SA urges citizens across Middle East to register with embassies
3 March 2026
South Africa has called on all its citizens currently in the Middle East to urgently contact the relevant South African embassies accredited to their countries of residence to ensure that they are registered, and that their whereabouts are known to officials amid heightened regional tensions.
In an advisory issued on Monday by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), government warned that consular support in parts of the region may be limited, particularly in the event of an emergency.
“It is important to note that South Africa's support in these countries could be limited and that it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency, and the South African Government may not be able to help you if you get into difficulty, depending on your location,” the notice stated.
Citizens have therefore been encouraged to independently assess their safety and security, and act accordingly.
Embassy contact details
South Africans in the region may contact the following missions:
Tehran, Iran: +98-912-230-8968
Doha, Qatar: +974-5583-2762
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: +971-50-558-1235
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: +971-50-445-9499 / +971-50-622-4291
Kuwait City, Kuwait: +965-9916-7899 / +965-9720-0172 / +965-9979-4483
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also accredited to Yemen, Bahrain and Oman): +966-5-5812-2215
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: +966-56-244-5376
Amman, Jordan (accredited to Iraq): +962-79-552-0245
Damascus, Syria: +963-966-44-4405
Ramallah, Palestine (also covering Israel): +972-53-2553-113
Citizens may also contact the DIRCO helpline in Pretoria on +27 12 351 1000 for further assistance.
Government further advised that additional contact details are available on DIRCO’s official website.
The advisory forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor developments in the region and ensure that South African nationals remain informed and connected to official channels during the period of heightened uncertainty.
SA citizens urged to consider land exits as Israel security crisis deepens
South Africa has issued an urgent security advisory to its citizens in Israel, warning that the deteriorating security situation poses serious risks.
Government has urged South Africans to prioritise their safety and assess their circumstances without delay.
In an advisory issued on Monday by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), government expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of South Africans currently in Israel, calling on them to immediately evaluate their personal security and act with urgency if they feel unsafe or uncertain.
“If you feel unsafe or uncertain, we strongly advise that you act without delay. Your safety takes absolute precedence. Avoid unnecessary movement. If compelled to leave, leave. South Africans who wish to do so should not delay taking advantage of options that might be available to do so. Note that you are responsible for your own travel arrangements,” the advisory read.
The warning comes as Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed, with Israeli airspace shut and all flights cancelled until further notice.
With air travel suspended, government has pointed to land border crossings as possible exit routes. Border crossings with Jordan remain open at this stage and are being prioritised as a departure option for those who determine it necessary to leave.
“Accordingly, where you determine departure as necessary, we urge you to consider the Jordanian border crossings as a priority option. The land border crossing with Egypt is a further option,” government said.
Operating hours for crossings into Jordan are currently as follows:
Allenby/King Hussein Bridge (closest to Jerusalem, Ramallah and Jericho): 08:00 – 14:30.
Northern Crossing (Beit She’an/Sheikh Hussein), ideal for those in Haifa, Nazareth and the Galilee region: 08:30 – 14:30.
Southern Crossing (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba): 08:00 – 20:00.
The land border crossing into Egypt, via the Menachem Begin Crossing/Taba Terminal, near Eilat, operates 24 hours a day and remains an additional option.
However, authorities have cautioned that the situation remains fluid and can change at any moment. Citizens have been urged to check the official status of their chosen border crossing on the day of departure.
Processing times at border posts typically range between 30 and 60 minutes, but travellers have been advised to allow extra time due to potential long delays. Arriving early, travelling during daylight hours and maintaining direct communication throughout the journey are strongly recommended.
The advisory emphasised that the information provided is for guidance purposes only, as conditions on the ground continue to evolve.
SAnews.gov.za