Stranded Germans in Iran's Chaos: Limited Options Remain for Exit Via Jordan and Overland Travel
Exit strategies from Iran: diverse methods available for departure.
Craving a reprieve from the unyielding Israel-Iran war, thousands of Germans find themselves in a precarious position, awaiting their escape. The German Foreign Office, displaying resilience, is now arranging special flights out of Amman, Jordan, for Germans eager to leave Israel. However, those ensnared in Iran face fewer exit options.
Taking the first steps towards liberation, the first batch of approximately 200 Germans will embark on a commercial special flight from Amman later today, following the military escalation between Israel and Iran. A second flight has been scheduled for Thursday, yet the Foreign Office has stressed that these are not evacuation or repatriation operations. They serve as a commercial lifeline for those seeking to leave Israel due to increased security concerns. The open border crossing from Israel to Jordan, coupled with other commercial flight options from Amman, has been highlighted. A journey on these special flights will cost around 300 euros.
Unfortunately, the situation is more dire for those trapped in Iran. Commercial air exit options have become unavailable, according to the Foreign Office. Although land exit is feasible, with borders to neighboring countries like Armenia and Turkey partially open, those leading to Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan remain closed for regular traffic. In Tehran, the German embassy remains shuttered, with citizens in the country urged to register via the crisis prevention list. They are advised to follow the Foreign Office's previous instruction to depart Iran as soon as an exit becomes accessible.
Germany currently counts around 4,000 Germans registered on its crisis preparation list for Israel, whilst over 1,000 are on the list for Iran. Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced in Berlin that his ministry's staff are working tirelessly to assist German citizens leaving Israel and Iran, underscoring the "excellent cooperation" with Jordan, for which he was deeply grateful.
As the wave of evacuations sets in motion before Europe's doorstep, the situation remains challenging for stranded Germans in Iran. Direct air evacuations may remain elusive, necessitating independent overland travel to safe countries or coordinated EU and German government evacuation efforts in moments of opportunity. Consistent registration with the German crisis preparedness list and persistent communication with German diplomatic missions are paramount for receiving updated evacuation information and assistance.
Sources:- ntv.de- uzh/AFP
- Iran
- Israel War
- Israel
- Middle East Conflict
- Foreign Office
Additional Insights:- Self-Travel to Neighboring Countries: Germany has advised its citizens in Iran, particularly those registered on the crisis list, to travel by their own means to safer countries, like Azerbaijan, where some diplomatic staff have relocated, to serve as potential exit points.- EU Support for Evacuation: The European Union has taken steps to aid European citizens, including Germans, in evacuating the Middle East amid the escalating conflict. This involves facilitating safe passage routes and coordinated chartered evacuations, where possible.- Diplomatic Assistance and Coordination: Germany remains active in discussions to evacuate its nationals from Iran, albeit no direct charter flights from Iran have been publicly announced as yet. Diplomatic efforts seek to establish evacuation corridors or ensure safe passage routes.- Potential Transit via Neighboring Countries: Reports indicate that Poland, among other nations, has moved personnel out of Iran through Azerbaijan, suggesting a possible route for other nationals to exit Iran overland into Azerbaijan and continue onward to other safe destinations.
- The ongoing Israel-Iran war leaves Germans in Iran with limited options for exit, as commercial air travel has become unavailable according to the German Foreign Office.
- In an attempt to depart Iran, Germany advises its citizens to travel independently to neighboring countries like Azerbaijan, where diplomatic staff have relocated, potentially serving as exit points.
