Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
02 March 2026 News
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that all Bulgarian citizens in the affected countries: Israel, Iran, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, to remain in safe places, not to undertake risky attempts to leave the country via its land borders, and to strictly follow the instructions of the local authorities.
We urge our compatriots in these countries to monitor developments, pay attention to the recommendations of local authorities, and maintain contact with our diplomatic missions and with each other, while remaining calm and ready for possible follow-up arrangements as well as if measures related to additional security guarantees become necessary.
At present, the airspace above the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan is open, with information that Jordan's airspace is partially closed daily between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. until further notice. Given the dynamic situation, changes may occur.
Bulgarian citizens should refrain from traveling to the region or passing through the affected countries, considering the current situation and the risk level announced for the respective country on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in constant coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transport, as well as with the Prime Minister's Office, to ensure timely assistance to Bulgarian citizens who are unable to return home.
At present, our efforts are focused on evacuating Bulgarian citizens from countries directly affected by military action. Bulgarian citizens affected by the suspension of flights through airports in the Middle East but located outside areas of active military action should stay in contact with their airlines or tour operators to secure alternative routes through third destinations for their return to Bulgaria.
The Crisis Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working around the clock and receiving and processing all calls and reports from the region and many other parts of the world. Reports and requests for assistance are taken on the 24-hour hotlines of the Situation Center and the newly opened lines of the Crisis Headquarters for direct contact with Bulgarian citizens stranded in the Middle East region:
+359 2 948 3051; +359 2 948 3052; +359 2 948 2085; +359 2 948 2087; +359 2 948 3124; +359 2 948 2798; +359 2 948 2552; +359 2 948 2086
as well as by e-mail: crisis@mfa.bg