Travel warning: Hungary urges travellers to avoid Middle East – UPDATE: Numbers to call

Hungary’s Foreign Minister has advised citizens to postpone any planned trips to the Middle East after a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, involving military action by the United States.

In a public statement shared on social media, Péter Szijjártó warned that the situation has become increasingly unpredictable following Israeli (and US) strikes on Iranian targets and the possibility of further retaliation.

Travel warning for Hungarians

“Due to the unpredictability of possible counterstrikes and further military operations, we ask everyone to postpone any travel planned to the region,” the minister said.

Szijjártó also urged all Hungarian nationals currently in Israel or Iran to immediately register for consular protection.

Hungarians in Israel can call the emergency number +972 58 500 3928, while those in Iran are advised to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ central call centre at +36 80 36 80 36 for assistance.

The government says the registration system helps embassies provide faster support in the event of evacuations or emergencies.

Strikes and state of emergency

According to reports, Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday, with the United States also participating in the operation. Explosions were reported in central Tehran, where thick smoke was seen rising over the city.

Israel’s defence minister declared a “special and permanent state of emergency”. Air defence sirens sounded across the country, and the Israeli military warned of potential missile launches aimed at Israeli territory.

Iran later carried out retaliatory action, reportedly firing ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Minister speaks with Israeli counterpart

Szijjártó said he had spoken by phone with Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, who briefed him on developments over recent hours.

The Hungarian government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with its diplomatic missions, the minister added.

With security conditions changing rapidly, officials stress that non-essential travel to the region should be delayed and that Hungarians already there should remain alert and maintain contact with consular services.

UPDATE: Numbers to call

Hungarians staying in Dubai are also directly affected by this dangerous situation, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said. He added that earlier in the day 371 people had registered for consular protection, but this number has now risen to over 1,100. For the time being, unfortunately, the airspace remains closed, so airlines are not operating, as flying would currently be particularly dangerous.

“My colleagues are present at the embassy in Abu Dhabi,” he said, and provided the consular emergency number (+971 56 549 9009). “You can call this number. Naturally, many people are trying to contact us at the same time, so I ask for your patience if we are unable to reach you immediately and there is a short waiting time. Here in Budapest, we have also increased staff numbers at our call centre, and our colleagues are working throughout the night as well,” he said.

He also stated that the Embassy in Abu Dhabi’s Facebook page is always updated with the latest available information. “However, the current situation is that, due to the airspace closure, our options are very limited, and the hostilities and attacks remain quite unpredictable. Nevertheless, we will continuously inform you based on the information we receive from the local authorities. I ask you to follow the instructions of the local authorities at all times,” said Péter Szijjártó.

The call centre number is: +36 80 368 036. “If you are aware of any Hungarian in trouble, or if you require assistance, you can contact us at these numbers,” he added.

Additional consular emergency numbers:
United Arab Emirates: +971 56 549 9009
Qatar: +974 55 987 066
Jordan: +962 770 448 240
Consular Call Centre: +36 80 368 036

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