The Foreign Office has issued new travel advice for a string of countries in the Middle East and further afield amid the escalating conflict between Iran and the USA.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for British tourists heading to 10 destinations as war continues to spread across the Middle East.
Iranian drones been fired at countries across the Gulf in response to the US-Israeli shelling of the country, sparking widespread airspace closures that have plunged aviation into its biggest crisis since the Covid pandemic.
Thousands of British nationals remain stranded abroad as the government draws up plans for evacuations, with those currently in the Middle East told to stay indoors and keep up to date with information from local authorities. In the past 24 hours, the Foreign Office has amended travel guidance for Thailand, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Israel, Bahrain and Kuwait. Here’s the current advice for each country:
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Thailand
Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.
UAE
The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
There are a limited number of commercial options available, including by air from UAE and from Oman. If your presence in UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing.
Saudi Arabia
If you judge it is safe to do so and plan to use commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.
Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Saudi Arabia is at your own risk.
Qatar
The Foreign Office says limited flights are now operating in and out of Qatar, and that British holidaymakers should leave if it is safe to do so.
Egypt
International borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt.
The Foreign Office said: “Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice before trying to cross.”
Kuwait
According to the Foreign Office, if you judge it is safe to leave Kuwait, the following land border crossings into Saudi Arabia are currently open as of yesterday:
- Al Salmi / Ar – Ruqi
- Al Nuwaisib / Al -Khafji
The advice adds: ” If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name.
“If you plan to use commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.
“Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Kuwait is at your own risk.
“Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.”
Bahrain
The Foreign Office said: “If you judge it is safe to do so and you plan to travel by road read our Travel Advice for Saudi Arabia for entry requirements to Saudi Arabia and ensure you have the correct paperwork, or you may be denied entry.
“If staying in the Kingdom, follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter.
“An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.”
Israel
The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Israel.
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is providing shuttle buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border (Egypt). British tourists that entered on a B2 tourist visa are eligible to register for this service. British nationals who are resident in Israel or are dual Israeli nationals are not eligible for this service.
A British Embassy team is present on the Egyptian side of the Taba border to point British Nationals to options for onward travel to Sharm El-Sheikh Airport.
Palestine
You should not travel to Palestine, according to the latest Foreign Office advice.
Jordan
The Foreign Office has updated information about Jordanian airspace, which has been affected by the regional conflict. The department continues to advise against all but essential travel to Jordan, and all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.
