FCDO Updates Travel Advisories for 21 Countries Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has released revised travel guidance for 21 nations, ranging from regional restrictions to outright bans on all travel. With heightened tensions in the Middle East, British nationals planning holidays, business trips, or family visits must stay informed to ensure their safety abroad.
Comprehensive List of Affected Nations
The updated advisories, issued over the weekend, supplement existing warnings and are accurate as of early March 2026. Travellers should consult the FCDO website regularly, as situations can change rapidly. Below is the full list of countries with new or amended guidance.
Afghanistan: The FCDO strongly advises against all travel due to volatile security, border clashes, and a high risk of detention for British nationals, with limited consular support available.
Armenia and Azerbaijan: Avoid all travel near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, and steer clear of non-essential trips to southwestern Azerbaijan.
Bahrain: Essential travel only is recommended, and Brits in the country should register their presence with authorities.
Egypt: Do not travel to the Egypt-Libya border or areas near Israel; avoid non-essential travel to the Western Desert, though popular resorts like Sharm el Sheikh remain unaffected for now.
Iran: All travel is discouraged, with British and dual nationals at significant risk of arrest or detention.
Iraq: Listed as a 'do not travel' destination due to unpredictable and escalating security threats.
Israel: Revised guidance now advises against all travel; British citizens in Israel should register their whereabouts and follow local instructions.
Jordan: Avoid travel within 3km of the Jordan-Syria border; check FCDO updates for other regions.
Kuwait: Essential travel only, with Brits told to shelter in place immediately due to reported missile attacks.
Lebanon: Do not travel to borders with Syria and Israel; avoid non-essential travel to most areas, including parts of Beirut.
Oman: Shelter in place alerts for Duqm and surrounding areas; those in Salalah within 100km should leave if possible.
Pakistan: Avoid travel within 10 miles of the Afghanistan border and five miles of the India border, with extensive no-go zones listed.
Palestine: All travel is advised against; British nationals should register their presence.
Qatar: Essential travel only, with immediate shelter in place orders due to missile threats.
Saudi Arabia: Avoid areas within 80km of the Yemen border; Brits in the country should stay at home following missile activity reports.
Syria: All travel continues to be strongly discouraged.
Turkey: Avoid the area within 10km of the Syria border; monitor FCDO alerts closely for updates.
Turkmenistan: Revised guidance for entry from Iran requires special authorisation facilitated by the British Embassy.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Avoid all but essential travel to the entire UAE, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with shelter in place orders issued.
Yemen: Do not travel; if currently in Yemen, leave immediately.
Additional Regional Context
While Cyprus is not under a travel advisory, the FCDO notes a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri and advises following local authority instructions. This highlights the broader regional instability affecting travel plans.
Steps for Affected Travellers
If you are in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, or the UAE, register your presence with the FCDO to receive direct updates. All British nationals in affected regions should:
- Sign up for FCDO email alerts.
- Stay informed with local guidance and news.
- Contact travel insurers and airlines for assistance.
- Shelter in place if advised, avoiding unnecessary movement.
Always verify the latest FCDO advice before travelling, as conditions can evolve quickly.
