TOKYO: The Japanese Foreign Ministry sounded the alarm about the unpredictable security situation in the Middle East, citing escalating tensions between the US and Iran and a surge of attacks reported in Iran, the Gulf states, and Jordan.
On Friday, the Ministry’s Japanese Nationals Emergency Response Division updated the region’s danger level and urged anyone in the Middle East or planning to travel there to stay vigilant and check travel advisories frequently. Travelers are encouraged to seek updates from various sources about the evolving situation and potential flight delays. Those already present should remain alert, heed local evacuation orders, and steer clear of military sites. The ministry also cautioned that photographing or filming military areas or damage caused by attacks could lead to legal trouble with local authorities.
For assistance, Japanese citizens should contact their nearest embassy or consulate, or the Consular Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry maintained the travel advisory levels for the region. Level 4, an immediate evacuation advisory, applies to Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian Territories (Gaza). Level 3, advising against travel, applies to Israel and parts of the Palestinian Territories. Level 2, which suggests avoiding non-essential travel, applies to Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia (with specific areas at Level 4 or Level 1), Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman.
