ISLAMABAD: As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate at dangerous levels, several governments around the world have issued urgent travel advisories, urging their citizens to avoid travel to both countries.
Israel began launching strikes across Iran on Friday, saying it aimed to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — a charge Iran denies. Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on Israel.
The strikes on Iran have killed at least 224 people, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, Iran said Sunday. It has not issued an updated toll since then.
At least 24 people have been killed in Israel and hundreds wounded, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
Israeli forces claimed to have killed Iran’s newly appointed Chief of Staff General Ali Shadmani in an airstrike on a command centre in central Tehran, four days after he assumed the role following the death of his predecessor in an Israeli strike.
United States
The US Embassy in Israel announced that it is unable to evacuate or directly assist American citizens in leaving the country.
This statement followed the State Department’s decision earlier this week to raise its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4: “Do Not Travel” — the highest warning level, indicating an extremely high risk.
The department also authorized the voluntary departure of nonessential US government employees and their family members.
China
A spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday said the relevant embassies and consulates are working with other government agencies to do everything possible to keep Chinese nationals in Iran and Israel safe and swiftly organise their evacuation.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a regular press briefing noted that after the outbreak of the Israel-Iran conflict, the Chinese foreign ministry and Chinese embassies and consulates in both countries immediately activated the consular emergency response mechanism, and asked both countries to effectively ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions.
“Some Chinese citizens have been safely evacuated to neighboring countries,” the spokesperson said.
On Monday, the Chinese embassy in Tel Aviv urged its citizens to leave Israel via land border crossings to Jordan.
Russia
Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov advised Russian citizens on Monday to leave Israel until the security situation stabilises, according to the state news agency Tass.
Over the weekend, Moscow reported evacuating several nationals from Iran and suspending operations at its consulate in Tehran.
Australia
The Australian government has strongly advised against travel to Israel and the occupied territories, citing the risk of terror attacks, including those by lone actors.
Australians currently in the region are urged to follow local authority guidance and remain alert. The government has also warned against travel to Iran and advised those already there to shelter in place.
Canada
On Monday, Canadian authorities issued warnings against all travel to both Israel and Iran, citing escalating tensions and security concerns.
United Kingdom
Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed Parliament on Monday that British nationals in Israel should register with the Foreign Office to receive critical updates on the evolving situation and potential evacuation plans.
The UK government has advised against all travel to Israel and the occupied territories, urging citizens already in the region to follow local guidance.
A similar advisory has been issued for Iran, with officials noting that only limited consular support is available.
France
France has tightened its travel advisories, joining other nations urging citizens to avoid travel to Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories.
French authorities have outright prohibited all travel to Iran due to the risk of arbitrary detention, and are strongly discouraging non-essential travel to Israel, limiting exceptions to family, diplomatic, or humanitarian reasons. The government has also begun withdrawing non-essential personnel from Iran and suspended official missions to high-risk areas, underscoring its focus on citizen safety amid rising regional tensions.
Germany
Germany has issued a high-level warning against travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories, citing an increased threat of missile and drone attacks.
The German Foreign Ministry updated its travel guidance to reflect the rising threat level, and Berlin has ramped up domestic security, particularly around Jewish institutions, in anticipation of possible repercussions from the conflict.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has elevated its travel advisory to the highest risk level—Red—for both Israel and Iran, urging citizens to avoid all travel regardless of purpose.
In response to heightened danger and ongoing cross-border attacks, the Dutch embassy in Tehran has suspended public services.
Pakistan
Pakistan has also issued an advisory discouraging travel to Iran, especially by religious pilgrims, due to growing hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Following Israeli strikes on Iran and the threat of retaliation, Islamabad has set up a 24/7 crisis management cell and is offering embassy assistance to Pakistanis already in Iran.
As Pakistan does not recognise Israel, travel there is already prohibited under national law.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has reactivated its travel ban to Israel in response to recent military escalations in Gaza and the broader region.
The government has reinstated the passport restriction stating: “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel,” reversing a 2021 change.
The decision comes amid widespread pro-Palestinian protests and signals Bangladesh’s alignment with global efforts to limit travel to conflict zones.
Spain
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged citizens to avoid travel to both Israel and Iran, citing increased violence and military activity.
Spanish nationals already in Israel have been advised to stay indoors, remain close to shelters, and restrict movement to essential needs only.
The government has also warned of possible flight disruptions and airport closures, particularly at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport.
New Zealand
New Zealand has upgraded its travel advisory for Iran to Level 4—Do Not Travel—citing extreme instability, risk of arbitrary detention, and terrorism concerns.
Citizens currently in Iran are advised to leave if safe options exist. The government also advised against travel to Israel, warning of potential airspace closures and extended flight delays.
Travelers are urged to stay indoors, avoid public gatherings, and secure comprehensive travel insurance, including for medical evacuation.
Ireland
Ireland has updated its travel guidance, advising citizens to avoid all travel to both Israel and Iran due to the deteriorating security situation.
The Department of Foreign Affairs described the conflict as “extraordinarily dangerous and volatile,” warning that the Irish government’s ability to provide consular assistance may be severely limited.
India
The Indian embassy in Iran has advised its citizens to avoid nonessential movement within the country.
In Israel, the Indian embassy issued a similar advisory on Sunday, urging nationals to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel.
Japan
On Friday, Japan’s Foreign Ministry advised its citizens to avoid travel to Tehran, as well as the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, due to escalating regional tensions.
According to Japanese media reports on Monday, approximately 380 Japanese nationals have registered their presence with the embassy in Iran, while around 1,000 have done so in Israel.
South Korea
The foreign ministry on Tuesday asked its nationals to leave Iran. South Korea’s government had earlier urged citizens to cancel or postpone trips to Israel and parts of Iran.
