Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Special Travel Advisory for Iran: "Recommend Canceling Trips and Departures"

Iran, Middle East Tensions Rise After Israeli Airstrikes
Israel Likely to Respond Soon

Map of Iran's Travel Alert Level Before and After Adjustment (Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 15th that it has issued a temporary special travel advisory for Iran, which carried out retaliatory airstrikes against Israel on the 13th.

The existing Level 3 travel alert (departure recommendation) for certain areas of Iran remains in effect, and with this measure, other regions that were previously at Level 2 (travel caution) have been elevated to a special travel advisory (Level 2.5).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently issues Level 3 alerts for the Turkey-Iraq border area, Sistan-Baluchestan Province, and three provinces along the Persian Gulf (Khuzestan, Bushehr, Hormozgan).

In the case of Israel, Level 3 alerts are in place for all areas except the Gaza Strip, which is under Level 4 travel ban.

The special travel advisory is issued for areas with short-term urgent risks and corresponds to travel alert levels between Level 2 and Level 3, and is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "We ask our citizens planning to travel to Iran during the special travel advisory period to cancel or postpone their trips," and "those currently staying in the area are requested to leave for safe areas unless it is for urgent reasons."

It added, "The Ministry will continue to closely monitor the situation in Iran and review the need for further adjustments to travel alerts."

According to major foreign media such as the U.S. daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), U.S. and Western officials expect Israel to launch an attack on Iran soon.

This is a response to Iran sending hundreds of drones and missiles to Israel on the night of the 13th. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed countermeasures against Iran's bombing with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and others who form the wartime cabinet the previous afternoon.