to the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
“Jordan, it’s so iconic. Both Egypt and Jordan are unlike any other destinations. Walking through the Siq to see the Treasury for the first time at Petra is something that stays with you forever, and to be able to do that again is brilliant,” Bunnik said.
DFAT’s move should also boost tourism to Saudi Arabia, whose travel sector grew faster than any other destination in the region last year. According to World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) data, the Kingdom’s travel and tourism GDP surged 7.4 per cent in 2025, nearly double the global growth rate, while international visitor spending rose 8.2 per cent.
While the advice level has been lowered, DFAT continues to warn travellers that terrorism remains a threat in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. It also notes the regional security situation remains “unpredictable” and could result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other disruptions at short notice.
Travellers are advised to monitor developments closely, follow the advice of local authorities and check with airlines or tour operators before departure.
KARRYON UNPACKS: DFAT’s latest move won’t remove every concern, but it gives travel advisors and travellers more confidence. For Jordan especially, it could help revive bookings and support tourism-dependent communities.
