Urgent Evacuation Advice for South Africans in the Middle East as Conflict Escalates
South African citizens in the Middle East are being urged to leave the region immediately, as tensions continue to rise following recent attacks. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is strongly advising those on non-essential travel to utilize the resumption of limited commercial flights to return home, warning that further heavy attacks are anticipated.
Escalating Tensions and Flight Disruptions
The current situation stems from US and Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s subsequent retaliatory strikes have triggered widespread disruption to civil aviation and heightened regional instability. Major airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, previously suspended flights, leading to thousands of stranded travelers.
While some operations have resumed, services remain limited. Emirates has restarted flights to Europe, the US, and India, but not yet to South Africa. Qatar Airways is operating a limited number of relief flights from Muscat and Riyadh to various European destinations, prioritizing stranded passengers. Passengers are advised to only travel to the airport if they have received direct confirmation from their airline.
Over 6,400 South Africans Registered in the Region
DIRCO has reported a significant increase in the number of South Africans registering their presence in the Middle East via the Travel Smart system. As of March 4, 2026, over 6,400 South African citizens are confirmed to be in the region.
South African citizens in the region for non-essential travel who wish to evacuate cities and countries affected by the interstate conflict in the Middle East are strongly advised to use the official channels listed below.
— Dirco
Official Support and Contact Information
DIRCO is providing consular support to South Africans in the affected areas. Citizens experiencing difficulties with the evacuation process or requiring urgent assistance are encouraged to contact the following:
- South African emergency line (Dirco): +27 12 351 1000 (request consular services)
- South African embassy (Amman, Jordan): +962 6-461-5167
- Jordan Border Inquiry: +962 5 393 3031
- Email for co-ordination: ngwanyaa@dirco.gov.za or segevl@dirco.gov.za
- Litha Ngwanya (Emergency Consular Support): +972 50-520-8100, ngwanyaa@dirco.gov.za
- Lizelle Segev (Emergency Consular Support): +972 54-588-0698, segevl@dirco.gov.za
DIRCO has cautioned that consular support may be limited in certain parts of the region during an emergency.
Future Trends: Increased Risk Management for Travelers
This situation highlights a growing trend: the increasing unpredictability of international travel due to geopolitical instability. The rapid escalation of conflict and subsequent disruption to air travel demonstrate the need for proactive risk management strategies for both individuals and organizations.
People can expect to spot several developments in the coming years:
- Enhanced Travel Insurance: Demand for comprehensive travel insurance that covers political risk and evacuation assistance will likely increase. Policies will need to be more flexible and responsive to rapidly changing situations.
- Advanced Traveler Tracking Systems: Governments and companies will invest in more sophisticated traveler tracking systems, like DIRCO’s Travel Smart, to quickly locate and assist citizens abroad during crises.
- Diversification of Evacuation Routes: Reliance on commercial airlines for evacuation may prove insufficient in future crises. Exploring alternative evacuation routes, including charter flights and overland options, will turn into more vital.
- Increased Focus on Pre-Travel Risk Assessments: Travelers and organizations will need to conduct thorough pre-travel risk assessments, considering the political and security landscape of their destination.
Qatar Airways will contact affected passengers directly with their assigned flight details, travel arrangements and next steps. Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date so we can reach you with flight information and instructions
— Qatar Airways
FAQ
Q: What is the Travel Smart system?
A: It’s DIRCO’s registration system for South African citizens traveling abroad, allowing the department to locate and assist them during emergencies.
Q: Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now?
A: DIRCO strongly discourages non-essential travel to the region due to the ongoing conflict.
Q: What should I do if I’m already in the Middle East?
A: Register with the Travel Smart system and contact the South African embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Q: Will airlines resume normal operations soon?
A: It is uncertain when airlines will fully resume normal operations. The situation is fluid and dependent on regional stability.
Pro Tip: Always share your travel itinerary with family or friends and ensure they have access to your emergency contact information.
Stay informed about the latest developments and heed the advice of your government and local authorities. Your safety is paramount.
Read more about international travel safety on our Travel Advisory page.
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