Is it safe to travel to the Middle East? Latest travel advice after Iran attacks US air base in Qatar

Iran launched missiles at a US air base in Qatar on Monday, as British nationals in the Gulf state were urged to “shelter in place” in fresh guidance issued by the UK government.

Iran’s military said it carried out the attack on the Al Udeid airbase after explosions were heard across the Qatari capital.

It is the latest escalation of tensions in the wider Middle East region after the US dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian underground nuclear facilities at the weekend. 

Iran said the attack was “devastating and powerful” but US officials said no personnel were killed or injured. Air traffic in Qatar was temporarily suspended to “ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors,” the country’s foreign ministry confirmed.

Elsewhere in the region, the RAF evacuated 63 British nationals from Israel on Monday, following the reopening of Israeli airspace. Foreign secretary David Lammy said more flights will be arranged based on demand and security.

Israel and Iran have been exchanging missile strikes since 13 June, after Israel launched a surprise attack on its adversary, wiping out the top echelon of Iran’s military command and damaging nuclear sites.

As concerns continue to grow over the conflict spreading into the region, the UK has updated its travel guidance for a number of other countries.

Here’s what the Foreign Office says:

Israel

The Foreign Office now advises against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, having previously issued warnings to travellers over the war in Gaza.

On its website, the government department says: “The situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. The current situation has disrupted air links out of the country and may disrupt road links.”

“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.”

In addition to the current conflict with Iran, the government also warns of hostilities potentially reigniting with Hezbollah in Lebanon, missile and drone attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, rocket attacks by Hamas and clashes at demonstrations within Israel.

The Foreign Office advises people in Israel to check Home Front Command for the latest guidance (available in Israel only) and follow instructions from the Israeli government.

Advice for Britons in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Foreign Office has urged British nationals to register their details and interest in evacuation flights, the first of which it said will take off early next week.

It said further flights “will be considered depending on demand and the latest security situation”.

Britons can register their presence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories here on the FCDO website.

British nationals who have already registered will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal.

Those eligible for the flight will be expected to pay for their seat – and payment will be taken on registration on the flight booking form.

The FCDO added that those with “greatest need” will be prioritised, and British nationals plus their non-British immediate family members travelling with them are eligible.

All passengers must hold a valid travel document, and those non-British immediate family members will require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months.

Qatar

Britons in Qatar, which lies about 124 miles from Iran across the Persian Gulf, were advised to “shelter in place until further notice”.

The Foreign Office updated its travel guidance on Monday following a US security alert for its own nationals in the country. Soon after, Iran lanched a brief missile attack against the US Al Udeid air base.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that British nationals in Qatar shelter in place until further notice,” the FCDO said. “Follow instructions from local authorities. The FCDO is in contact with local authorities and international partners, and will provide further updates as the situation develops.”

The FCDO says regional risks about hostilities between Israel and Iran spreading apply to Qatar, but more broadly, it warns that terrorist attacks in the emirate “cannot be ruled out”.

“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals,” it says. “Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Cyprus

Although Cyprus is not in the Middle East, it is roughly 150 miles away from the Israeli coast and was used as an evacuation point for foreign nationals fleeing the country following the October 7 attacks.

It is also the home to an RAF base, which could be the cause for some concern after Iran threatened to target UK, French and US military bases if they help intercept Iranian missiles and drones.

So far the UK has not issued any specific guidance against travelling to Cyprus.

However, the FCDO still warns that “ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region”.

It urges people to “monitor local and international media for the latest information” and to “be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities”.

Turkey

Turkey is in close proximity to the Middle East region, and the country’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has said he is ready to play a facilitator role to return to nuclear negotiations and end the conflict with Israel.

The Foreign Office has not issued guidance to travellers in Turkey, specifically in relation to the latest conflict with Iran.

However, it does advise against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.

“Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may be closed at short notice,” the department adds.

The FCDO adds that terrorists are “very likely” to carry out attacks in Turkey and advises travellers: “Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”

Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul, the Foreign Office adds.

Egypt

Egypt is a popular travel destination for holidaymakers, with an estimated 500,000 Britons visiting the North African country each year.

However, the nation shares a border with Gaza, and the country also faces its own issues with domestic terrorism.

The government currently advises against all travel towards North Sinai, which borders Israel and Gaza, and advises against all but essential travel in a number of regions.

These include the northern part of South Sinai and the eastern part of the Ismailiyah Governorate, the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions (with some with some exceptions), the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid, and anywhere within 20km of the Egyptian-Libyan border.

However, there are no warnings in place for many of Egypt’s better-known tourist destinations, including the Red Sea coast, Luxor, Cairo and Alexandria.

“Security forces carry out routine checks on vehicles and at airports to protect resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam,” the FCDO adds.

Jordan

Jordan lies between Israel and Iran, with its government taking the step of closing its airspace since the latest round of fighting between its neighbours broke out.

The country announced the reopening of its airspace on Sunday morning, but the UK Foreign Office has warned that “airports and airspace may close at short notice”.

Currently, the FCDO only warns against all travel within 3km of the border with Syria.

The political situation in the Kingdom is “stable”, the Foreign Office says, but there are sometimes protests in Amman and other cities, including outside the Israeli and US embassies.

“Take particular care near these areas, take care when travelling outside Amman, especially at night, be aware of the possibility of large, spontaneous demonstrations,” the government says.

In addition, there are reports of closures of the King Hussein/Allenby bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank, the FCDO says, warning of possible road closures within Jordan, with no notice.

The Foreign Office adds that terrorists are “likely” to try to carry out attacks in Jordan, including at hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and tourist sites.

Dubai

There is no specific guidance from the Foreign Office against travelling to Dubai, but travellers should still take some precautions.

The Foreign Office says terrorists are “likely” to try to carry out attacks in the United Arab Emirates, which may target western interests and could affect UK citizens.

It warns that the situation has a “potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning including since US military strikes against Iran on 22 June”.

Flights from London to Dubai and Doha were cancelled following the US strike on Iran, after a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Dubai was diverted to Zurich on Saturday night.

All of the airline’s flights to Dubai and Doha that were scheduled to depart from Heathrow on Sunday were cancelled, including return flights, the company said.

The United Arab Emirates has strict rules on alcohol for tourists, which you can read about on the government’s website, and zero-tolerance for drug-related offences, even for cannabidiol (CBD) products.

Abu Dhabi

Similar guidance applies to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

While it is generally much safer than many of its Middle Eastern neighbours, many tourists do find themselves falling foul of the country’s strict laws.

“The UAE is a Muslim country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions,” the FCDO says.

“Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in the UAE.”

LGBT travellers should take note that same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the UAE.

“The UAE is in many respects a tolerant society and private life is respected,” the Foreign Office says.

“However, there have been reports of individuals being punished for same-sex sexual activity, particularly where there is any public element, or where the behaviour has caused offence.”

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