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EN
On the morning of February 28th, following a large-scale attack on Iranian intelligence and defense facilities that killed over 200 people, and fierce retaliatory strikes against Israeli territory and US bases, the security situation in the Middle East spiraled out of control. Immediately, many Western and Asian countries issued top-level travel warnings, urging citizens to leave or cancel any non-essential travel plans to the region.
The outbreak of conflict has not only caused loss of life and property but has also directly affected vital global air routes. Currently, the airspace of a number of countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Iran, Israel, and Iraq, has been officially closed or severely restricted.
The US, UK, and Australian governments have urged citizens at the scene to take "shelter-in-place" orders to ensure their safety.
The three major Middle Eastern airlines – Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates – have been forced to make the unprecedented decision to cancel between 50% and 65% of their total flights. This disruption has created a devastating domino effect, disrupting the travel plans of millions of passengers worldwide, particularly those on connecting flights between Asia and Europe that rely on transit hubs in Dubai and Doha.
In a swift, coordinated move, the British, American, and Australian governments updated their travel advisories to the most severe level. Citizens of these countries currently in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Doha are urged to "shelter in place." The message is clear: people should stay at home or seek safe locations, avoid any movement outside, and strictly follow instructions from local authorities. Embassies also warned that consular support would be severely limited once airports and airspace are completely closed.
In Europe, countries such as the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, Germany, and Sweden have also raised their security alert levels to red. Canadian authorities have even advised citizens to stock up on essential supplies and ensure they have identification documents ready in case they need to seek shelter for an extended period if trade options disappear. Meanwhile, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has begun implementing voluntary evacuation plans for the families of diplomatic staff in Israel, Lebanon, and neighboring countries amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation.
Nearly 20 countries immediately updated their advisories for citizens on how to stay safe while in the Middle East, as well as recommending against traveling to specific countries in the region at this time.
In Asia, the Indian embassies in the UAE and Tehran have urged citizens to utilize all available means to leave the conflict zone immediately while commercial flights are still possible. Countries like Singapore and Azerbaijan are also taking action, constantly updating the situation and urging their citizens to exercise extreme caution and maintain the highest level of vigilance.
In light of the complex and dangerous developments in the Middle East, on the evening of February 28th, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially issued an important statement. Accordingly, Vietnamese citizens are strongly advised not to travel to Iran, Israel, and neighboring areas directly affected by the conflict at this time. For those already in the region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests that they maintain continuous contact with Vietnamese diplomatic missions in their respective locations and strictly comply with security and travel regulations of the local authorities.
To ensure their rights and safety, citizens should save the hotline numbers for citizen protection at the Vietnamese Embassies in Iran and Israel, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Citizen Protection Hotline, to receive timely assistance in emergency situations.
People should pay attention to and monitor official government websites to avoid being misled by false rumors that cause panic.
In this uncertain context, international travel and security experts offer essential advice to minimize risks. People should regularly monitor official government websites and airline announcements. Don't rely solely on social media to avoid being misled by panic-inducing rumors. Always have a "plan B" for your trip, including alternative routes or transportation options in case of sudden airspace closures. Ensure your phone is fully charged, and prepare a sufficient amount of cash and essential supplies in case you are stranded at an airport or accommodation.
The situation in the Middle East remains extremely dangerous and could escalate at any moment. The simultaneous issuance of red alerts by various countries is not only a precautionary measure but also a reminder of the harsh realities of the current geopolitical situation. Instead of panicking, travelers should remain calm, prepare thoroughly, and prioritize their safety above all else.
