Amid escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran, countries around the world are urgently evacuating thousands of their nationals caught in the conflict zones. With airspace closures and heavy missile exchanges, governments are coordinating complex operations involving buses, flights, and land border crossings to ensure the safety of their citizens.
Europe Leads Large-Scale Repatriations
European nations have swiftly repatriated hundreds of citizens from Israel and Iran. The Czech Republic and Slovakia coordinated the evacuation of 181 people, who were bused to neighboring countries before crossing borders on foot. Germany arranged flights through Jordan for Wednesday and Thursday, while Poland planned similar operations.
Italy offered charter flights from Israel to Egypt and onward to Italy, with tickets priced around 500 euros per adult. Greece repatriated 105 citizens and foreign nationals via Egypt, and Bulgaria welcomed a private plane carrying 148 evacuees. Other countries like Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovenia focused on evacuating diplomats and their families from Iran via neighboring countries.
United States and China Mobilize Evacuations
The U.S. Embassy in Israel announced evacuation plans involving both air and sea options. Ambassador Mike Huckabee shared that flights and cruise ship departures are being organized to help Americans leave Israel safely.
China has successfully evacuated over 1,600 citizens from Iran and several hundred from Israel. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that repatriation efforts will continue amid the volatile situation.
Australia, Mexico, and Pakistan Respond
Australia began evacuating approximately 1,500 nationals from Iran and 1,200 from Israel. However, ongoing missile attacks have made civilian flights risky, prompting alternative land border evacuations. Mexican officials reported evacuating 18 nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan.
Pakistan closed its border crossings with Iran, except for Pakistanis returning home. Since the conflict started, nearly 3,000 Pakistanis have crossed back from Iran. The country also evacuated families of diplomats and non-essential personnel.
India, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam Take Action
India repatriated about 110 students who fled Iran by crossing into Armenia and arriving in New Delhi. Plans are underway to evacuate all Indian nationals wishing to leave Israel, where approximately 30,000 citizens reside.
Japan placed military planes on standby to evacuate roughly 1,000 Japanese nationals in Israel and about 280 in Iran.
Indonesia prepared land evacuations for 380 citizens in Iran and noted requests from at least 11 Indonesians in Israel seeking to leave.
Vietnam, home to over 700 citizens in Israel and dozens in Iran, confirmed the evacuation of 18 people from Iran, with 16 returning to Vietnam.
Philippines Prepares for Repatriation and Officials’ Return
The Philippines announced plans to repatriate 28 Filipino workers from Israel out of 178 who requested assistance. Additionally, 21 Philippine government officials crossed into Jordan by land from Israel as a precautionary measure.
