The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued fresh travel warnings for 16 countries across the Middle East, including holiday hotspots Turkey, Egypt and the UAE, citing regional tensions. The guidance for the affected countries was updated on Tuesday, October 27.
Countries covered by the updated advice
The update covers Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, Palestine, Israel, Syria and Iran. Travellers are warned of a “deeply unpredictable situation” with a high “risk of sudden escalation”.
The FCDO said: “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.”
Flight and safety advice for travellers
British travellers currently in or planning to travel through the Middle East should be “prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions.” The FCDO urges Brits to monitor current guidance, follow advice from local authorities, and stay updated on local and international media, particularly regarding airports and airspace which could close at short notice.
The FCDO also advises travellers to stay away from areas around security or military facilities, keep departure plans under review, and ensure travel documents are up to date.
Guidance on taking shelter
The guidance includes details on what to do when taking shelter. It says: “If 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.”
“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,” the FCDO added.
