Pretoria: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has reported a notable increase in registrations by South African citizens on its Travel Smart System, with over 6,400 citizens in the Middle East having registered their presence as of March 4, 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, DIRCO emphasized the importance of this registration for those in the region for non-essential travel who wish to evacuate from areas affected by the ongoing interstate conflict in the Middle East. The department advised citizens to use official channels to facilitate their departure, highlighting the necessity of being prepared for an exit from the danger zone when it is safe to secure passage.
Citizens have been strongly encouraged to take advantage of limited commercial flights that have resumed out of the region, as ongoing heavy attacks are anticipated. DIRCO reiterated the importance of safety, discouraging any non-essential travel to the region at this time.
For those experiencing difficulties with the evacuation process or requiring urgent consular support, DIRCO has urged them to contact the department through its official channels. Assistance can be sought via the South African Emergency Line at +27 12 351 1000 for consular services, or through the South African Embassy in Amman, Jordan at +962 6-461-5167, and inquiries about the Jordan border at +962 5 393 3031. Email coordination is available through [email protected] or [email protected], with emergency consular support accessible through Mr. Litha Ngwanya at +972 50-520-8100 or Ms. Lizelle Segev at +972 54-588-0698.
South Africa continues to urge all parties involved in the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and act in accordance with international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. An advisory from DIRCO on Monday called for all South African citizens currently in the Middle East to urgently contact relevant South African embassies to ensure they are registered and their whereabouts are known amid the heightened regional tensions. The advisory also cautioned that consular support may be limited in parts of the region, particularly during emergencies.