If the past few weeks of headlines about escalating tensions in the Middle East have made you nervously double-check your holiday plans, you're not alone. With conflict involving Iran shaking up regional security and global airspace, plenty of Australians are suddenly rethinking their travel plans and searching for countries on the DO NOT TRAVEL list. 

Here's what we know so far about countries Australians are banned from travelling to, and countries we're strongly encouraged to avoid. 

Countries on the Do Not Travel List For Australians

According to the Australian Government's Smarttraveller website, the strictest advisory level is Level 4: "Do Not Travel". This warning means the government believes the destination poses serious safety risks such as armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping or political instability. Travelling against this advice may also void your travel insurance.

Here's a clear look at some of the key countries currently under Australia's highest "Do Not Travel" warning, including several affected by the 2026 War in Iran.

Middle East Destinations Australians are Being Told to Avoid

Following recent military strikes and escalating tensions around Iran, the Australian Government has warned travellers DO NOT TRAVEL to much of the region due to the risk of further conflict and instability.

Current "Do Not Travel" destinations include:

Bahrain

Kuwait

Iran – due to the volatile security situation and risk of further strikes or unrest.

Iraq

Israel (including areas near Gaza and Lebanon)

Lebanon

Palestinian Territories

Qatar

United Arab Emirates

Syria

Yemen

Security conditions in the region can change rapidly, and Australian officials warn that reprisal attacks or broader escalation remain possible.

Other Countries With "Do Not Travel" Warnings

The Middle East isn't the only region flagged by Smarttraveller. Across the globe, several destinations currently carry the same Level 4 warning due to armed conflict, political instability or high kidnapping risk:

Afghanistan – due to terrorism and an extremely dangerous security environment.

Belarus

Burkina Faso

Central African Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Haiti

Libya

Mali

Myanmar – ongoing civil conflict and unrest.

Niger

North Korea

Russia – because of the war in Ukraine and the risk of detention for foreigners.

Somalia

South Sudan

Sudan

Ukraine – because of the war in Ukraine and the risk of detention for foreigners.

Altogether, the Australian Government currently warns travellers to avoid more than 20 destinations worldwide under its strictest advisory level.

Why These Warnings Matter (Beyond Just Safety)

Smarttraveller's advice can have real consequences for Australian travellers.

If you ignore a "Do Not Travel" warning, you may run into issues like:

• Your travel insurance becoming invalid
• Airlines cancelling flights or routes
• Limited consular assistance
• Evacuation difficulties if the situation worsens.

Even if your destination isn't directly involved in conflict, the knock-on effects can be huge. The Middle East crisis has already caused flight cancellations, airspace closures, and disruptions to global routes, affecting travellers worldwide.

Before You Book That Flight...

If you're planning an overseas trip in 2026, the safest move is simple: check Smarttraveller.gov.au before you lock anything in.

The site updates frequently as global situations change, and the advice can shift quickly — especially during major geopolitical events.

Smarttraveller also recommends registering your trip online so Australian authorities can contact you quickly if conditions change in the country you're visiting.

More Family Travel Tips

Infinity Planet: Australia's New Theme Park is Heading to Earth
Bali With the Family: Should You Choose a Resort or Villa?
Sri Lanka is One of Asia's Best-Kept Secrets for Adventurous Families

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!