DIRCO urges citizens to leave Middle East conflict zone
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued numbers for South Africans in conflict riddled Middle East.
The Department has urged South African citizens currently in the Middle East to consider leaving the region as tensions escalate and attacks are expected to continue in the coming days.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said there has been a sharp increase in the number of South Africans registering on government’s Travel Smart system, with more than 6 400 citizens in the Middle East confirming their presence.
DIRCO said the registrations will help authorities coordinate assistance and prepare for the possible evacuation of South Africans should the security situation deteriorate further.
The department warned that citizens who are in the region for non-essential travel should arrange to leave as soon as possible while limited commercial flights remain available.
"We urge all citizens to note that several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region. Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue in the coming days," reads the statement.
DIRCO added that the advisory forms part of efforts to ensure South Africans can safely exit the conflict zone once it is possible to secure safe passage.
South Africans have also been strongly discouraged from undertaking non-essential travel to the region at this time.
The department said consular officials remain on standby to assist citizens who may encounter difficulties with evacuation or require urgent support.
SEE SUPPORT NUMBERS BELOW:
Please note that several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region. Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue in the coming days.#MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/yG3D7zfrDX
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) March 4, 2026
South Africa has also reiterated its diplomatic position on the escalating hostilities, calling on all parties involved to exercise restraint and comply with international law.
DIRCO said the country continues to advocate for the protection of civilians and adherence to global legal frameworks.
"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," the department said.
Emergency contact lines have been activated through South Africa’s diplomatic missions to assist citizens requiring consular support while they arrange to leave the region.
The government said ensuring the safety of South Africans abroad remains its paramount concern as the conflict continues to unfold.
SEE OTHER SUPPORT NUMBERS BELOW:
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— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) March 3, 2026
ALERT 🚨 | Important information for South African citizens currently in the Middle East region.#DIRCO#ConsularService #SouthAfricansAbroad#TravelSmartWithDIRCO https://t.co/Pxcj6B4ni6 pic.twitter.com/TYpNisZ1Ko
