While Smartraveller has kept its safety rating for the Middle East at amber – “reconsider your need to travel” – it has updated its wording to stress the seriousness of the situation in the region.
Smartraveller has still not downgraded its safety ratings for key transit hubs including Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, despite a sharp escalation in military action between the US and Iran. Just today the US has announced that it is resuming its blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite not escalating the overall safety rating, Smartraveller has continued to update its wording for these destinations, stressing that the “reconsider your need to travel” warning also applies to travelling for transit.
“The security situation in the Middle East region remains unpredictable. Military conflict in the region may cause travel disruptions and your travel plans may be affected. ‘Reconsider your need to travel’ also means ‘reconsider your need to transit’,” it said in an update.
“Military strikes and reprisal attacks have occurred in a number of locations in the Middle East in recent days, including attacks directed towards targets in Qatar. Prioritise your safety. Follow local warning systems and, if warned of an imminent attack, move to an enclosed hardened shelter. If these are not available, seek an inner room without windows. Monitor developments closely and follow the advice of local authorities. Stay aware of your environment,” it said in an update on Monday.
“Qatar airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Doha’s international airport. Check the status of any border crossing before you travel by air, land or sea,” it added on the Qatar page.
“Terrorism is a threat, including in Qatar. Terrorist attacks could happen at any time or anywhere. Avoid possible targets including venues that draw in foreigners, tourists or crowds where possible. Maintain a high level of security awareness. If there’s a security incident, follow the advice of local authorities.”
Why the ratings still matter for the trade
Smartraveller’s decision to hold current ratings is significant given the recent history. On 17 June, the federal government downgraded its advice for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE from Level 4 (“Do not travel”) to Level 3 (“Reconsider your need to travel”), following an easing of hostilities at the time.
ATIA had launched a “Campaign for Commonsense” push, arguing that the earlier Level 4 rating was voiding travel insurance for passengers merely transiting through hubs like Doha and Dubai, even as airlines including Emirates and Qatar Airways continued operating through the region.
