Information for Finnish travellers in the Middle East

Information for Finnish travellers in the Middle East

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has been contacted by Finnish people currently in the Middle East. The situation in the region is serious and a cause for concern. For the time being, it is difficult to predict how long the situation will last.

Due to the challenging security situation, it is not easy to obtain information and to form an overall picture. Persons currently in the region are advised to stay in a safe place, avoid the proximity of windows and refrain from unnecessary movement within cities. Local authorities are responsible for regional instructions, and their guidance should be followed only from reliable sources.

As the security situation improves, air traffic will be reopened gradually. It is important to be aware that, due to the congested situation, arranging return travel may take time. The suspension of air traffic also affects regions beyond the Middle East and has implications for flight connections of travellers elsewhere.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is not currently preparing evacuations. Tour operators and airlines are primarily responsible for arranging return travel. If a traveller arranges departure from the country independently, it is important to verify the availability of flights in the country in question. If the security situation allows, flight connections from neighbouring countries may also be used. Finnish missions aim to provide information on land border situations and possible exit routes, including via the United Arab Emirates and Doha.

Persons staying in the region are advised to submit a travel notification and, if necessary, notify their family members of their situation.

This news article was originally published on Sunday, 1 March, and will be updated as the situation develops.