More than 6,400 citizens of South Africa have registered their presence across the Middle East as escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to destabilise the region.
The registrations were made through the government’s Travel Smart system, which allows South Africans abroad to notify authorities of their location and receive assistance during emergencies.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the number of registrations has surged sharply as citizens seek support amid rising security risks.
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Government Urges Citizens to Leave
In a statement issued on Friday, March 6, DIRCO urged South Africans currently in affected areas to consider leaving while commercial travel routes remain available.
“Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue,” the department said.
Authorities warned that consular assistance may become limited if the conflict intensifies further.
Officials also advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the region and encouraged those requiring assistance to contact South African embassies or emergency support lines.
Travel Disruptions Complicate Evacuation Plans
The warning comes as the Middle East faces one of its most volatile security crises in recent years.
Military tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have escalated, with missile strikes, drone attacks and retaliatory military operations expanding beyond immediate conflict zones.
Several neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have experienced ripple effects from the escalating tensions.
Border closures, flight cancellations and airspace restrictions have significantly complicated evacuation plans for foreign nationals attempting to leave the region.
Embassy Support and Emergency Assistance
DIRCO said protecting the safety of South African citizens abroad remains the government’s top priority.
Diplomatic missions across the region have been placed on alert, with the South African embassy in Amman, Jordan playing a central role in coordinating assistance for citizens seeking to depart conflict-affected areas.
Authorities are urging South Africans still in the region to remain vigilant, monitor official travel advisories and maintain contact with diplomatic missions.
As regional tensions continue to rise, officials warn that conditions could deteriorate quickly, making early evacuation the safest option for citizens currently in affected areas.
Last Updated on April 26, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
