The Australian embassy in Tehran has been closed and officials are being directed to leave, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says.

“The security situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate further with little warning,” the department said in a Smartraveller alert in the early hours of Friday morning.

“Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.”

Embassy operations in Tehran “are now closed”, it said.

Australians in need of consular assistance should call the Australian government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia.

Thousands of Australians have already registered for government help to get them out of Israel and Iran as missile exchanges between the two countries kill more people daily.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said yesterday that 1500 Australians in Iran and 1200 Australians in Israel were seeking help to leave.

That number has more than tripled since Monday.

Anybody wishing to flee either country is urged to register their interest on the Smartraveller website.

“We urge Australians who want to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. Australians in Iran who are unable to leave, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place,” Smartraveller said.

“Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller.”

Australian citizens or permanent residents in Iran can still register with DFAT.

“We will communicate directly with registered Australians with important updates,” Smartraveller said.

Australians are advised not to travel to Iran.

Full Smartraveller statement

The Australian Government has directed the departure of Australian officials from the Australian Embassy in Tehran due to the volatile security situation. Our Embassy and operations in Tehran are now closed.

The security situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate further with little warning. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited. Australians in need of consular assistance should call the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

We urge Australians who want to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe. Australians in Iran who are unable to leave, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Continue to monitor advice on Smartraveller.

If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in Iran, you can register on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s crisis registration portal. See the ‘Safety’ section for details on how to register. We will communicate directly with registered Australians with important updates.

We continue to advise do not travel to Iran. Following military strikes in Iran, Australians in Iran should see our advice on safety during an armed conflict (see ‘Safety’). The Australian Government may not be able to assist with your departure.

If you intend to travel by land into a neighbouring country, check the latest public information from local authorities in Iran and your destination on visa and border arrangements. Borders may close without notice. You should consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route and you should make your own assessment whether it’s safe for you to travel in current circumstances. This includes considering the security situation and the potential risks involved. If you are not confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, shelter in place and follow the advice of local authorities. Transport routes may be disrupted. Roads may be crowded and exposed to security risks such a military action, rocket attacks and terrorism, as may border crossings.

Iran’s borders with neighbouring countries may have restrictions for foreign nationals and may close at short notice. Check our travel advice for your destination including visa requirements. The latest information on border crossing is:

Türkiye: Border crossings at Gurbulak (Bazargan) in Agri province and Kapikoy (Razi) in Van province remain open to third country nationals holding a valid visa to enter Türkiye (Australians can apply online for e-visas).

Armenia: The land border with Armenia (at Agarak) is open. Australians do not need a visa for Armenia for stays of up to 180 days. See our travel advice for Armenia for advice on safety concerns for some nearby Armenian border regions.

Azerbaijan: If you wish to depart at this border we will need to facilitate this through Azerbaijan authorities (See Travel). Australians require a visa which they should be able obtain online.

Turkmenistan: to cross this border we will need to facilitate this through Turkmenistan authorities (See Travel). Onward travel arrangements are best arranged from within Iran.

We continue to advise Do Not Travel to Afghanistan, Iraq or to the regions of Pakistan that border Iran.

Avoid all demonstrations and protests. Terrorist attacks could happen anywhere in Iran, including Tehran or other locations frequented by foreigners and tourists. Foreigners, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Kidnapping for ransom is a risk in Iran.