Over 6,400 South African nationals have reported their presence across countries in the Middle East as escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to destabilise the region, the country’s foreign affairs ministry has confirmed.
On Friday, March 6, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) stated that the number of citizens registering through its Travel Smart platform has risen significantly as South Africans in the region seek help amid worsening interstate conflict.
Officials urged citizens currently in affected areas to consider leaving while commercial flights are still operating, although availability remains limited.
In a statement, the department emphasised that citizens should urgently make use of the opportunity to depart, warning that further attacks are likely to continue.
Authorities also warned that consular services may become limited in certain areas if the security situation deteriorates further.
In addition, South Africans were advised to avoid non-essential travel to the region and those experiencing difficulties were encouraged to reach out to South African embassies or emergency contact lines.
Airspace closures and border controls hinder evacuation efforts
The increase in registrations comes as the Middle East faces one of its most serious security crises in recent years.
Rising military confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has escalated with missile launches, drone assaults, and retaliatory strikes spreading beyond the main conflict areas.
Nearby nations such as Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have also experienced the effects of the tensions, as tighter security measures interrupt normal civilian travel.
Evacuation attempts have become more difficult due to border shutdowns, cancelled flights, and restrictions on regional airspace, affecting foreign nationals including South Africans trying to exit the area.
DIRCO reiterated that protecting South African citizens abroad remains its highest priority. Officials advised anyone needing urgent assistance to contact emergency support lines or reach out to South African diplomatic missions, particularly the embassy in Jordan, which is assisting with coordination for citizens seeking to leave the conflict-affected region.