Many countries simultaneously issued warnings to tourists not to go to the Middle East

Travel warnings increased across the Middle East after the US and Israel attacked Iran on the morning of February 28, and airlines also adjusted routes and services based on new risk assessments. Many airspaces in the Middle East were closed due to the impact of the attack, including Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Iran, Israel and Iraq, which is expected to impact widespread flight schedules in the region.

The three major airlines of the Middle East, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates, canceled 50-65% of total flights, creating a domino effect causing large-scale disruption.

Nearly 20 countries immediately updated recommendations for citizens on how to ensure safety while in the Middle East, as well as recommending not to travel to specific countries in the region during this period.

In the updated notice dated February 28, the government UK, US, Australia recommends that citizens in the UAE, Baharain, Qatar, and Doha need to immediately “shelter in place”, stay indoors in a safe location, avoid all movement and follow the instructions of local authorities. Tourists need to follow the media to update urgent news and be ready to adjust plans.

Officials Canada advises people to ensure valid travel documents and stock up on essentials in case they have to shelter in place if commercial flights are suspended.

Previously, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised people to consider leaving Israel and Lebanon, and implemented a voluntary departure plan for families of diplomatic staff in Israel, Lebanon, UAE, Qatar and Jordan in the context of the “deteriorating” security situation. At the same time, countries also advise people not to travel to Iran, Israel, or Lebanon at this time.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of European countries such as Netherlands, Finland, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Cyprus, Serbia and Asia included Singapore, Azerbaijan also raised the travel alert level for the region, advising citizens in Israel and Iran to closely monitor flight status and leave while commercial options remain viable.

Embassy India in the UAE issued a notice on February 28, advising citizens to “avoid unnecessary trips, be extremely cautious, maintain vigilance and follow safety instructions”. Last week, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged all citizens to leave Iran by available means, including commercial flights, due to escalating tensions in the region. Many countries warn citizens that “support from embassies may be very limited if the airspace of countries in the Middle East is closed”.

On the evening of February 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised citizens Vietnam Do not go to Iran and Israel at the present time, do not go to neighboring areas affected by conflict if not absolutely necessary.

Vietnamese citizens in Iran, Israel and neighboring areas affected by conflicts need to keep in touch and regularly monitor information from Vietnamese representative agencies in Iran and Israel, and strictly comply with local government regulations on travel as well as warnings from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To receive support, Vietnamese citizens in Iran and Israel contact the citizen protection hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in Iran and the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel as well as the Civil Protection Hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What should tourists note?

Those planning to travel in the near future should regularly monitor the government’s official travel advisory page, keep in touch with the airline to update flight schedule changes and proactively develop flexible plans for the journey.

It is also recommended that travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance, which includes benefits for flight cancellations, delays and unexpected disruptions, especially given the risk of sudden airspace closures or flight route adjustments.

In the current situation, staying informed and well prepared, instead of panicking, is considered the most practical and effective approach.

On the morning of February 28, the US and Israeli militaries launched an attack campaign against Iran, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, as well as a series of high-ranking officials and generals. More than 200 people died in Iran. Iran quickly launched a response campaign targeting Israeli territory, as well as a series of US bases in Middle Eastern countries, causing damage to the enemy. At least one person was killed in Israel.