Philippines Downgrades Iran Travel Alert to Level 2 Amid Security Improvements

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has downgraded the alert level in Iran from Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) to Level 2 (restriction phase), citing “positive developments” in the country’s security situation weeks after Israel’s airstrikes on an Iranian nuclear site.

The DFA announced the notice takes effect instantly.

However, repatriation for those who wish to return to the Philippines will continue.

“Despite the lowering of the Alert Level, the philippine Embassy in Tehran will continue facilitating the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos,” the department stated on Friday.

“The department will closely monitor the situation in the region and will update the Alert Levels, as necessary.”

Iran was previously under alert level 1, the precautionary phase, before its elevation to alert level 3 on June 20. This occurred at the height of air raids between Tehran and Tel Aviv, a result of the latter’s Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear sites.

Based on the latest DFA data, 1,180 Filipinos reside in Iran, with most being spouses of Iranian nationals.

Earlier this month, the agency received two batches of evacuees repatriated from Iran via Turkmenistan.

Thes