Australia Warns Its Citizens: Avoid Travel to Iran

Australia, citing "high regional tensions" and "instability of security conditions," has once again advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, in updated information released on Thursday, June 1, highlighted the history of "arbitrary detention" of foreign citizens, including dual nationals such as Australians, in Iran and identified "kidnapping for ransom" as one of the existing dangers in Iran. Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian citizen and Middle East expert, was detained in Iran in the fall of 2018 on charges of "security and espionage" and was released in December 2020 after a two-year imprisonment in a prisoner exchange for three Iranians held in Thailand. The advisory also noted the likelihood of protests in Iran and the high risk of "arbitrary detention," urging citizens, including dual nationals, to consider leaving Iran as soon as possible. The country also specified that consular support for Iranian-Australian dual nationals is severely limited, and there is no guarantee of access to consular services or legal representation in the event of their detention. Australia, as an immigrant-friendly country, hosts tens of thousands of Iranians who have become Australian citizens. The Canberra government reiterated travel warnings to Iran, emphasizing that escalating tensions in the Middle East could lead to airspace closures, flight cancellations, and other travel disruptions. The warning on the Australian Foreign Ministry's website stated that there is a possibility of terrorist attacks in Tehran or other parts of Iran. Australia has also labeled the border areas of Iran with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq as "extremely dangerous." The country has warned its citizens against photographing military or government sites, critical urban infrastructure, and public protests, and advised against the use of drones. India also urged its citizens to be vigilant when traveling to Iran and Israel on Friday, April 14. Australia has listed Iran-backed Houthis as a "terrorist organization" and has sanctioned several Iranian officials and entities alongside the European Union. India has also warned its citizens about traveling to Iran and Israel, and there is ongoing collaboration among academics from the US, UK, and Australia with "Sharif University" in research related to Iran's drone program.