Governments issue Middle East travel alerts amid Iran tensions

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Governments issue Middle East travel alerts amid Iran tensions

February 26, 2026

DUBAI,— Several countries are moving to reduce the presence of diplomats’ families and non-essential staff in parts of the Middle East as tensions rise between the United States and Iran. Governments are also advising their citizens to avoid travel to Iran.

Australia has instructed dependents of its diplomats in Israel and Lebanon to leave because of worsening security conditions. The government also offered voluntary departures to dependents of Australian diplomats in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar.

Australians in Israel and Lebanon are advised to consider leaving while commercial travel options remain available, the Foreign Ministry said on its X account.

Serbia told its nationals in Iran to depart as soon as possible amid heightened tensions and potential security risks, the Foreign Ministry said.

Poland urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced.

The United States is withdrawing non-essential personnel and eligible family members from its embassy in Lebanon due to concerns related to Iran, a senior State Department official said.

Sweden warned citizens to avoid travel to Iran and instructed those already in the country to leave immediately as of January 12, 2026.

The foreign minister stated in February that those who remain should not expect government assistance for evacuation, according to the Foreign Ministry website.

India directed its citizens in Iran to leave using available transport, including commercial flights, according to a February 23, 2026 post by the Indian embassy in Iran on X.

Cyprus advised citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and leave immediately starting January 13, 2026, the Foreign Ministry said.

Singapore continues to advise its citizens to postpone any travel to Iran, according to its Foreign Ministry.

Germany encouraged citizens to leave Iran, noting that commercial flights remain available and land routes are also possible, the Foreign Ministry stated on January 20.

Brazil recommended that its citizens leave Iran last week, following a similar alert for Lebanon in January. The government also advised last year against traveling to both countries.

These moves come as governments weigh the growing risks in the region, urging their citizens and diplomatic families to take precautions while security concerns increase.

(With files from Reuters)