The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Australian Government has raised the travel advice level for Bahrain and Kuwait due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
Travel advice for both countries has been raised to Level 4, ‘Do not travel’. Bahrain and Kuwait now join Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen as ‘Do not travel’ destinations.
The situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Military strikes are intensifying in a number of locations in the region. There is a risk of further escalation.
Australians in ‘Do not travel’ countries should consider leaving if safe to do so and while commercial flights remain available.
Travel advice for the remaining countries in the Middle East region is set at Level 3, ‘Reconsider your need to travel’. This includes Saudi Arabia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Jordan.
We understand many Australians continue to travel through major transit hubs in the region in order to get to other destinations.
We urge Australians with travel plans through Level 3 countries to strongly consider whether their plans are essential.
Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can be cancelled with little warning. Borders can close. Phone and internet access may be disrupted. You could become stranded for extended periods.
Smartraveller keeps all travel advice under constant review and levels could change at short notice.
Australians in the region and those looking to travel should subscribe to Smartraveller.gov.au to keep up to date.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact DFAT’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).