Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its Smartraveller advisory for Qatar on 15 January 2026, elevating the country to “Exercise a High Degree of Caution.” The change follows reports that some US and UK personnel were temporarily withdrawn from Al Udeid Air Base amid regional tensions and that Iran briefly closed its airspace.
DFAT warns travellers of possible demonstrations, sudden security disruptions and knock-on effects such as airspace closures or last-minute flight cancellations throughout the Gulf. Business travellers are advised to maintain flexible itineraries, register travel plans with Smartraveller and monitor airline alerts closely.
![DFAT Raises Qatar Travel Advice to ‘High Degree of Caution’]()
Corporate travel managers should update risk assessments for Doha stop-overs, a popular hub for flights between Australia and Europe, and review crisis-response protocols for staff based in or transiting Qatar. The advisory level for Oman remains “Normal Precautions,” but officials say escalations could prompt wider updates across the Middle East.
Travel insurers have confirmed that the new advisory does not automatically void cover, but some policies require notification when a country moves to Level 2 or above.
DFAT warns travellers of possible demonstrations, sudden security disruptions and knock-on effects such as airspace closures or last-minute flight cancellations throughout the Gulf. Business travellers are advised to maintain flexible itineraries, register travel plans with Smartraveller and monitor airline alerts closely.
Corporate travel managers should update risk assessments for Doha stop-overs, a popular hub for flights between Australia and Europe, and review crisis-response protocols for staff based in or transiting Qatar. The advisory level for Oman remains “Normal Precautions,” but officials say escalations could prompt wider updates across the Middle East.
Travel insurers have confirmed that the new advisory does not automatically void cover, but some policies require notification when a country moves to Level 2 or above.
Source: DFAT Smartraveller
