For emergency consular help call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia
Middle East conflict alert
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Emergency consular assistance
Advice levels
What does this mean?Level 3
The following countries are at ‘Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel’.
Current situation
The situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Military strikes and reprisal attacks are intensifying in a number of locations in the region. There is a risk of further escalation in coming days.
There is also a growing concern about the risk of attacks on US interests globally.
Full advice
What you should do
Prioritise your safety
Conditions can change quickly. Stay informed and follow local advice.
- Follow local warning systems. If warned of an imminent attack move to an enclosed hardened shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level. If that isn't possible, seek an inner room without windows
- Stay indoors in a safe place and limit your movements during strikes. If you must go out, take heightened personal security measures. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep in touch with family and friends. Let them know you are safe.
Read our advice about what to do when there is armed conflict.
Be aware that local infrastructure, including airports, phone and internet access, may be disrupted.
Avoid areas of high risks
Listen to warnings about areas that are at high risk of targeting. Places that have been targeted or threatened with attacks include:
- airports
- hotels
- roads
- bridge
- universities and other civilian infrastructure
- government buildings
- military sites
- energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities
- other foreign diplomatic missions and foreign interests.
Leaving the area by commercial transport
Military conflict in the region may cause travel disruptions, including airspace closures and flight cancellations at short notice. If you can secure a safe way to leave, consider departing the region.
Flights may be delayed or cancelled at short notice if it becomes unsafe to fly. Check your flight status regularly before you leave and while travelling to the airport.
If airports or airspace close, commercial flights will not operate. If this happens, do not cancel your existing booking. Contact your airline for the latest updates and wait for further advice.
If your flight has been cancelled, or you are awaiting the departure of a booked flight:
- make sure your contact details are up to date with your airline.
- check your flight status regularly on your airline's website.
- look for updates from your airline via email, social media and its website.
You may need to book a new ticket online or through your travel agent.
Do not travel to the airport if local authorities have advised it is unsafe to do so.
Border crossings
If you are considering leaving by road, be aware that borders may open or close. Entry or exit requirements can change without notice, especially during times of conflict.
Carefully consider the risks before attempting to leave by any route, and whether it is safe.
Read the travel advice for the country you’re in and your planned destination for information about border crossing requirements.
Emergency contacts
Consular assistance
If you are an Australian citizen and need emergency consular assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on
- +61 2 6261 3305 (if you're overseas)
- 1300 555 135 (in Australia).
Medication and disability assistance
Contact the nearest embassy or consult your travel insurer if you
- are running out of essential medication
- need assistance due to a vulnerability, disability or other special needs.
They may be able to advise you on where you can get assistance. If you are in transit, also check with your airline and accommodation for help with medication.
Accessing the latest information
Social media
Follow @smartraveller on Facebook, Instagram and X for travel advice alerts.
Embassies and Consulates across the region are sharing updates across their social media as they become available. This includes information on the status of borders and border crossings, including congestion at the border and exit visa rules.
Follow the social media of your nearest Australian embassy or consulate.