The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for 13 countries, including Turkey and Egypt, amid 'regional tensions' in the Middle East. There are 'do not travel' warnings in place across various areas as it 'remains deeply unpredictable'.
What the FCDO warning says
In the update issued 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."
The FCDO advises 'against all travel to parts of Turkey'. It further outlined that British nationals who are planning to travel through the Middle East or are already there "should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions".
Advice for travellers
The FCDO advised doing the following:
- Read 'If you're affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK', including guidance on "how to prepare for a crisis" and "what to do in a crisis"
- Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
- Follow advice from the local authorities
- Monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace, which could close at short notice
- Stay away from areas around security or military facilities
- Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
If advised to take shelter, the FCDO says to 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 you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects.
Countries with 'do not travel' warnings
While the latest travel advice for the 13 countries was about 'regional tensions', it's vital to check with the FCDO directly for any other warnings or advice in place for the country you're visiting, as there can be additional or differing advice, and it can be updated with very little notice. There are also crucial 'do not travel' warnings in place for various destinations, along with advice 'against all but essential travel' in other parts.
As it stands, the Foreign Office has advised 'against all travel to parts' of the following countries: Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In addition, the FCDO advised 'against all travel' to Iran, Yemen and Syria.
Further information was provided for Yemen, as the FCDO stated: "Since July 2026, the Houthis have launched air strikes against Saudi territory and Saudi shipping vessels in the Red Sea. There is an ongoing risk of further military escalation, including in Yemen and the Red Sea, which could occur at short notice."
Full list of 13 countries with updated travel advice
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.
