Several countries have stepped up travel advisories for the Middle East amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. Negotiations over Iranian nuclear policy continue in Geneva despite the escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions. In response, countries are reviewing their security situation and advising their citizens to leave or consider not travelling to the region.
Countries issue fresh advisories
Several governments have updated their travel guidance in recent days.
Australia
Australia has advised its citizens to consider leaving Israel and Lebanon. It has also arranged voluntary repatriation of the families of Australian diplomats in Israel, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan due to a “deteriorating security situation.”
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United Kingdom
The UK has advised its citizens not to travel to certain parts of Lebanon due to an increase in regional tensions that may cause a quick deterioration of security conditions.
Canada
Canada has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Lebanon due to unpredictable security conditions, including terrorist acts and civil unrest.
India
India’s embassy in Tehran issued an advisory on February 23, asking Indian citizens in Iran to leave the country using available flights amid heightened tensions.
United States
US has ordered the departure of non-essential embassy staff and eligible family members from Beirut as a precaution linked to Iran-related developments.
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Countries such as Serbia, Poland, Sweden, Cyprus, Singapore, and Brazil are advising their citizens to avoid travelling to Iran or departing from it. This indicates that there are concerns regarding the security situation that could become unstable.
What this could mean for travellers
Reportedly, despite the flurry of advisories, much of the Middle East continues to function normally. The airports are functioning normally, with commercial flights taking off from countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. The hotels are operational as well.
