The Foreign Office has issued fresh travel advice for 14 countries following the announcement of a 'memorandum of understanding' between the US and Iran amid Middle East tensions. Significant travel updates have been released for destinations including Turkey, Cyprus, and the United Arab Emirates.
Travel Ban Lifted for UAE and Qatar
The Foreign Office has removed its travel ban for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, while providing additional updates for 12 other nations. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) published new guidance on Thursday, 18 June, for the 14 countries amid 'regional tensions'.
On the Foreign Office's 'warnings and insurance' section for each nation, they confirmed: 'The US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.'
Full List of Countries Affected
The complete list of nations receiving the updated guidance includes: Cyprus, Turkey, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Iran and Kuwait, reports the Express.
While the FCDO has warned of regional tensions, it 'no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE'. Since March, there had been a warning in place against all but essential travel to the UAE, but with the update today (June 18), it is the first time it has been waived.
What to Do If Hostilities Resume
In additional guidance, the FCDO outlined that should 'hostilities resume', Brits should take the following steps:
- Read if you're affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis.
- Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.
- Monitor local and international media for the latest information.
- Sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
- Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date.
