Destination: Middle East
Issued 19 June 2026
The security situation across parts of the Middle East remains volatile and may change at short notice. While some destinations have recently had their Smartraveller advice downgraded from Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) to Level 3 (“Reconsider Your Need to Travel”), there remains a risk of further attacks, regional escalation and travel disruption.
Travellers should remain alert and closely monitor local developments, airline notifications and official government travel advice. Airspace restrictions, flight cancellations, delays and border closures may occur with little or no notice.
If you are currently travelling in the Middle East and require urgent medical attention, seek assistance locally, and please contact our 24-hour Global Assistance team at +61 1800 490 478 (reverse charge), via WhatsApp or Web Chat as soon as possible. We also strongly recommend staying updated through local media and heeding advice from local emergency services.
Smartraveller advice as at 19 June 2026:
The situation in the Middle East region remains volatile. There continues to be a risk of attacks and further escalation.
Level 3 – Reconsider Your Need to Travel
The following destinations are currently subject to DFAT Level 3 advice:
- Bahrain
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Carefully consider whether travel to these destinations remains necessary and monitor official government advice before and during travel. If you need to transit through these destinations, minimise the time spent in-country and avoid unnecessary activities. Airspace restrictions, flight disruptions and border closures may occur with little warning.
Level 4 – Do Not Travel
The following destinations remain subject to DFAT Level 4 advice:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Palestinian Territories
- Syria
- Yemen
Important Information for Travellers
- If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident in any of these destinations, you should register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Crisis Registration Portal to receive updates and assistance information.
- Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).
- Official Smartraveller advice, including current advice levels for each destination, is available at: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/middle-east-conflict
Your Policy Coverage
The recent change in DFAT travel advice does not alter the cover available under your PassportCard policy.
Your policy continues to operate in accordance with the terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions contained in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Please note:
- Claims arising directly or indirectly from war, acts of war or war-like activities remain excluded under the General Exclusions section of the PDS.
- Claims arising from known circumstances may not be covered where those circumstances were known, foreseeable or publicly available at the time the policy was purchased.
- Claims unrelated to war or the ongoing conflict, such as unexpected illness, injury, luggage claims or other insured events, may continue to be covered, subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy.
Extension of Insurance at no extra charge:
If an unforeseen circumstance outside your control disrupts your return journey and prevents you from returning home as originally planned, we will automatically extend your insurance at no additional premium until you can reasonably return home.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy, cover may be extended for up to six (6) months beyond the original Period of Insurance shown on your Schedule.
Important general advice:
This information complements the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Ensure you understand the terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits, and exclusions specified in the PDS, especially the ‘Benefits’, ‘Policy Conditions’, and ‘General Exclusions’ sections.
Contact us:
- For emergency travel or medical assistance during your journey, contact our 24-hour Global Assistance team at +61 1800 490 478 (global charge), via WhatsApp or Web Chat. Simply click on the red message icon in the right hand corner of your screen to start a web chat.
- For general inquiries about the event, call our Customer Service at 1300 123 413 during our business hours.