FCDO Updates Travel Guidance for Ten Countries Amid Regional Escalation
British nationals planning trips to ten countries across the globe have had their Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice updated overnight. This revision comes as escalating violence between Iran, the United States and Israel causes widespread disruption to international travel.
Countries Affected by Revised Travel Warnings
The FCDO has modified travel guidance for several Middle Eastern nations as regional tensions persist. Overnight before March 4, this is believed to have impacted the following ten countries:
- Thailand
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (including Dubai)
- Palestine
- Israel
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
The FCDO has specifically "updated information about regional escalation and leaving" the nations concerned. These warnings follow ongoing attacks between the US and Iran and their respective allies in the Gulf region. This development follows the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the weekend, which has further heightened regional instability.
Specific Country Guidance Details
Kuwait: If you determine it is safe to depart Kuwait, certain land border crossings into Saudi Arabia are presently open as of 3 March. The FCDO stated: "If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name. If you plan to use commercial options to depart, check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel."
Bahrain: The FCDO advised: "If you judge it is safe to do so and you plan to travel by road, read our Travel Advice for Saudi Arabia for entry requirements and ensure you have the correct paperwork, or you may be denied entry. If staying in the Kingdom, follow the instructions of the local authorities."
Israel: The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is providing shuttle buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border with Egypt. British tourists that entered on a B2 tourist visa are eligible to register for this service. British Nationals who are resident in Israel or are dual Israeli nationals are not eligible for this service.
Palestine: The FCDO states that if you enter Egypt from Israel at Taba, you'll need to pay a 'Sinai Tax' of 25 US dollars per person (children under 24 months are exempt). This must be paid at the Taba Border Crossing in US dollars, cash only. The border tax allows you to enter Egypt without requiring an entry visa for up to 15 days, provided you remain within the Sinai Peninsula.
United Arab Emirates: A limited number of commercial travel options exist, including flights from UAE and from Oman. If your presence in UAE isn't essential, you might want to consider leaving, the FCDO advises.
Saudi Arabia: If you believe it is safe to proceed and intend to use commercial travel options to leave, verify the most recent updates from your airline or tour operator, alongside guidance from local authorities and the status of any border crossings prior to departure.
Qatar: Similarly, the FCDO states that limited flights are now running in Qatar and British holidaymakers should depart if it is safe to do so.
Thailand: Rising tensions in the Middle East have triggered extensive travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel arrangements may be impacted, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.
Jordan: The FCDO has revised information regarding Jordanian airspace, which has been impacted by the regional conflict. FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to Jordan, and all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.
Egypt: International borders in Israel and Palestine could shut at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The FCDO stated: "Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice before trying to cross."
General Travel Advisory
The FCDO emphasizes that travel within or out of affected countries is undertaken at your own risk. All British nationals are advised to keep their departure plans under constant review and ensure travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel. Additionally, travellers should make sure they have access to emergency supplies and essential medication before embarking on any journeys in these regions.
Travel rules are changing swiftly in the current climate of heightened Middle East tensions, with the situation remaining fluid and unpredictable. British nationals are strongly encouraged to monitor FCDO updates regularly and exercise extreme caution when planning or undertaking travel to any of the affected regions.
