Urgent warning to

An urgent travel alert has been issued for Australians intending to visit or transit through Qatar, which is a well-known global transit hub. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), via its Smartraveller service, has raised Qatar’s travel advisory level from Level 1 to Level 2, advising travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution.” This adjustment is a response to the escalating hostilities in the Middle East, which may result in broader regional instability, including possible airspace closures, flight cancellations, or travel disruptions. The advisory indicates that demonstrations and protests could occur with little warning, and it recommends avoiding all such gatherings.

Despite the heightened risk, the government is not completely discouraging travel to Qatar. A Level 2 alert signifies that travellers should exercise more caution than usual and implement additional safety measures. The advisory specifies that the risks present in Qatar are now higher than those typically faced in a major Australian city. Travellers are urged to keep abreast of news reports for updates and to remain informed about any potential developments in the region that could impact their safety or travel arrangements.

This advisory is issued in the context of deteriorating conditions in the wider Middle East, particularly concerning the situation between Israel and Iran. Australia has recently closed its embassy in Tehran, directing all foreign affairs personnel and their families to evacuate due to increasing threats. Consular teams have been sent to neighboring Azerbaijan to assist Australians attempting to escape Iran. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians to leave Iran as soon as it is safe to do so and stated that efforts are ongoing to support those who choose or are compelled to stay.

Currently, more than 1,200 Australians are still registered for assistance in departing from Israel, where the airspace remains closed. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran commenced when Israel executed an attack on Iran’s missile infrastructure, citing concerns regarding nuclear development. Retaliatory strikes from Iran, along with additional Israeli bombings, have resulted in an increasing death toll on both sides. A Washington-based human rights organization reports that over 600 Iranians have lost their lives, with more than 1,300 sustaining injuries. Israel has confirmed at least 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries due to Iranian strikes.

In addition to escalating global tensions, former President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States may soon become involved in the conflict alongside Israel. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that Trump is considering the possibility of diplomatic negotiations with Iran prior to reaching a final decision, which is anticipated within the next two weeks. This uncertainty is fostering a sense of instability across the region, leading countries such as Australia to reevaluate and strengthen their travel advisories for areas like Qatar that may be affected by the widening hostilities.