Australians planning trips to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia have been urged to reconsider their travel plans after the Federal Government updated its travel advice amid escalating tensions across the Middle East.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller service has raised the advice level for all three countries to Level 3, urging Australians to “reconsider your need to travel” due to the increasingly volatile security situation in the region.
The updated warnings come as fears grow that the widening conflict in the Middle East could trigger further military action, airspace closures and disruptions to international travel routes.
In its latest advice, Smartraveller warned that the security environment remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little warning.
“There is an ongoing risk of military conflict and tensions could escalate rapidly,” the advisory said, noting that Australians should avoid non-essential travel and minimise time spent in transit through affected areas.
The government also warned travellers to expect potential flight cancellations, delays and sudden border closures as airlines continue to monitor the security situation.
Jordan, a popular destination for Australians visiting attractions such as Petra and Wadi Rum, has become increasingly exposed to regional instability due to its proximity to conflict zones.
Authorities have previously intercepted missiles and drones passing through its airspace during regional hostilities.
Saudi Arabia and Oman have also been affected by heightened security concerns and threats to maritime and aviation routes.
The latest advice means Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia now join Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on Australia’s Level 3 advisory list.
Six countries in the region – Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Syria and Yemen – remain under the highest “Do Not Travel” warning.
Smartraveller is advising Australians already in the region to remain alert, monitor local media and airline updates, keep travel documents readily accessible and ensure family members know their whereabouts.
The government has also encouraged Australians to subscribe to Smartraveller updates and review contingency plans in case commercial flights are disrupted.
The latest warnings highlight the ongoing impact that geopolitical tensions are having on global travel, with Australian travellers heading to Europe and other destinations via Middle Eastern hubs also being advised to prepare for possible delays and itinerary changes.
