Countries including France, India, Russia, Poland, and the United Kingdom have cautioned their citizens against traveling to Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories, and, in some instances, the broader region due to concerns of potential Iranian retaliation following an attack on its consulate in Damascus earlier this month.
Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel following the April 1 strike in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members, including two generals. This has heightened fears of increased tensions in the Middle East.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens against traveling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. Additionally, the ministry stated on the social media platform X that relatives of diplomats based in Iran will return to France, and French civil servants are prohibited from conducting any missions in the affected countries and territories.
The UK has urged its citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel and Palestine due to the potential threat of an Iranian attack on Israeli territory. Furthermore, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued a warning against all travel to specific areas in northern Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the occupied West Bank.
Russia has strongly recommended that its citizens refrain from traveling to the region, emphasizing security risks in Israel, Lebanon, and Palestine. Similarly, Poland’s Foreign Ministry has advised against travel to Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.
India’s statement focused on Iran and Israel, advising Indians not to travel to these countries until further notice due to the prevailing regional situation. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi has instructed Indian citizens already in these countries to exercise extreme caution for their safety and limit their movements to the minimum necessary.
Germany has warned its citizens to leave Iran, citing escalating tensions that could affect exit routes. Additionally, German flagship airline Lufthansa has extended its suspension of flights to and from Tehran until Thursday and will avoid Iranian airspace during this period.
