Andorra Urges Citizens to Avoid Travel Outside Europe Amid Middle East War

### Andorra Urges Citizens to Avoid Travel Outside Europe Amid Middle East Escalation

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor has recommended that nationals and residents avoid all travel outside Europe due to the rapidly intensifying conflict in the Middle East between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The advisory, posted on social media, aligns with guidance from other European foreign ministries amid what diplomatic sources describe as open warfare with regional and global fallout.

The government is prioritizing the return of vulnerable Andorrans stranded in the region, particularly from the United Arab Emirates. A list of at-risk individuals—families with children, elderly people, and those with health issues—has been sent to Spanish authorities for inclusion on upcoming flights from Abu Dhabi to Madrid. One such flight departed today, though no Andorrans were aboard. Minister Tor noted that around 30 Andorrans or transients were in the UAE, mainly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and all are safe in hotels with constant consular contact. "They are well, mostly housed in hotels, and we maintain permanent communication," she said. Authorities advise them to stay put and await airline instructions.

Government spokesman Guillem Casal confirmed seven residents have returned or are en route via commercial flights, leaving 25 pending relocation: 16 Andorran citizens, five French residents, and four Spanish residents. All are in secure locations receiving individualized support via a 24-hour consular hotline (+376 324 292). Casal praised the Foreign Affairs team's efforts, calling it a "differential" service compared to other nations. Tor held a video call with affected individuals midday to outline government actions and offer support in the "delicate" situation. She stressed diplomacy and respect for international law as the only path to halt the violence, urged caution with unverified social media reports, and advised checking official sources.

Travelers facing cancellations due to the conflict can request rebooking on the next available flight or refunds, with airlines covering accommodation and meals if needed. No economic compensation is required, but passengers should retain all documentation.

The broader war, now in its fifth day, has seen joint US-Israeli strikes hit Iranian strategic sites including Tehran, the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, and a security complex east of the capital housing Revolutionary Guard headquarters. Iranian authorities report over 555 deaths via the Red Crescent, with damage to hospitals, homes, and civilian infrastructure. Tehran has fired ballistic missiles at Israel—wounding 19 in Beersheba—and targeted energy sites in Kuwait, Doha, and Dubai, prompting Qatar to halt LNG production and Saudi Arabia to shutter its main refinery after a drone fire.

Hezbollah, allied with Iran, entered the fray after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in a US-Israeli attributed attack. The group claimed strikes on an Israeli refinery south of Haifa; Israel responded with bombings in south Lebanon and Beirut suburbs, announcing a ground advance there. Lebanon's emergency operations center reports 72 deaths and 437 injuries from three days of Israeli strikes on some 250 Hezbollah targets. Other incidents include an Iranian missile intercepted by NATO in Turkey, a US torpedo sinking an Iranian submarine near Sri Lanka, attacks on a US base in Qatar and embassy in Riyadh, and Israeli strikes on Tehran and Beirut.

US President Donald Trump vowed on social media Saturday to destroy Iran's army and allied militias, urging Iranians to topple their government as a "once-in-generations" chance. He warned the war will last "as long as necessary" and claimed to have ordered a trade cutoff with Spain over its Iran stance. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez rejected the threat; the EU and French President Emmanuel Macron backed Madrid. The US Treasury Secretary accused Spain of endangering American lives by not yielding military bases.

The IAEA's Rafael Grossi reiterated no evidence exists of a structured Iranian atomic bomb plan, citing concerns over uranium stockpiles and inspections but stressing no imminent weapon. Cruise lines have canceled all Middle East sailings, stranding thousands on ships in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Andorra canceled a ministry delegation trip to Cyprus in line with the advisory.