Jamaican government urges nationals to avoid travel to Middle East

The Jamaican Government is urging its nationals to avoid travel to the Middle East and is advising those already in the region to shelter in place amid escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

In a statement on Saturday, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the ministry is closely monitoring the unfolding military situation.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica is monitoring military hostilities in the Middle East at this time. While hoping for an early resolution, we urge all Jamaicans in the region to exercise vigilance and to shelter in place as conditions may require,” she said.

Johnson Smith added that the ministry is “generally advising Jamaicans to avoid all travel to the region at this time.”

Nationals with specific concerns or emergencies are being asked to contact the ministry at consular@mfaft.gov.jm
or +1 876 391 8105.

The advisory follows major strikes launched on Saturday by the United States and Israel against Iran. Tehran reportedly responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli sites and U.S. military bases in the region.

The exchange has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. Several countries in the Middle East have reported temporary airspace closures, while emergency diplomatic consultations are under way at the United Nations.

In a dramatic development, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was reported killed during the assault. Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Khamenei had died following a predawn U.S.-Israeli operation. Iranian state media later confirmed his death.

The rapidly evolving situation has sent shockwaves across the region and prompted governments worldwide to reassess travel advisories and security postures.