The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile and can deteriorate with little notice.
This may pose increased risks to traveller safety and security. Travel disruptions are likely within affected areas and may also impact international travel.
Airspace closures or restrictions around key transit hubs in the region could lead to significant delays or cancellations of flights worldwide. Monitor your airline and travel plans closely and be prepared for changes at short notice.
The conflict in Middle East is having an impact globally. Regardless of the overseas destination (including transit locations), all UQ travellers should exercise additional vigilance.
Travellers are advised to:
- Refer to Smartraveller for specific country advice
- Subscribe to Smartraveller updates
- Ensure travel details are registered with International SOS (ISOS)
- Download the International SOS (ISOS) mobile app to receive updates and alerts.
Travel Insurance
Travellers with confirmed bookings should continue to monitor the situation and investigate their options now for changing or cancelling their travel arrangements. Travellers should be aware of cost implications and time restrictions (e.g. cancellation window). If existing travel bookings which were part of previously approved UQ travel are altered or cancelled due to the current situation in the Middle East, please be aware that:
- An insurance claim may be able to be made via UQ Insurance Services. All claims will be assessed by UQ’s Travel Insurer on a case-by-case basis according to policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.
- Where possible, costs should be recovered from the travel supplier, including airline, travel agent, accommodation or other transport provider, before making an insurance claim.
- Travellers who will not be entitled to a full refund or credit (or will incur additional expenses), and therefore will need to make an insurance claim under UQ’s travel insurance, will be required to demonstrate that it was necessary to alter or cancel their journey and that any additional expenses were reasonable. Cover for cancellation will therefore depend on the date of travel, the date on which you change your travel arrangements, and the situation at the time of making that change.
Contacts and further information
For more information regarding UQ’s travel insurance, please contact UQ Insurance Services.
UQ travellers with confirmed travel bookings can contact FCM Travel Solutions for assistance with changing travel plans if required. For bookings not made by FCM Travel Solutions, please contact the travel provider.
All approved travel should be registered with International SOS (ISOS). For more information please refer to UQ Travel.
Refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for more information on the Global Impacts:
DFAT Smartraveller – Global impacts of conflict in Middle East
Travel emergency 24/7 contact
International SOS (ISOS) Assistance is the University’s 24/7 emergency contact.
Phone +61 2 9372 2468 (reverse charge available). If you do not have telephone access, email sydney@internationalsos.com.
Quote UQ membership number 12AYCA778031
