Macao authorities issue a Level 1 travel alert for several Middle East countries and urge residents to avoid travel to Iran and Israel amid ongoing regional tensions.
The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has issued a Macao travel alert for the Middle East following the continued deterioration of the regional security situation. The Macao SAR Government announced the measure on 24 March, advising residents to remain vigilant when travelling to several destinations in the region.
The Level 1 travel alert applies to Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Authorities said the advisory reflects ongoing instability and potential travel disruptions affecting the Middle East.
Advisories for travellers in the region
Under the Macao travel alert for the Middle East, Macao residents who plan to visit Iraq, Kuwait, or Yemen, or who are currently in those countries, have been advised to remain alert and closely monitor safety conditions.
MGTO has also urged residents to avoid travelling to Iran and Israel. Macao residents currently present in those two countries have been advised to increase vigilance and leave as soon as possible.
Travellers currently in the affected countries or regions are encouraged to follow updates issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. They are also advised to contact Chinese embassies, the Global Emergency Call Centre for Consular Protection or the Tourism Hotline if assistance is required.
Transport disruptions affecting travel
The Macao travel alert Middle East also notes that airports across the Middle East and European transportation networks remain affected by the situation. Travellers are advised to monitor airline announcements and stay informed about possible changes to flight schedules.
The Chinese Embassy in Israel issued a notice on 23 March again urging Chinese citizens to evacuate the country and remain vigilant regarding safety.
Assistance requests from Macao residents
Between 1 and 23 March, the Tourism Hotline received 18 enquiries or assistance requests related to the situation in the Middle East.
Nearly 80% of these cases involved Macao residents stranded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as residents reporting their presence in the region.
The remaining enquiries, accounting for around 20%, concerned refund requests and cancellations of organised tour groups that had not yet departed.
MGTO stated that it will continue monitoring the situation and follow up on cases involving Macao residents affected by the ongoing developments in the Middle East.