Published on
January 17, 2026
In a swift and sobering diplomatic move on January 14, 2026, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) elevated its travel advisory for the Islamic Republic of Iran to Level 9 out of 9—the absolute maximum on its scale.
The message from Bucharest is unambiguous: “Leave the country immediately.” This escalation comes amid a rapidly deteriorating security landscape in the Middle East, characterized by volatile anti-government protests, confirmed deaths among demonstrators, and a growing risk of regional military escalation.
Understanding Level 9: What It Means for You
For the Romanian government, a Level 9 warning is not issued lightly. It represents a state of extreme danger where the safety of foreign nationals can no longer be guaranteed by local or diplomatic means.
Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu, speaking via live broadcast, emphasized that this is a proactive measure to protect the approximately 400 Romanian citizens currently estimated to be in Iran. This group includes business professionals, mixed families, and long-term residents. The “Level 9” designation serves as an official instruction to utilize any available safe route—primarily commercial air travel—to depart the country before transit corridors potentially close.
The Catalyst: Unrest and Airspace Concerns
The decision follows a period of intense internal turmoil within Iran. Over the last two weeks, reports of violent clashes between security forces and protesters have surfaced. While exact casualty figures remain difficult to verify due to periodic internet blackouts and restricted media access, human rights organizations have reported thousands of arrests and a significant loss of life.
Furthermore, the regional dimension cannot be ignored. The sudden, temporary closure of Iranian airspace earlier this week sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. Although the skies reopened shortly after, the FCDO and Romania’s MAE warn that airspace could be restricted again without notice, potentially stranding foreign nationals.
The Evacuation Strategy: Air vs. Land
Minister Țoiu clarified that while the “best and fastest” way to evacuate is by air, tickets on commercial flights are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.
Current Recommendations for Citizens:
- Register Presence: All citizens must notify the Romanian Embassy in Tehran of their location and contact details immediately.
- Mission Staff: Romania has already begun assisting the families of non-essential embassy staff and those with children to return home.
- The Land Option: For those unable to secure flights, the Ministry is coordinating with ambassadors in neighboring countries (such as Turkey and Armenia) to facilitate rapid border crossings.
A Humanized Perspective: Families in Flux
Beyond the policy, there is a human story. Many of the 400 Romanians in Iran are part of mixed-nationality families. The Ministry has noted that while no specific requests for “mixed-family evacuation” have been filed yet, consular offices are prepared to discuss individual cases.
For many, leaving isn’t just about packing a bag; it’s about leaving behind homes, businesses, and lives built over decades. The Romanian government’s coordination with the European Union aims to provide a safety net, ensuring that no citizen feels abandoned in this high-risk zone.
The Regional Context: A Domino Effect?
Romania is not alone in its concern. Several other nations, including India, the UK, and the US, have updated their advisories. The “9/9” alert is a reflection of a broader European stance that the current situation in Iran has reached a “tipping point.”
With internet blockages making communication difficult, the Romanian Embassy has urged citizens to rely on phone communication via emergency lines: +98 21 77647570 or +98 21 77539041.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into the first weeks of 2026 the Middle East continues to be the biggest factor affecting global travel safety. For Romanian citizens, the “Green Passport” continues to be useful, however, the MAE recalls that the extent of your mobility also depends on the level of stability.
Is this a permanent change? Most likely not. Travel warnings change on a daily basis. However, until the protests become less volatile and the chances of a regional conflict are eliminated, we can expect to have “Maximum Level” travel warnings for the foreseeable future.
