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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a travel advisory urging Australians to avoid visiting several Middle Eastern countries. The list includes Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Additionally, Australians are advised against traveling to Iran and are encouraged to leave the country promptly if already there. This advice aligns with previous warnings following civil unrest and recent strikes within the nation.
The government has emphasized that offering consular assistance in Iran is “extremely limited,” highlighting the potential difficulties for Australians in need of support.
In light of ongoing strikes, flights to and from the UAE, Qatar, Israel, and Bahrain have been cancelled, raising concerns about the safety of tourists in these regions.
For Australians traveling to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Armenia, the government advises exercising a high degree of caution, reflecting the heightened state of alert across the area.
Travellers planning to head to Jordan have been told to “reconsider your need to travel”.
The Smartraveller notices advised “there is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region”.
“Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice,” they added.
“Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the latest travel advice in a joint statement shared following the US strike.
“Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so,” the statement read.
“Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region,” the statement continued.
“Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia.”