The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for 13 countries in the Middle East, urging Brits to 'be prepared' as conflict between the US and Iran continues to escalate.
Countries Affected
The warning covers Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, Iraq, Oman, Israel, Cyprus, Bahrain, Qatar, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine. The Foreign Office advises that British nationals in the region should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions.
Background of Conflict
The advisory comes after US President Donald Trump threatened to “bomb and destroy” bridges and power stations, prompting UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to call for calm. Miliband said the UK would “work intensively with others to seek to de-escalate this conflict”. Trump vowed to retaliate “any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz”.
Since 8 July, there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in locations across the region, including Bahrain, against US military and civilian infrastructure. The Foreign Office warns of “a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region”.
Safety Advice
The Foreign Office advises travellers to read the GOV.UK 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. They should stay away from 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, avoiding drone or missile fragments.
