Here is how DIRCO is helping South Africans exit Middle East

Cape Town – The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has issued urgent guidance urging South African citizens in the Middle East to prepare for evacuation as violence in the region escalates.

More than 6,400 South Africans have registered on the department’s Travel Smart system, and those in areas affected by attacks are encouraged to leave through available commercial flights while they are still operating.

DIRCO has discouraged non-essential travel to the region and advised citizens remaining there to prioritise safety and follow official evacuation channels.

South Africans are strongly discouraged from all non-essential travel to the Middle East at this time. Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of opportunities to leave the region. pic.twitter.com/fPKDGXzNUq

— Chrispin Phiri 🇿🇦 (@Chrispin_JPhiri) March 4, 2026

“Several airlines have resumed limited commercial flights out of the region. Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue in the coming days. Your safety is our paramount concern,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

Emergency consular assistance is available through designated contacts.

These are emergency contacts to get in touch with:

South African Emergency Line (DIRCO): +27 12 351 1000 (request Consular Services)

South African Embassy in Amman, Jordan: +962 6-461-5167

Jordan Border Inquiry: +962 5 393 3031

Email coordination: [email protected] or [email protected]

Emergency consular officials available for direct contact:

Mr Litha Ngwanya: +972 50-520-8100 | [email protected]

Ms Lizelle Segev: +972 54-588-0698 | [email protected]

The department also called on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and comply with international humanitarian law and United Nations principles.