Zambia Issues Urgent Travel Advisory as War Engulfs Gulf Region
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has issued an urgent travel and security advisory for all Zambian nationals residing in or visiting the Gulf region, as a devastating military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran sends shockwaves across the Middle East.
The advisory, published from Lusaka on 1 March, urges Zambians in affected areas to remain indoors, stay vigilant, and avoid all travel near military installations or key government infrastructure. Nationals are instructed to register with the nearest Zambian diplomatic mission, keep travel documents secure, and not travel to airports unless they have confirmed with their airline that flights are operational. The Ministry warned that airspace across the region has been partially closed.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the protection and welfare of all Zambian citizens abroad and will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds,” the Ministry stated, adding that it would issue further guidance including on evacuation procedures should conditions deteriorate.
Emergency contact numbers have been published for Zambian missions in Cairo (+201092832761), Abu Dhabi (+971506868346), Tel Aviv (+97235174886), and Doha (+97451225151 / +97431408504).
The advisory follows a dramatic escalation that began on 28 February when the United States and Israel launched a massive joint military operation against Iran, striking hundreds of targets including Revolutionary Guard facilities, air defence systems, and military airfields. Iranian state media confirmed on 1 March that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes targeting his office in Tehran.
Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israel and US military installations across the Gulf. Crucially for Zambian nationals in the region, the Iranian response struck well beyond military targets. Explosions have been reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Kuwait City, and Riyadh, hitting civilian airports, hotels, residential buildings, and commercial ports. The UAE reported over 160 ballistic missiles and 500 drones fired at its territory. Dubai International Airport cancelled around 70 per cent of its flights. Qatar reported 16 people injured, Kuwait’s airport was struck by a drone, and Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted Riyadh.
The conflict has widened further, with Hezbollah launching missiles at Israel and three US service members killed. Civilian aviation across the Middle East has been severely disrupted, with more than 1,500 flights cancelled on 1 March alone. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, has also been affected.
The Gulf region is an increasingly important corridor for Zambian trade and is home to a significant number of Zambian expatriates. The Ministry said it is maintaining constant engagement with Zambian missions in the region and is closely monitoring developments on the ground.