- The downgrade applies to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
- These countries moved from Level 4 do not travel to Level 3.
- The adjustment followed a period of airspace restrictions.
- Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Palestinian Territories remain at Level 4.
- Airlines return routes gradually to the region.
The Australian government has downgraded its travel advice for five key Middle East hubs. Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates moved from Level 4 to Level 3 on the Smartraveller platform on 19 June 2026.
The official threat level has been downgraded from “Do Not Travel” to “Reconsider your need to travel, The change took place after assessment of current conditions in each country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade adjusted the warnings following airspace disruptions that affected airline routes. Travellers connecting through Gulf hubs to Europe, Africa and Europe will benefit from the partial easing. Level 3 advice still applies to travel and transit in these locations.
Penny Wong and Matt Thistlethwaite shared “We continue to urge Australians to postpone non-essential travel.”
