Singaporeans in Middle East Advised on Assisted Departure Options Amid Escalating Tensions

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is assessing the interest of Singaporeans in the Middle East who may wish to return home, as regional airport closures and escalating hostilities disrupt travel. This comes after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks and heightened security concerns across the region.

Survey to Gauge Interest in Assisted Departures

The MFA and its overseas missions are conducting a survey to determine the number of Singaporeans who may require assistance with their departure. However, the MFA clarified that the survey does not guarantee evacuation operations will be mounted [Mothership]. “Please note that it may not be feasible to facilitate departures from all regions and airports,” the ministry stated.

Potential Travel Routes

The MFA is currently considering several potential routes for assisted departures, acknowledging that overland travel through congested checkpoints may be necessary. These routes include:

• Dubai to Muscat (approximately seven to nine hours)
• Abu Dhabi to Muscat (eight to 10 hours)
• Doha to Riyadh/Jeddah (seven hours to Riyadh, 17 hours to Jeddah)
• Amman to Jeddah (15 hours)

Financial Responsibility

Singaporeans who choose to depart the Middle East will be responsible for all associated costs, including air tickets, land transportation, travel documentation, visas, and temporary accommodation [Mothership].

eRegistration Encouraged

The MFA strongly encourages all Singaporeans traveling to or residing in the Middle East to eRegister their presence at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/. This will allow the ministry to contact them with updates on any organized operations and provide consular assistance if needed [MFA Singapore].

Consular Assistance Available

Singaporeans requiring consular assistance in Israel or the Palestinian Territories can contact:

• Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Israel (Tel Aviv): 30 HaArba’a Street, South Tower (30th floor), Tel Aviv 6473926, Israel. Tel: +972 3 7289334. Email: singemb_tlv@mfa.sg
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hr): Tanglin, Singapore 248163. Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855. Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.sg

Travel Advisory

Due to the escalating security situation in the Middle East, Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel to the region [MFA Singapore]. Those remaining in the region are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local developments closely, and adhere to the guidelines of the Israeli Home Front Command. Singaporeans should also avoid all travel to Israel’s borders with the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria [MFA Singapore].

Singapore has also expressed regret over the failure of negotiations that led to the recent strikes and retaliatory attacks, urging all parties to return to negotiations for a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law [Channel NewsAsia].