Navigating the Middle East Crisis: A Guide for German Travelers
A second flight carrying German-Israeli passengers returned to Germany.
In the midst of the intensifying Israel-Iran conflict, German citizens residing in the Middle East face a challenging travel landscape, with various exit routes depending on their location.
Exiting Israel and Jordan
Germany has taken an active role in organizing evacuations for its citizens stranded in Israel. As of June 20, 2025, two German Air Force A400M military transport planes have returned 64 German nationals to Germany, marking diplomatic pick-ups rather than military evacuations that require parliamentary approval[4][5]. Coordinating with other European nations, the Federal Foreign Office is arranging more flights from Israel to Germany via Jordan[1][3].
Jordan serves as a pivotal transit hub, with Germany scheduleing evacuation flights via Jordanian airports, given their comparatively stable condition and open runways[1]. Remember, if you're a German citizen in Israel, prepare to travel to neighboring Jordan independently to board these departing flights. Other European countries are also arranging convoys to Jordan for their nationals[3]. However, the Federal Foreign Office advises against using this carpool option due to potential safety risks that may arise by waiting at collection points[3].
Exiting Iran: A Complex Landscape
Things are more complicated in Iran, where the situation is tense and travel options are limited. Hungary evacuated six of its citizens from Iran and temporarily closed its embassy operations in Tehran due to security concerns[1]. Bulgaria has shifted its embassy operations to Baku, Azerbaijan[2], pointing towards operational restraints in Iran. While specific German evacuations from Iran haven't been reported, the general environment suggests that travel alternatives may be limited, with evacuations likely facilitated through neighboring countries.
Alternative Exit Points: Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan
Although no direct information is available regarding German evacuations from these countries, Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan may function as transit or backup locations. Bulgaria has used Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan as escape routes for some of its evacuees[2]. The relocation of Bulgarian embassy personnel to Azerbaijan highlights its regional importance as a hub for diplomacy and potential evacuations.
Remember, Germans in Iran are urged to leave the country through land routes towards the neighboring countries of Armenia and Turkey. The border crossings remain open, and commercial flights are available subsequently to continue traveling to Germany[1].
Lastly, register on the Federal Foreign Office's crisis preparedness list Elefand, if you haven't already done so. As of June 20, 2025, over 4,000 Germans are registered on Elefand who declared they are in Israel, and more than 1,000 Germans are registered in Iran[1]. This helps authorities keep track of you and facilitate evacuation efforts when necessary.
Stay safe and informed, German travelers. The EU and German government are collaborating closely with neighboring countries to ensure the safe passage and repatriation of their citizens amidst ongoing regional instability[1][2][3][4][5].
In the evolving Middle East crisis, politics and general news significantly impact German travelers, particularly those stranded in Israel and Iran. For instance, Germany has organized evacuations for its citizens in Israel, using Jordan as a transit hub for departing flights, while the situation in Iran is complex, with limited travel options due to security concerns.