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Travel warning: The Federal Foreign Office warns against dangerous trips to the Middle East
The Foreign Office warns against traveling to the Gulf region and is updating security warnings for affected countries.
Travel warning: The Federal Foreign Office warns against dangerous trips to the Middle East
The situation in the Middle East has recently worsened considerably and the Foreign Office has now strongly advised against all non-essential travel to the entire Gulf region. This warning affects countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan. A travel warning had already been issued for the whole of Israel, which represents a higher alert level. This reports in southern Thuringia.
The current global terrorist threat, which has increased following the recent attacks on October 7, 2023, particularly in Israel, is also concerning. Terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda and the Islamic State have maintained their threats, resulting in a tense security situation. The travel warning status has not only expanded to Israel and the Palestinian territories, but now also affects Iran, Yemen and certain regions in Lebanon and Iraq. In addition, all German citizens are advised to register on the Elefand crisis preparedness list in order to stay informed about possible return travel options, according to information from the Foreign Office.
Evacuation measures in planned readiness
To support Germans abroad, the Foreign Office has strengthened crisis support teams in the region and is offering assistance for those returning from Israel and the Palestinian territories. Commercial flight connections currently continue to exist, but many airlines have suspended or canceled flights. In the last few days, Lufthansa has carried out several special flights for around 2,800 German citizens. In addition, if the situation deteriorates further, the Bundeswehr could prepare military evacuation measures, such as OM online reported.
The priority now is clearly on the safety of travelers. Travel warnings allow tourists to cancel booked trips free of charge, but they do not constitute a general travel ban. The Federal Foreign Office's Crisis Response Center remains exceptionally active and is closely monitoring developments in the region.
Rely on a good hand
The location requires all travelers to have a good hand in preparing and carrying out their trips. Even if the risk of becoming a victim of an attack is low compared to other risks such as accidents or illness, you should still act prudently and safety-conscious. This means having your bearings in advance and following the local media carefully. Suspicious incidents, be it unattended luggage or strange behavior, should not be ignored and should be reported immediately to local security forces.
The situation remains tense and therefore requires increased vigilance. German citizens in the region are well advised to follow the instructions of local security authorities and monitor developments closely. Ultimately, everyone’s safety is important to us – no matter how critical the situation.