Against the backdrop of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliation against the Gulf States, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its recommendations on 28 February and 1er March in its Travel Advice, advising against travel to all countries. The Quai d'Orsay is also calling on French nationals visiting any of the countries in the region who have not already done so to register on the Fil d'Ariane, and to contact the Crisis Centre in the event of an emergency.
" The message to our compatriots abroad is clear: consult the diplomatie.gouv.fr website regularly, where instructions are updated daily. To French people passing through, register on the Fil Ariane. It's essential if you want to stay informed and find your way around if necessary. "In a speech on Monday 2 March, Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated the essential measures, stressing that the ministry's crisis and support centre had set up an emergency telephone hotline available 24/7. More than 5,000 calls have been received and handled since the start of the military action.
The Ministry estimates that almost 400,000 French nationals, resident in or visiting the dozen or so countries in the region, are directly affected by the situation, with the fifteen diplomatic posts, embassies and consulates mobilised to ensure their safety. " An absolute priority in this very difficult context "declared Jean-Noël Barrot. The Minister for Foreign Affairs points out that arrangements are already in place at local level to facilitate exits by land where possible," he added. which is not the case in all the countries concerned ".
Israel / West Bank
French nationals who are currently present are asked to "demonstrate their commitment to the fight against terrorism". the utmost vigilance and caution "and to keep absolutely clear of all demonstrations and gatherings ". Following the declaration of an emergency in the country, the Israeli authorities are urging residents to limit themselves to essential activities and avoid all travel. Other recommendations include staying close to shelters and, if necessary, taking shelter there until the sheltering order is lifted. The Quai d'Orsay also invites you to keep up to date with developments on the Home Front Command (only available from Israel) as well as French consulates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While the airspace has been closed since 8am on 28 February, the land borders with Jordan and Egypt are open.
In a statement sent out on Monday, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism warns that early payment of crossing fees, via the BorderPay platform, is strongly recommended in order to limit waiting times at ticket offices. It recommends arriving at border crossings at least two hours before the official closing time. In addition, emergency information for tourists and access to the virtual help desk are available here.
United Arab Emirates
Airspace remains closed until further notice in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and travellers are advised to remain in regular contact with their airlines. On 2 March, the French embassy raised the possibility of a change in airspace " during the day" . But Etihad said on Monday that all flights were suspended until 2pm local time on 4 March.
In addition, the missile alert continues, with a French naval base in Abu Dhabi having been hit by a drone. As debris from intercepted missiles may fall in urban areas, French nationals visiting or residing in the United Arab Emirates are still advised to strictly follow the instructions issued by the local authorities, to limit their movements to what is strictly necessary, and to seek shelter in the event of an alert.
Saudi Arabia / Bahrain / Kuwait / Qatar
As airspace may be closed and flights suspended, it is advisable not to travel to any of these countries. Residents and French visitors are advised to follow local instructions, limit their movements and seek shelter in the event of an alert.
Jordan
Given the uncertainties regarding air traffic, travel to Jordan is not advised over the next few days. Travellers should check airspace closure measures on the airport Queen Alia website or the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority. For French nationals on the ground, in addition to following information from official sources, it is advisable to avoid the area around the American embassy in Amman, a potential target for attacks.
Lebanon
While travel is not recommended due to the risk of regional escalation, French nationals already in the country are advised to contact their airline to organise their return to France while commercial flights are still available.
Cyprus
Although the Quai d'Orsay does not formally advise against travel to Cyprus, French nationals passing through the country are advised to exercise vigilance and caution, particularly in the northern part of the country, which is not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus and where the French embassy cannot provide consular protection. Other advice: follow the official media and refer to official French statements.
