Australians travelling through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have received welcome news, with the Federal Government lowering its travel advice for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Smartraveller has moved both countries from Level 3, “reconsider your need to travel”, to Level 2, “exercise a high degree of caution”.
The change is particularly significant for Australians travelling to Europe, Africa and the Middle East with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Virgin Australia, which use Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi as major connecting hubs.
Smartraveller said it had lowered the advice following a review of conditions in the region. However, Australians are still being warned that the security situation remains unpredictable.
The advice for Qatar now recommends exercising a high degree of caution because of the regional security environment. Travellers to the UAE are being advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism and unpredictable conditions across the region.
Melissa Elf, Global COO of FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, said the change was a positive development for travellers and the airlines serving the region.
“The move to Level 2 for Qatar and the UAE is a welcome sign of confidence for travellers and for the Gulf carriers that connect Australia to Europe and beyond,” she said.
“But Smartraveller is clear that the situation is still unpredictable, so travel plans need to stay flexible, and we are still advising our customers to check their travel policies.
“For businesses, this also means flexible fares, real-time traveller tracking and a 24/7 support line, so they can adjust quickly if conditions change. Duty of care doesn’t drop with the advice level.”
Commercial flights are continuing through the region, but Smartraveller warns that services can be delayed, cancelled or diverted at short notice and borders may close if the security situation deteriorates.
Travellers are advised to monitor current events, follow instructions from local authorities and check the latest information for both their destination and any countries through which they will transit.
They should also review their travel insurance carefully, as the change in advice level does not automatically determine what an individual policy will cover.
Australians can subscribe to Smartraveller updates for Qatar and the UAE to receive notifications if the advice changes again.
