Travel warning: Smartraveller raises advice level for Australians in Qatar amid Israel-Iran war

An urgent warning has been issued for Australians headed to a Middle Eastern country widely used as a stop-over point for travel around the world.

Smartraveller has upgraded its advice level for Qatar, including capital Doha, urging people to exercise a high degree of caution.

It comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran and the looming threat of an all out war that could draw in the entire region and, possibly, the US.

“Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions,” Smartraveller warns in its latest advice.

“Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.”

Qatar has now moved from Level One advice to Level Two.

At Level One the security situation is considered to be similar to that of a large Australian city and travellers are urged to “use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia”.

Level Two means there are higher risks and travellers should pay close attention to their “personal security and the current health situation. Monitor the media for new and existing risks”.

Blanket ‘do not travel’ warnings are already in place elsewhere in the Middle East including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.

A high degree of caution is also being urged for travel in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

At this stage only Oman is greenlit for travellers to take “normal” safety precautions.

Qantas does not fly to Qatar and says the Middle East conflict has so far not had any material impact on flights.

It has a number of flight path options that it uses to get to Europe and these are reviewed regularly based on factors including weather and security.

The Nightly understands Virgin Australia’s wet leased Doha services remain unaffected.