As the Middle East conflict continues, the South African government has urged South Africans in the region to evacuate using the limited flights available.
Image: Atta Kenare / AFP
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has encouraged South Africans, who are in the Middle East, to evacuate from cities and countries affected by the ongoing conflict as strikes are expected to continue.
In a statement, DIRCO said that several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region and South Africans who are in the region for non-essential travel are “strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave”.
It noted that there has been a significant increase in registrations by South Africans on the Travel Smart system, with over 6,400 South African citizens in the Middle East registering their presence as of March 4, 2026.
DIRCO added that South Africans should refrain from all non-essential travel to the region at this time.
“South Africa takes this opportunity to reiterate its firm call on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.”
South Africans who are experiencing difficulties with the evacuation process or require urgent consular support, must contact a department official immediately through the channels below:
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