Penny Wong lowers travel warnings for Israel, Qatar and UAE after US-Iran ceasefire deal
The Government has scaled back its travel warnings across parts of the Middle East, but cautioned the security situation remains unpredictable.
The government has lowered its travel advice for a swathe of Middle Eastern countries after news of the ceasefire deal struck between the US and Iran.
While the deal is set to be finalised on Friday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said her department had assessed current conditions in several countries as appropriate to step down a level, back from “do not travel” to “reconsider the need to travel”
This lower level now applies to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and most of Israel.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Some areas of Israel, including the border areas with Gaza and Lebanon, are still classified as “do not travel” in the Smartraveller warning.
The travel advice warns that the security situation is still unpredictable in the region, and that airspace may open or close at short notice.
“There remains a risk of military action. If this happens, prioritise your safety. Follow local warning systems and, if warned of an imminent attack, move to an enclosed hardened shelter. If these are not available, seek an inner room without windows. Monitor developments closely and follow the advice of local authorities. Stay aware of your environment,” the advice for each country states,
The lowering of the alert level should make it easier for people to transit through the Middle Eastern travel hubs, since most travel insurance is invalidated when “do not travel” alerts are issued.
It comes just in time for the trips many young Australians take to Europe to escape winter.
However, Senator Wong warned that advice levels could be raised again if conditions deteriorated.
“Australians should check Smartraveller.gov.au for detailed, up-to-date advice before travelling and subscribe for updates,” she said.
“We also urge Australians planning to travel to make sure they have travel insurance and to closely read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for what is and isn’t covered.”
