The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) recommends that all Bulgarian citizens in the affected countries: Israel, Iran, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, remain in protected places, do not undertake risky trips to leave the respective country through its land borders and strictly follow the instructions of the local authorities, the ministry reports.
We invite our compatriots in these countries to monitor the development of the situation, to be attentive to the recommendations of the local authorities and to maintain contact with our diplomatic missions and each other while maintaining complete calm and with readiness for possible subsequent organization, as well as if the need arises for measures related to additional security guarantees them.
Currently, the airspace is open over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon and Jordan, with information for Jordan about a partial closure of the airspace daily in the time range 18:00-09:00 until further notice. Given the dynamically developing situation, changes may occur.
Bulgarian citizens should refrain from traveling in the region or transiting through the affected countries, taking into account the current situation and the announced risk level for the respective country on the MFA website.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains constant coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transport, as well as with the Prime Minister's Office, in order to ensure timely assistance to Bulgarian citizens prevented from returning home.
Currently, our efforts are focused on evacuating Bulgarian citizens in the countries directly affected by military actions. Bulgarian citizens affected by the situation with suspended flights through airports in the Middle East, but located outside the zones of active military operations, should maintain contact with their air carriers or tour operators to ensure alternative routes through third destinations for return to Bulgaria.
The Crisis Headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs works around the clock and receives and processes all calls and signals from the region and many other points of the world. Signals and requests for assistance are accepted on the 24-hour telephone lines of the Situation Center and on 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: [email protected].