Alert issued for numerous nations: a significant number of destinations include a targeted location in the advisory list.
Hey there! Here's the scoop on the current travel situation in the Middle East, as warned by the Foreign Office:
The latest security situation in the region has caused the Foreign Office to issue travel advisories or partial travel advisories for numerous countries. Given the recent air strikes between Israel and Iran, all non-essential travel to the entire Gulf region has also been urged to be postponed. Let's go through the current warnings, the affected countries, and what travelers need to know now.
Travel alerts from the Foreign Office have been strengthened for several Gulf states, such as the United Arab Emirates—especially Dubai—, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan. These countries heavily rely on tourism, especially the United Arab Emirates—a place many people know for its captivating culture and nature—and Oman—that boasts stunning architecture and landscapes. Jordan, with attractions like Petra and the Dead Sea, is another popular tourist destination in the region.
Before the recent escalation, travel warnings were already in place for some countries, like Iran, due to its political instability and security concerns.
The Yemen—despite its unique architecture in Sana'a—remains inaccessible due to the ongoing civil war. Travel is also generally discouraged for parts of Lebanon, known for its rich history and Mediterranean coast, as well as Iraq for similar reasons.
Here's a quick rundown of the current travel warnings for the Gulf region:
Countries with Full Travel Warnings
- Israel: complete travel ban due to heightened risks and rapidly deteriorating security.
- Iran: danger due to political tensions and security threats.
- Yemen: inaccessible due to the ongoing civil war.
- Syria: due to the civil war and ongoing violence, complete travel ban.
- Iraq: complete travel ban due to terrorist threats and political instability.
Keep these travel warnings in mind before planning your next trip to the Middle East. Stay safe and wise, traveler!
Enrichment data source:The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK has issued travel warnings and advisories for multiple Middle Eastern and North African countries due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran that began in mid-June 2025. Affected regions and corresponding travel advice are as follows:
- Israel: complete closure of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport; air travel severely disrupted; UK advises against all travel due to significant risks and rapidly deteriorating security.
- Iran: subject to missile attacks and retaliations; airspace closed; major airlines suspended flights.
- Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Libya, Algeria: included in FCDO warnings due to rising regional tensions.
- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates: part of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries facing indirect impacts like flight cancellations and airspace restrictions.
- Egypt (North Sinai region specifically): UK advises against all travel towards North Sinai due to security concerns linked to ongoing developments around the Gaza conflict.
- Jordan, Cyprus, Morocco, Tunisia: also included in travel warnings as popular tourist destinations with potential risk due to destabilization.
- Other neighboring countries like Turkey and Lebanon: advised for heightened alertness and monitoring due to potential spillover effects.
Travelers should avoid non-essential travel to these areas, stay vigilant, and keep informed through official government and airline channels. Those already in the region or planning a trip are advised to follow instructions from local authorities, monitor local and international media, be prepared for flight disruptions, review travel insurance, and have contingency plans in case of emergencies.
- The Foreign Office has strengthened travel alerts for various countries in the Middle East, including those relying on tourism such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman, due to the recent war-and-conflicts between Israel and Iran, leading them to urge the postponement of non-essential travel in the entire Gulf region.
- Despite political instability and security concerns, Iran continues to be warning against, with individuals being advised to reconsider their travel plans due to the country's ongoing political tensions and security threats.
- Beyond the latest security situation in the Middle East, general-news outlets are also reporting on travel advisories or partial travel advisories for countries like Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, due to rising regional tensions, terrorism threats, and ongoing civil wars.
