Australia issues ‘do not travel’ warning for Middle East, activates 24/7 crisis centre for its citizens

The Australian government has issued an urgent “do not travel” warning for several Middle Eastern countries after regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US has spread into the wider region, activating crisis measures to support Australians overseas.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it had overnight activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to assist Australians impacted by the unfolding situation. “Overnight, the DFAT activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to support Australians impacted by regional conflict in the Middle East. The situation is volatile and DFAT understands this is a difficult time for Australians impacted by these events.”

Smartraveller urges Australians not to travel to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Australians were also reminded that existing advice not to travel to Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen remains in place, while travel to Jordan should be reconsidered.


“Across the Middle East region, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice including shelter in place instructions.”



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DFAT also announced it had opened a crisis registration portal for Australians in Israel and Iran, aimed at citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members eligible to enter Australia. Australians requiring urgent assistance were advised to contact the government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre.

Speaking at a press conference in Adelaide on Sunday, March 1 Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia stood with the Iranian people while condemning Tehran’s actions in the region.

“I'll start by saying that Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression. For decades we know the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force through its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.”

Wong said Australia supported international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “The international community has been clear that this regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. So Australia supports action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”

She confirmed the decision to escalate travel warnings and urged Australians currently in affected countries to leave if it was safe to do so. “Given the concerns around security for the region, last night I upgraded our travel advice to ‘Do not travel’ for Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates… Australians in those countries that I have just listed should leave now if it is safe to do so.”

Wong also called on Iran to halt attacks across the region. “We have seen attacks in the region, including on the UAE and also on Tel Aviv, and we call on Iran to cease these attacks.”

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The foreign minister pointed to previous security incidents involving Iran, including attacks on Australian soil in 2024. “Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024, appalling acts targeting Australia's Jewish community.”

She said those incidents prompted Australia to take unprecedented diplomatic and security steps. “In response, Australia took the unprecedented step of expelling Iran's ambassador. We suspended operations at our embassy in Tehran. and we listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, known as the IRGC, as a state sponsor of terrorism.”

Wong added that the government had imposed extensive sanctions. “We have sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including 100 linked to the IRGC.”