Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is surveying its citizens in the Middle East to assess their need for assistance in departing the region, as escalating hostilities disrupt air travel and raise safety concerns. The survey, launched Tuesday, March 3, 2026, is intended to gauge interest in potential assisted departures, though the MFA cautioned that such operations are not yet confirmed.
“Please note that it may not be feasible to facilitate departures from all regions and airports,” the ministry stated. The ongoing conflict, which began with strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran on multiple countries including Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has led to widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures.
The MFA highlighted the potential logistical challenges facing citizens seeking to depart. According to the ministry, individuals may need to travel to neighboring countries for safe passage, potentially requiring overland journeys through congested border crossings. Specific routes under consideration include Dubai to Muscat (approximately seven to nine hours), Abu Dhabi to Muscat (eight to ten hours), Doha to Riyadh/Jeddah (seven hours to Riyadh, 17 hours to Jeddah), and Amman to Jeddah (15 hours).
Singaporeans who choose to depart the region will be responsible for all associated costs, including airfare, land transportation, travel documents, visas, and temporary accommodation. The MFA is directing citizens to an online survey to indicate their interest in assisted departure options.
The MFA likewise reiterated its earlier advice for Singaporeans residing or transiting in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance and capture necessary precautions for their personal safety. These include staying indoors, seeking shelter when alerted, closely monitoring news developments, and adhering to guidance from local authorities. The ministry confirmed on February 28, 2026, that there have been no reports of Singaporean casualties in the affected areas.
In addition to the survey, the MFA is urging all Singaporeans in the region to eRegister their presence with the ministry via the online platform at eregister.mfa.gov.sg. This will enable the MFA to contact them should any organized departure operations be mounted. The ministry’s actions follow a statement on February 28, 2026, expressing Singapore’s regret over the failure of negotiations that led to the current escalation of conflict. Singapore continues to urge all parties to return to negotiations to achieve a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
