The South African government has called on all its citizens currently residing in or visiting Iran to urgently register with the South African Embassy in Tehran, as tensions in the Middle East escalate amid ongoing military exchanges between Iran and Israel.
The advisory was issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which raised concerns over the deteriorating security environment in the region. With the conflict intensifying, the safety of foreign nationals — including South Africans — is becoming increasingly precarious.
In its statement, DIRCO underscored the critical need for citizens to ensure their presence is known to the embassy. The department emphasized that registering with the mission will help consular officials maintain contact and locate individuals should the situation further destabilize.
“South Africa’s capacity to provide assistance in Iran is extremely limited,” the statement warned. “In the event of an emergency, no in-person consular services will be available.”
The department further cautioned that, depending on a citizen’s location within Iran, the government may not be able to intervene or offer support if difficulties arise. As a result, citizens were strongly advised to remain vigilant, monitor the security developments closely, and assess their personal safety on an ongoing basis.
DIRCO’s announcement reflects growing international concern over the conflict’s impact on civilians and travelers in the region. The ministry reiterated its commitment to keeping South Africans informed and encouraged those in Iran to act swiftly in registering with the embassy to enhance their safety.