Ghana issues travel advisory as Middle East tensions escalate
1st March 2026
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an urgent travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to parts of the Middle East, as hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensify.
In a statement released on February 28, 2026, the Ministry said it is closely monitoring developments with serious concern, citing ongoing military actions that have triggered widespread security alerts, airspace closures, and travel disruptions across the region.
“These developments have led to airspace closures, flight disruptions, and heightened security alerts across parts of the region,” the statement noted.
The government called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and return to diplomatic engagement in order to protect lives, maintain economic stability, and promote lasting regional peace.
Ghanaians have been advised to avoid non-essential travel to the Middle East, particularly to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Nationals currently resident in these countries are urged to remain indoors where possible, comply strictly with directives issued by local authorities, and exercise heightened vigilance at all times.
The Ministry further advised Ghanaians in affected areas to avoid large gatherings and sensitive locations, closely monitor official communications, keep travel documents readily accessible, and maintain contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission.
The government also confirmed that it has activated an emergency preparedness plan to safeguard Ghanaian nationals abroad. Assessments are ongoing regarding the possible evacuation of citizens from high-risk areas.
“An emergency preparedness plan has been activated, and assessments are ongoing regarding the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals where necessary,” the statement said.
As part of the precautionary measures, Ghana has begun the partial evacuation of staff from its embassy in Tehran, retaining only essential personnel to coordinate consular services for Ghanaians remaining in Iran.
The Ministry indicated that the preparedness plan could be expanded should the security situation deteriorate further, ensuring that Ghanaian nationals in the region receive timely assistance and protection. Citizens have been encouraged to remain vigilant and to use official embassy hotlines for emergency support.
The advisory follows a significant escalation in tensions after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, and reported retaliatory actions by Iran across the Gulf.
The developments have resulted in multiple airspace closures and disruptions affecting Gulf states and major international carriers.