The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated travel warnings for British tourists visiting the UAE, Turkey, Oman, and other countries following heightened tensions between Iran and the US. The warnings come after the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on January 3, which prompted Iran to launch airstrikes against coalition military bases in Iraq.
The FCO has not advised against travel to the UAE or Turkey, but urges British nationals to remain vigilant and keep up to date with developments. Around 2.3 million British tourists visit Turkey annually, and 1.5 million visit the UAE. The only countries bordering the Persian Gulf where the FCO advises against all travel are Iran, Iraq, and Yemen.
Nicky Kelvin, Head of Content at travel expert The Points Guy, noted that no major airlines have issued flight waivers for the region, and major resorts have not issued advisories for tourists. Airlines operating in the Gulf continue normal services, and there is no advice against stopping over at Gulf airports. However, the FCO warns that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE and Turkey.
In Turkey, the FCO advises against all travel to areas within 10 km of the Syrian border, except the city of Kilis, and to certain eastern provinces. Following an incident on January 7, there have been cancellations and disruptions at Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul; travellers are advised to contact their airline for updates.
