The federal government has today upgraded its travel advice level for three popular destinations in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between the USA and Iran.
On its Smartraveller website, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) raised its alert for Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia to level three – Reconsider your need to travel – attributing the upgrades to the “security situation” in the countries and the region. This includes warnings about direct attacks on the three nations.
“We’ve reviewed our travel advice for Jordan and have raised the overall travel advice level. Military strikes and reprisal attacks have occurred in a number of locations in the Middle East, including directed towards targets in Jordan,” DFAT states.
The advice is similar for Oman and Saudi Arabia, whose travel sector grew faster than any other destination in the region last year.
“Prioritise your safety, monitor developments and follow the advice of local authorities,” the department adds.
For Jordan, the government also warns Aussie travellers that missiles and drones from outside the country, could pose a threat if they are intercepted or fail and cause “falling debris”.
“If there are reports of missile or drone attacks, remain indoors until alerted otherwise and avoid contact with any debris,” it adds.
DFAT also reminds Jordan, Oman and Saudi-bound Australians that regional conflict could cause “airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions”.
In addition, it says terrorism remains a “threat” in Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
“Avoid possible targets including venues that draw in foreigners, tourists or crowds where possible,” it states.
Air status
According to the Queen Alia International Airport website, most flights into and out of the hub – Jordan’s main gateway in Amman – appear to be operating without disruptions. The country’s flag carrier, Royal Jordanian, is also not reporting any major changes to scheduling.
Arrivals and departures at King Abdulaziz Internatonal Airport and Muscat International Airport (Saudi’s and Oman’s main gateways) likewise appear not to be disrupted, according to their websites.
Saudi’s and Oman’s flag carriers are also operating normally.
A week of warnings
The latest DFAT alert comes a week after the department issued new blanket travel advice for the Middle East following the outbreak of renewed US-Iran hostilities on 8 July.
In its most recent regional update on 14 July, the government warned of a “risk of more attacks and escalation”. That warning has been borne out by subsequent missile strikes in the region, focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
Most countries in the region remain at level four (Do not travel) or at level three advice, including popular transit points for Europe-bound Aussies, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The new Jordan, Saudi and Oman travel advice comes less than four weeks after DFAT lowered its warning levels for the countries.
Tours operating
Like other operators, leading small group travel company G Adventures announced its return to Jordan during the ceasefire. Its August tours to the region are still going ahead for now.
“At this stage, we are monitoring the situation and are continuing to operate,” G Adventures Australia-New Zealand general manager Sean Martin tells Karryon.
He is also quick to highlight those most affected by the resumption of hostilities.
“It’s really disappointing news, but mostly for the people of Jordan,” he says.
“Jordan, as a country with no natural resources, relies so heavily on tourism and is really just a victim of its geography above all else.”
Prior to 8 July, Martin says that G Adventures had seen a “resurgence in Middle East bookings”.
Speaking to Karryon when the travel advice was lowered in June, Bunnik Tours joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik called Jordan an “iconic” destination.
“Both Egypt and Jordan are unlike any other destinations,” he said.
“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.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: DFAT’s upgraded level three travel advice for Jordan, Saudi and Oman highlights how quickly geopolitical events can reshape travel planning and reinforces the importance of checking official advice before departure.
