Lifestyle Trend: The latest Foreign Office travel and safety advice for Brits as 10 countries issued updates You Should Know

The FCDO has updated travel advice for UK tourists after rising tensions in the Middle East

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated travel advice overnight for UK tourists visiting multiple countries, amid rising tensions in the Middle East following ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. The escalation comes as strikes by both nations have targeted multiple locations across the region, prompting fears of wider instability.

British travellers are being urged to monitor developments closely and prepare for possible disruptions to flights, land travel, and local services. The FCDO has revised guidance for multiple countries, including Thailand, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

The advisory for these countries was issued on Tuesday, March 3. The FCDO has continued to update its advisories as situations change, issuing new updates for countries such as Kuwait and Thailand on Wednesday, March 4.

The updates highlight regional escalation and provide information on leaving the affected areas. Here is the full list of countries with recently updated travel advice.

Bahrain

Travel is advised only for essential purposes. Road crossings into Saudi Arabia require correct documentation, and vehicles must be wholly owned and registered in the traveller’s name. Movement within or out of Bahrain carries personal risk.

Egypt

The FCDO advises against travel to areas within 20 kilometres of the Egypt-Libya border, North Sinai, the eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate, the Western Desert, and the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

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Israel and Palestine

British tourists entering Israel on a B2 visa can use shuttle buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border with Egypt. British residents and dual nationals are not eligible. Embassy staff are stationed at the Egyptian side of the Taba crossing to assist with onward travel to Sharm El-Sheikh Airport. A $25 border fee applies per person, not children under two, payable in cash only. No visa is required for stays within the Sinai Peninsula of up to 15 days.

Jordan

The FCDO advises against travel within three kilometres of the Jordan-Syria border and all but essential travel to the rest of Jordan.

Kuwait

As of March 4, FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to Kuwait. Land border crossings into Saudi Arabia at Al Salmi/Ar-Ruqi and Al Nuwaisib/Al-Khafji remain open. Travellers must ensure proper documentation, and vehicles must be wholly owned and registered in the traveller’s name.

Qatar

Travellers should monitor updates from airlines and local authorities and note that travel within or out of Qatar is at their own risk.

Saudi Arabia

All travel within 10 kilometres of the Yemen border is discouraged, with travel between 10 and 80 kilometres advised only for essential purposes.

Thailand

On March 4, the FCDO updated its travel advice for Thailand, highlighting updated information for British nationals affected there. The move comes amid widespread travel disruption caused by the Middle East escalation, including closures in global airspace that have resulted in cancelled and delayed flights. Travellers are advised to check the latest updates from their airline or tour operator before travelling.

Turkmenistan

British nationals entering from Iran require special authorisation from the Turkmen government and confirmation of an onward flight.

United Arab Emirates

Limited commercial options exist for leaving the UAE by air or via Oman. Non-essential visitors are advised to consider departure if safe travel is possible, and flights should be confirmed before heading to the airport.

The FCDO continues to emphasise caution as tensions escalate and recommends all UK nationals remain alert to changing conditions in the region.