Aussie Travellers Warned That 'Do Not Travel' Advice Applies to Transit, Layovers in Qatar

An update made to the government's Smart Traveller includes an emphasis on what the "do not travel" advice applies to amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Multiple countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, are currently under the government's "do not travel" list, but it seems that it has not stopped some Aussie travellers from transiting through these countries.

Smart Traveller Clarifies 'Do Not Travel' Advice

A report by 9News notes that many Australian travellers rely on Middle East nations, particularly Qatar, as stopovers for Europe.

However, Smart Traveller has clarified in an update that, amidst the ongoing conflict, its "do not travel" advice given to certain Middle East applies to transit and layovers.

"We raised our level of advice for Qatar to do not travel on 28 February, due to the volatile security situation and military strikes," Smart Traveller said on its website. "'Do not travel' advice applies to transit and layovers in Qatar. Even if you don't plan to leave the airport."

"If you travel to or transit through Qatar, you may be unable to leave," it added. "Your safety will be at risk."

Aside from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon received the same update as of press time.