The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for 13 countries, including Turkey and Egypt, due to 'regional tensions' in the Middle East. 'Do not travel' alerts are currently in effect across several areas as the situation 'remains deeply unpredictable'.
Regional situation 'deeply unpredictable'
In the update released on Tuesday, 27 October, under 'regional tensions', the FCDO warned: "The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable, and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure."
British nationals intending to travel through the Middle East or currently there "should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions", the FCDO said.
Advice for travellers
The FCDO advised travellers to read the guidance on how to prepare for a crisis, sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, follow advice from local authorities, and monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace, which could close at short notice.
Travellers are also advised to stay away from areas around security or military facilities, keep departure plans under review, and ensure travel documents are up to date. If advised to take shelter, they should 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. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and the safest place is inside a secure structure. People are advised not to approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects.
Do not travel warnings in force
The FCDO already has a series of warnings 'against all travel to parts' of a number of countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Some of these were in place before the events in the Middle East and are therefore unrelated. At the time of writing, the Foreign Office also advises 'against all travel' to Iran, Yemen and Syria.
The full list of 13 countries with updated travel advice is Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. For more information, or to check travel advice for a specific country, visit the Foreign Office website.
