By Sue-Ann de Wet

When people travel or emigrate, they normally think about visas, accommodation, work and luggage. However, few people seriously plan for the possibility that a war, airspace closure or a sudden safety crisis could derail their entire travel plan within hours. The recent conflict in the Middle East has once again shown how quickly ordinary people can become stranded, how flights can suddenly be suspended or changed and how expensive emergency plans become when you are far from your usual support network.

For South Africans the first lesson is simple: do not assume that someone else will come and “sort you out” if things go wrong. DIRCO urges citizens to register their travels or their presence abroad on the Travel Smart system and to contact the nearest South African mission or consulate in a crisis. Especially during the latest Middle East crisis, thousands of South Africans registered their presence so that authorities at least know where they are and how to contact them.

However, this registration is not a guarantee that government will bail you out of every difficult situation. South Africa’s consular services are important, but they are not an unlimited rescue fund. DIRCO makes it clear that consular assistance is of an advisory and non-financial nature. This means that government can provide guidance, help with contact and provide support in certain emergencies, but does not pay your hotel, medical bills, food, transport or airfare. This is an important reality that many travellers only realise when they are already in need. 

That is why travel insurance is not a luxury, but part of responsible planning. Yet people must also be realistic here; not every policy covers every crisis. In the latest disruptions, several guidelines have emphasised that standard policies often exclude war, military action, known conflicts and airspace closure. There are also cases where cover may be limited or invalid if you still travel to a high-risk destination after an official warning. The fine print is thus not optional but essential reading.

Another mistake people make is thinking that a valid plane ticket means they are safe. In a safety crisis, things change fast: airports limit outgoing flights, international airlines suspend routes and capacity remain below normal for days or even weeks. Even where flights resume, it is often slow and selective, meaning rebooking, waiting times and additional accommodation costs pile up in a short period of time.

So, what should one do practically? Firstly, never travel without an emergency fund. Secondly, keep digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, insurance, emergency contacts and reservations handy. Thirdly, only follow official channels for safety information: your airline, your travel agent, the local authorities and your country’s consular services. In a crisis, misinformation spreads quickly, and panic makes people easily fall victim to scams, expensive, last-minute “rescue offers” or incorrect advice on social media. DIRCO’s own travel advice also emphasises that travellers should obtain thorough information in advance and have adequate insurance.

For South Africans already living abroad, the lesson is even bigger than just travel planning: you need safety nets. This includes not only insurance, but also financial backup, reliable family or friend contacts, a plan for children, access to your documents and a clear idea of what you will do if you have to leave in a hurry. A crisis does not ask if it suits you. It hits right in the middle of normal workdays, school terms and family plans.

The hard truth is that international mobility is a privilege, but also a risk. The further you are from your home country, your family and your usual systems, the more important preparation becomes. War, political instability and air traffic disruptions are no longer exceptions that affect “just other people”. Therefore, the smart question is not whether something will ever go wrong, but whether you will be ready when it does.

Also read: Grandparents across borders: When love is greater than distance