The French Foreign Ministry is urging all French citizens currently traveling in the Middle East to register with the Fil d’Ariane alert system, as tensions escalate following strikes in Iran and retaliatory actions across the Gulf region. The updated guidance, issued on February 28th and March 1st, also advises against all travel to countries in the region.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated the importance of these measures in a statement on Monday, March 2nd, emphasizing the demand for consistent monitoring of the ministry’s website, diplomatie.gouv.fr, where travel advice is updated daily. “For those traveling, registration on Fil Ariane is essential to receive information and to be located if necessary,” he stated. A 24/7 emergency phone line has been established by the ministry’s crisis center, having already handled over 5,000 calls since the beginning of military actions.
The ministry estimates that approximately 400,000 French citizens, residents and travelers combined, are currently in the dozen countries affected by the situation. France’s fifteen diplomatic posts – embassies and consulates – are mobilized to ensure their safety, a priority described by Barrot as “absolute in this very degraded context.” The ministry is coordinating local arrangements to facilitate departures by land where possible, acknowledging that this is not feasible in all affected countries.
Barrot is also coordinating with his counterparts in the European Union to address the crisis.
Israel / West Bank
French citizens in Israel and the West Bank are advised to exercise “the greatest vigilance and prudence” and to “absolutely avoid any demonstration or gathering.” Following a declaration of a state of emergency in Israel, authorities are urging residents to limit activities to essentials and avoid unnecessary travel, remaining near shelters and utilizing them when alerted. The Foreign Ministry recommends staying informed via the Israeli Home Front Command website (accessible only from within Israel) and contacting the French Consulates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Even as airspace has been closed since February 28th, land borders with Jordan and Egypt remain open.
United Arab Emirates
Airspace in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah remains closed indefinitely, with travelers advised to maintain regular contact with their airlines. The French embassy in the UAE indicated on March 2nd that the airspace situation could evolve during the day. An alert for missile attacks remains in effect, with a French naval base in Abu Dhabi having been struck by a drone. Due to the possibility of debris from intercepted missiles falling in urban areas, French citizens in the UAE are advised to strictly follow local authorities’ instructions, limit unnecessary travel, and seek shelter during alerts.
Saudi Arabia / Bahrain / Kuwait / Qatar
Travel to these countries is not recommended due to potential airspace closures and flight suspensions. Residents and travelers are advised to follow local guidelines, limit movement, and seek shelter if necessary.
Jordan
Due to uncertainties surrounding air traffic, travel to Jordan is discouraged in the coming days. Travelers should verify airspace closure measures on the Queen Alia Airport website or the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority. French citizens in Jordan are advised to avoid the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Amman, which could be a potential target.
Lebanon
Travel to Lebanon is discouraged due to the risk of regional escalation. French citizens already in Lebanon are advised to contact their airlines to arrange a return to France while commercial flights are still available.
Cyprus
While the French Foreign Ministry does not formally advise against travel to Cyprus, French citizens are recommended to exercise vigilance and caution, particularly in the northern part of the island, which is not under the control of the Republic of Cyprus and where French consular protection cannot be guaranteed. Travelers are advised to follow official media and French government statements.
