Aussies warned against travelling to Qatar, UAE in wake of strikes on Iran

Sunday, 1 March 2026 07:11

The ongoing risk of further reprisal attacks prompted a flood of warnings from the government's Smarttraveller platform, which warned against travel to key regions in the Middle East.

The Australian government has issued a slew of travel advisory updates for a number of Middle East countries overnight in the wake of the US-Israel operation in Iran and retaliatory strikes on US military bases.

The ongoing risk of further reprisal attacks prompted a flood of warnings from the government's Smartraveller platform, which warned against travel to key regions in the Middle East.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians not to travel to: Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.

LIVE UPDATES: Iran launches retaliatory attacks on US bases, Israel

Australians have also been warned to not travel to Iran and to leave as soon as possible, consistent with advice given recently after unrest and previous strikes in the country.

"Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited," the government said.

Flights to and from the UAE, Qatar, Israel and Bahrain have been cancelled as the strikes spark fears for tourist safety.

While in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Armenia, Australians are told to "exercise a high degree of caution".

Travellers planning to head to Jordan have been told to "reconsider your need to travel".

The Smartraveller notices advised "there is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region".

"Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice," they added.

"Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the latest travel advice in a joint statement shared following the US strike.

"Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so," the statement read.

"Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia's travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region," the statement continued.

"Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia."

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