Travel and security impacts of conflict in the Middle East The situation in the Middle East is still unpredictable. Tensions remain elevated.
Conflict in the region could continue to disrupt travel globally. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.
On this page:
- Advice for travelling Australians
- Global safety and security
- Widespread travel disruptions
- Advice for Australians in the Middle East
Advice for travelling Australians
If you travel or transit through any location at risk of armed conflict, you may be unable to leave if the security situation deteriorates. Security conditions can worsen quickly. Travel advice levels may change at short notice. Flights can be delayed, cancelled or diverted suddenly. Borders can close.
- Read the travel advice for your destination and all transit points, and subscribe for free updates
- Check your travel insurance policy for coverage of flight delays, cancellations and changes to travel advice levels.
Level 2 destinations – Exercise a high degree of caution
We have lowered our advice for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to 'Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution'.
Monitor current events if you choose to travel to or transit through these locations. Be aware that the security situation in the region is still unpredictable. Be prepared to change your plans at short notice.
Level 3 destinations – Reconsider your need to travel or transit
Avoid non-essential travel, including transit, to countries at 'Level 3: Reconsider your need to travel'. Level 3 countries are:
If you choose to travel or transit, keep your stay as short as possible and avoid unnecessary activities. Airspace may close at short notice. Talk to your travel agent or airline about alternative routes.
Level 4 destinations – Do not travel or transit
Avoid all travel, including transit, to countries at 'Level 4: Do not travel'. Level 4 countries are:
If you're already in a 'Do not travel' location, consider leaving if it's safe to do so.
If you choose to travel despite our advice, ensure you understand the risks. Travel insurance may not cover you. Our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.
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. 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.
Global safety and security
Military conflict in the Middle East could affect global safety and security. 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 a 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 an increased risk of attacks on Israeli and US interests globally and on Jewish communities.
Read our advice about:
Widespread travel disruptions
If you're travelling overseas, your plans may be affected by the ongoing conflict and its impact on global fuel supplies.
Airspace closures can happen with little to no warning, causing flight delays, cancellations, and diversions. Airlines may also cancel or limit flights due to fuel shortages. Confirm with your airline or travel provider before your trip and check for updates regularly. Also check if your travel insurance policy covers flight delays, cancellations and travel disruptions.
Some countries worldwide may introduce measures to manage fuel supply. New measures may be introduced at short notice.
There may be:
- flight and local transport disruptions
- changes in the availability of food, water and medicines
- venue closures
- impacts on essential services.
Check with your airline and travel provider before departure and monitor updates regularly. Also check if your travel insurance policy covers flight delays, cancellations and travel disruptions.
Read the travel advice for your destination and follow developments in local media.
Advice for Australians in the Middle East
If you're in the Middle East 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're in the affected areas
- Prioritise your safety, watch the situation closely and follow local authorities' advice.
- Stay indoors and limit your movements. If you must go out, take careful personal security measures. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Follow local missile 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.
- Listen to warnings about areas at high risk of being targeted. Before travelling locally, check with your tour operator or local authorities to ensure your plans don't take you near any high-risk locations. They are not always signposted, particularly military sites. Places that have been targeted or threatened with attacks include:
- airports
- hotels
- roads
- bridges
- universities and other civilian infrastructure
- government buildings
- military sites
- energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities
- other foreign diplomatic missions and foreign interests.
- There is growing concern about the increased risk of attacks on Israeli and US interests globally, and on Jewish communities.
- Keep in contact with your family and friends. Let them know you're safe.
- Stay updated. Follow local and international media. Subscribe to Smartraveller and follow us on social media @smartraveller.
Be aware that local infrastructure, including airports, phone and internet access, may be disrupted.
Read our advice on what to do when there is armed conflict.
Consular support
If you need emergency consular assistance:
- +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)
- 1300 555 135 (within Australia).
The security situation may impact opening hours at Australian Embassies and Consulates in the region. Officials may be working from other locations.
Find out how to contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate by checking the Local contacts in the travel advice for your location.
Follow the social media of your nearest Australian embassy or consulate. They share key information, including changes to their opening hours.