Tokyo, Japan , 19 January (H.S.): Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs elevated its travel danger levels for Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman on Sunday(January 18, 2026),citing escalating anti-government protests in Iran since December 28, 2025, and fears of prospective US military intervention.

Iran Reaches Maximum Evacuation Alert

Iran's nationwide advisory surged from Level 3—recommending travel cancellation—to the highest Level 4, mandating immediate departure for all Japanese nationals irrespective of purpose. Officials highlighted acute risks from demonstrations clashing with security forces, compounded by internet blackouts and curtailed international flights, rendering evacuation increasingly arduous.

The ministry implored citizens to register travel plans with family and seek consular aid via diplomatic missions or the Overseas Japanese Nationals Emergency Division should perils intensify.

Gulf States Shift from Safe to Cautionary

The UAE, Qatar, and Oman transitioned from Level 0—no advisories—to Level 1, urging extreme caution amid terrorism and kidnapping threats across the broader Middle East. Japanese travelers face potential flight disruptions; authorities advise monitoring diverse sources and securing personal safety preemptively.

This recalibration expands Japan's monitored roster—from Levels 1 through 4—to encompass Afghanistan, Yemen, Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Eritrea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Syria, Sudan, Turkey, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon, reflecting profound regional destabilization.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar