URGENT TRAVEL ADVICE MIDDLE EAST
Urgent Travel Advice Update
As military conflict in Iraq appears likely to start in the coming days, the Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice for the Middle East region.
The Department advises against all non-essential travel to the Middle East region until it is clear that there is no longer any likelihood of military operations. More specific advice for individual countries is given below. Further advice may be issued as the situation in the region develops.
Irish citizens generally, and in particular in the Middle Eastern region, should be aware of the increased possibility of terrorist attacks as a result of the conflict in Iraq and should exercise extreme vigilance and caution in their movements at all times.
Iraq
Any Irish citizens remaining in Iraq are strongly advised to leave the country immediately. As all EU missions have withdrawn from Baghdad it will not be possible to provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in Iraq.
Kuwait
Irish citizens in Kuwait are urged to leave as quickly as possible. Irish citizens who intend to remain in Kuwait have been asked to confirm this to the Irish Consul at the Kuwait Palace Hotel. However, they should be aware that, depending on the extent of the conflict, it may not be possible for the Irish Consul to assist them once hostilities have commenced.
Israel and the Occupied Territories
Irish citizens are advised against non-essential travel to Israel. Irish citizens resident in Israel are advised to leave unless they consider their presence essential. Those who choose to remain are advised to maintain regular contact with the Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv and to ensure that their travel documents are in order.
Irish citizens are advised against all travel to the West Bank and Gaza, and Irish citizens in the Occupied Territories are advised to leave.
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States
Irish citizens are advised against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. Irish citizens resident in these countries are advised to consider leaving unless they regard their presence as essential. Those who remain are advised to maintain regular contact with the Irish Embassy in Riyadh.
Syria
Irish citizens are advised against non-essential travel to Syria. Irish citizens resident in Syria are advised to ensure they are registered with the Irish Honorary Consulate in Damascus, and to consider whether their continued presence is essential.
Jordan
Irish citizens are advised against non-essential travel to Jordan. Pending the reopening of the Irish Honorary Consulate, Irish citizens residing in Jordan are advised to ensure that they are registered with the British Embassy in Amman and to leave unless they consider their continued presence is essential.
Yemen
Irish citizens are advised against non-essential travel to Yemen. Irish citizens resident in this country are advised to consider leaving unless they regard their presence as essential.
