Middle East conflict

Last updated
Tuesday, 31/03/2026

 

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The regional conflict is likely to escalate further. Do not travel to, or transit through, the following locations:

If you are in the region and want to leave, do not wait until it’s too late. If you can secure a flight out and it’s safe to travel to the airport, leave now while commercial flights are available.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members can register with DFAT if they are in:

  • Bahrain
  • Iran
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Qatar
  • the UAE. 

We send updates directly to registered Australians. Keep your registration up to date so we can contact you.

If you need emergency consular assistance:

  • +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)
  • 1300 555 135 (within Australia). 

Terrorist attacks can happen at any time or place. Maintain a high level of security awareness. Avoid places that attract foreigners, tourists or crowds. If there's a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities. Read our advice about terrorism.

The safety of Australians overseas is our priority, including our diplomatic staff. Australian embassies and consulates in the UAE, Israel and Qatar are closed. Do not go to closed mission. Non-essential Australian officials have also been directed to leave:

  • Israel
  • Lebanon
  • the UAE

A small number of Australian officials remain in these places to provide essential consular services. All dependants of Australian officials have left the Middle East. Read our travel advisories for more details.

If you're in the affected areas

  • Prioritise your safety, monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice, including any warnings to avoid areas deemed to be at high risk of targeting. Places that have been targeted or threatened with attacks include:
    • airports
    • hotels
    • roads
    • bridges
    • universities
    • other civilian infrastructure.
  • Make plans to leave if safe to do so. Stay informed about the status of land, sea and air border crossings.
  • Stay indoors in a safe place and limit your movements. If you must go out, take heightened personal security measures. Be aware of your surroundings.
  • There is growing concern about the increased risk of attacks on Israeli, Jewish and US interests.
  • Avoid:
    • Israeli and US diplomatic missions and locations associated with Israeli, Jewish and US interests
    • government buildings
    • military sites
    • energy infrastructure, including oil production facilities
    • other foreign diplomatic missions and foreign interests.
  • 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.
  • 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. Also follow the social media of the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. 

Be aware that local infrastructure, including airports, phone and internet access, may be disrupted. 

Read our advice about  what to do when there is armed conflict.

Government services for Australians in the Middle East

Online passport applications

Online passport applications are temporarily open for Australians in:

  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • Qatar
  • UAE

You can apply online 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.

Returning pets to Australia

Australia’s import rules for cats and dogs from Middle Eastern countries have not changed.

Cats and dogs must:

  • arrive in Australia with a valid biosecurity import permit
  • meet all import requirements.

If you need advice about bringing your pet to Australia, contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF):

For more information:

Centrelink payments

If you get a Centrelink payment and can’t return to Australia as planned, you may be eligible for an extension to your payment.

To discuss your circumstances and request an extension, contact Services Australia.

Visit Services Australia for more information about getting payments overseas.

Visas

For information about Australian visas, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

Transiting and travelling to the Middle East

Advice to ‘do not travel’ also applies to transit and layovers in affected locations. Even if you don’t plan to leave the airport, do not transit through these countries.

Airports, hotels, roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the region have been struck with missiles.

Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can change or stop at short suddenly. Borders can close.

If you transit through a ‘Do not travel’ location you may be unable to leave. Your safety will be at risk.

Read our advice about the global travel impacts of conflict in the Middle East.