MFA advises S'poreans to avoid travelling to or through Middle East following US & Israeli strikes on Iran, Iranian strikes on neighbours

A spokesperson for Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the ongoing situation in the Middle East on Feb. 28, after the United States and Israel launched a campaign of airstrikes against Iran.

Failure of negotiations

In the statement, the MFA spokesperson said Singapore “regrets the failure of negotiations” that has led to strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, as well as the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran on Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“Singapore urges all parties to return to negotiations to achieve a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN charter.”

The MFA spokesperson confirmed at the time of the statement that there were no reports of Singaporean casualties in Iran, Israel, or the wider Middle East region, and advised Singaporeans to defer all travel to the region.

They also urged Singaporeans living in or travelling through the region to take all necessary precautions for their personal safety.

This includes staying indoors, proceeding to a safe shelter when alerted, monitoring the news closely, and heeding the advice of local governments.

They urged Singaporeans to “remain vigilant at all times”.

eRegister and avoid travel to or through the region

Singaporean travellers were advised to consider alternate arrangements that did not involve transit through the region, due to possible airspace closures or flight cancellations, and were strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

The MFA strongly encouraged Singaporeans to e-register with the MFA at this link so they could be contactable if needed.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance should reach out to the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission, or otherwise contact the MFA 24-hour Duty Office at:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24-hr)

​Address: Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855

Fax: +65 6476 7302

Email: [email protected]

Stay indoors

Immediately after the start of hostilities, Singaporean embassies in the region also published directives, advising Singaporeans in the region to “stay indoors and avoid going out”.

The embassy in Doha issued a directive from the Qatari authorities to "stay in their homes or a safe place, and not go out except for extreme necessity until the danger has passed".

Meanwhile, the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai advised Singaporeans to "remain indoors, stay in a safe location, and avoid unnecessary travel until further notice".

Singapore Airlines and Scoot have so far cancelled six flights between Feb. 28 and Mar. 1, and said that “We will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East closely and will adjust our flight paths as needed”.

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim lamented the “failure of diplomacy”, adding that the conflict bears “serious consequences for civilians”.

He added that Singapore is “monitoring developments closely”.

Top image via AFP