The situation in the Middle East region remains volatile and unpredictable. Conflict could escalate with little warning.
The conflict has caused global travel disruptions, including widespread fuel supply shortages, flight cancellations and airspace closures.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.
On this page:
- What you should do
- Widespread travel disruptions
- Global safety and security
- Transiting the Middle East
- Australians in the Middle East
What you should do
Read the travel advice for your destination and all transit points, and subscribe for free updates.
If your trip includes a transit or stop in a ‘Do not travel’ country, contact your travel agent or airline about alternative routes, re-booking or refunds. Do not cancel your flights until you get professional advice.
Check your travel insurance policy for coverage of flight delays, cancellations and changes to travel advice levels.
While you're travelling
- Keep in touch with your travel agent, airline and travel insurance policy provider in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or increased travel advice levels.
- Monitor local and international news and be aware of current affairs where you're going.
- Prioritise your safety, monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice
- Report anything suspicious to the police.
Widespread travel disruptions
Military conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global travel. Airlines may cancel or limit flights, and some countries worldwide are introducing measures to manage fuel supply. New measures may be introduced at short notice.
If you’re travelling anywhere overseas, your plans may be impacted. There may be:
- flight and local transport disruptions
- changes in availability of food, water and medicines
- venue closures
- disruptions to essential services.
Check with your airline and travel providers before your trip to see how you might be affected. Also check if your travel insurance policy covers flight delays and cancellations.
Read the travel advice for your destination and follow developments in local media.
Global safety and security
Military conflict in the Middle East could impact safety and security globally. Protests and civil unrest may occur. The risk of terrorist attacks has increased. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places or mass gatherings. Avoid locations that could be at higher risk of terrorist attacks, particularly around:
- places of worship
- shopping malls and markets
- public transport and transportation hubs
- bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants
- hotels and residential compounds
- diplomatic missions
- government facilities, police stations and locations of security forces
- universities
- festivals and concerts
- stadiums and sporting venues.
There remains concern about increased risk of attacks on Israeli and US interests globally and on Jewish communities.
Read our advice about:
Transiting the Middle East
The situation in the Middle East region is volatile. There remains a risk of attacks and escalation. The following countries are ‘Level 4: Do not travel’:
‘Do not travel’ advice also applies to transit and layovers in affected locations. Do not transit through these countries. Even if you don’t plan to leave the airport.
Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can change or stop suddenly. Borders can close.
If you have no other option:
- stay as short a time as possible
- minimise time spent in high-risk locations
- avoid unnecessary activities.
You should not register with DFAT before transiting the region. Registration is for those in the region that need consular assistance. Subscribe for updates instead.
Australians in the Middle East
If you're in the Middle East region and want to leave, we continue to advise you to make plans to do so. If you can secure a flight out and it’s safe to travel to the airport, leave while commercial flights are available.
If you need emergency consular assistance:
- +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)
- 1300 555 135 (within Australia).
Online registration is still open in some countries for those that need consular support. Read our advice about the Middle East conflict.
Also read our advice about what to do when there is armed conflict.