Australians visiting or passing through Qatar, a significant international hub frequently used for connecting flights around the world, are under an urgent travel warning.
A high level of vigilance was advised for passengers heading to Qatar, particularly those passing through Doha, in an evening notice sent by the Australian Government’s Smartraveller program, which is run by DFAT.
“We’ve raised our level of advice for Qatar. We now advise “exercise a high degree of caution” due to ongoing hostilities in the region,” the alert read.
“Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions.”
Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.”
Travellers are advised to use extreme caution as the alert has been upgraded from Level 1 to Level 2.
“We’re not saying “don’t go” to this location. But you should do your research and take extra precautions. At level 2, there are more or higher risks than what you would typically find in a large Australian city,” the advice said.
Level 3 advises travellers to “reconsider” their need to travel, which is one level above Qatar’s existing travel advice. The highest alert level, Level 4, warns of “extreme health and safety risks” and instructs anyone currently there to leave right away.
According to Smart Traveller, travellers should keep an eye on the media for both current and emerging threats.
It occurs as Iran and Israel continue to bomb one another, Australia shutters its embassy in Tehran, and President Donald Trump hinted that the United States would join the war.
“Based on advice about the deteriorating security environment,” all foreign affairs employees and their dependents in the Iranian capital have been ordered to depart.
To assist Australians leaving Iran, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is sending consular personnel to Azerbaijan, including its border crossings.
“We urge Australians who are able to leave Iran to do so now, if it is safe,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday.
“Those who are unable to, or do not wish to leave, are advised to shelter in place.”
“We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries.”
In the meantime, almost 1,200 Australians are still enrolled for help leaving Israel, where the airspace is still closed.
Trump, who has left everyone wondering if the US would support Israel in the conflict, promised to make a decision in the next two weeks.
“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in Washington, quoting a message from the president.
A week ago, Israel attacked Iran’s missile capabilities, saying the Islamic republic was close to obtaining nuclear weapons, sparking the start of the crisis between the two countries.
An Iranian human rights organisation located in Washington claims that Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 639 people and injured 1,300 more.
Israel claims that at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured by Iran’s retaliation strikes.
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