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The regional conflict is likely to continue and could escalate. If you want to leave the Middle East, do not wait until it’s too late. If you can secure a flight out of the Middle East and it’s safe to travel to the airport, leave now while commercial flights are available.
Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family can register with DFAT in:
We send important updates directly to registered Australians. Keep your registration up to date so we can contact you.
The safety of all Australians overseas is our priority, including our diplomatic staff. Some embassies are closed to the public due to the security situation. Officials continue to work in-country to provide consular assistance. We have told the dependants of embassy staff to leave some countries. Read our travel advisories for more details.
If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government's Consular Emergency Centre on
- +61 2 6261 3305 if you're overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia.
Terrorism is a threat. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or place. Maintain a high level of security awareness. Avoid possible targets where possible, including venues that draw in foreigners, tourists or crowds. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities. Read our advice about terrorism.
Online passport applications
Online passport applications are open for Australians currently in:
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Qatar
- UAE
This is a temporary service while some Embassies are closed, or it’s difficult to attend in person. You can apply online in these countries if:
- you’ve held a 10-year Australian passport issued after 1 January 2006, or
- you’re applying for a child passport.
Go to passports.gov.au to apply.
DFAT will contact you to arrange delivery or pick-up of your passport.
If you're in the affected areas
- Stay indoors in a safe place and limit your movements. If you need to go out, take careful personal security measures. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid:
- government buildings
- military sites
- energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities
- US diplomatic missions and other locations associated with US interests.
- Keep in contact with your family and friends. Let them know you're safe.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local warning systems. If warned of an imminent attack, move to a shelter, ideally underground or close to ground level. If that isn't possible, seek an inner room without windows.
- Make plans to leave if possible and safe to do so. Stay up to date on which land, sea and air border crossings are open.
- Stay updated. Follow local and international media. Subscribe to Smartraveller and follow us on social media @smartraveller. Also follow the social media of the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Be aware that local infrastructure may be affected by the conflict, including phone and internet access.
Read our advice about what to do when there is armed conflict.
If you're travelling to or through the Middle East
If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates.
Flights can change or stop at short notice. Roads and borders can close. The conflict has caused widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions both in the region and globally.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans. Do not cancel your flights until you get advice from your travel agent, airline or other professional.
Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow the advice of local authorities. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for cancellations.
Read our full advice about the global travel impacts of conflict in the Middle East.