IN BRIEF
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Qatar and the UAE have been downgraded to level three restrictions.
- Restrictions have eased following the US-Iran peace deal, which is set to be signed on Friday.
The Australian government has eased travel restrictions for several Middle Eastern countries in light of a preliminary peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Travel advisories for Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have been downgraded from the strictest level of “do not travel” to a level three warning, which means travelers should reconsider their necessity for travel.
This adjustment comes as a result of a tentative peace accord between the US and Iran aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The agreement is expected to be officially ratified this Friday in Switzerland.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted that the evolving situation in certain parts of the region warranted the reduction of the travel advisory from the highest level of caution.
“Level three remains a significant advisory,” Wong stated on Wednesday, emphasizing the government’s continued recommendation for Australians to delay any non-essential travel to these regions.
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
“Reconsider your need to travel also means reconsider your need to transit. If you need to transit these locations, stay as short a time as possible and eliminate unnecessary activities.”
A do-not-travel warning remains in effect for parts of Israel, as well as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen.
Level four travel warnings meant travel insurance was often voided for Australian travellers flying overseas via the Middle East.
The do-not-travel warning was issued following the outbreak of the conflict in late February, with airports in the region being closed due to the threat of missiles.
Israel’s ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman said the country supported the peace agreement between Iran and the US.
However, he said Israeli strikes against Lebanon would continue.
“Our operations in southern Lebanon are entirely for our defence,” he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
“We’re trying to just bring defence and security to our people. If we have security, we will not continue our activities in southern Lebanon.”
The strikes from Israel and Lebanon have raised fears the peace deal could fall apart.
However, US President Donald Trump said the war between Israel and Lebanon was a minor one and the peace deal would be able to survive.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.