South Africans in Middle East Urged to Evacuate Amid Escalating Conflict

PRETORIA – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has reported a significant increase in registrations by South African citizens on the Travel Smart system, with over 6,400 South Africans in the Middle East registering their presence as of March 4, 2026.

DIRCO is strongly advising South African citizens currently in the region for non-essential travel to use official channels to evacuate cities and countries affected by the ongoing interstate conflict. The department emphasized that this proactive measure is essential to prepare for a safe exit from the danger zone as soon as possible.

Several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region, and DIRCO is urging citizens to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are expected to continue in the coming days.

“Your safety is our paramount concern,” the department stated, adding that South Africans are strongly discouraged from all non-essential travel to the region at this time.

For citizens experiencing difficulties with the evacuation process or requiring urgent consular support, DIRCO has provided the following contact information:

Official Contact Information for Consular Support:

South African Emergency Line (DIRCO): +27 12 351 1000 (Request Consular Services) South African Embassy (Amman, Jordan): +962 79 552-0245 Jordan Border Inquiry: +962 5 393 3031 Email for Coordination: ngwanyaa@dirco.gov.za or segevl@dirco.gov.za

Emergency Consular Support: Mr. Litha Ngwanya: +972 50-520-8100 | Email: ngwanyaa@dirco.gov.za Ms. Lizelle Segev: +972 54-588-0698 | Email: segevl@dirco.gov.za

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.