The Migration Institute of Australia has sent the following information that provides information for those impacted by the Middle East crisis.
The newsletter provides travel information from Smartraveller, how to request consular assistance, register on the crisis registration portal, visa information available on the Department’s website and links to mental health support. Please find a summary of this information below:
Smartraveller
- According to Smartraveller, most destinations in the Middle East are subject to a Do Not Travel advisory, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Smartraveller further advises travellers to reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
- Australians in conflict-affected areas in the Middle East should shelter in place, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor Smartraveller news for the latest travel advice.
- Opening hours at Australian Embassies and Consulates across the region may be impacted by the security situation. Officials may be working from other locations. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will continue to update the advice as information becomes available.
Emergency Consular Assistance
24/7 Consular Emergency Centre:
- +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas)
- 1300 555 135 (within Australia)
Evacuation planning updates (DFAT guidance)
- Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family in Israel, Iran, Qatar and the UAE who have right of entry into Australia can register with DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade). DFAT will send important updates directly to those registered.
- Australia is working with airlines and travel agents to support departures once airports reopen and flights resume. All assistance depends on safety conditions and operational feasibility.
- Refer to DFAT travel advisories webpage and the website of Australian embassy or high commission in the affected destination for relevant updated information.
Visa guidance
Reference is made to the Department of Home Affairs Iran visa information webpage. A summary of the information can be found below:
Applying for a visa
- People affected by the conflict in Middle East can apply for an Australian visa through ImmiAccount; do not attend embassies in person. Noting internet outages in Iran may affect the ability to lodge applications.
- If assistance is required to apply for a visa, guidance is available under Who can help with your application. An Australian relative or friend of a person affected by the situation in Iran may lodge a visa application on that person’s behalf, provided they have the individual’s permission and necessary details.
- A passport is required for the application. If the applicant does not have a passport, they should provide identifying information in the application so that alternative options can be explored.
- All applicants must meet all standard legal, health, character and security requirements before a visa can be granted.
Extending stay in Australia
- Those impacted who wish to extend their stay have to apply for a visa to remain lawful in Australia.
- If current visa is affected by a ‘no further stay’ condition (8503, 8534, 8535 or 8540) a waiver can be requested using the no Further Stay waiver request form.
Mental Health Support
Below are links to mental health helplines and support services:
- Witness to War – a national multilingual telephone hotline for people affected by overseas conflicts. Call 1800 845 198 between 10:00am and 7:00pm AEST Monday to Friday.
- Healthdirect – provides a list of national mental health helplines.
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health – provides culturally appropriate support options and resources.
- Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Services – Women’s health.
- MensLine Australia is online counselling and forum for men.
- Emerging Minds has a several resources to support families and assist parents discuss tough topics. Examples include:
o Traumatic events, the media and your child – Emerging Minds
o How to talk to children about war and conflict
Source: Migration Institute of Australia March 2026
