Foreign Office in important journey recommendation replace for 8 international locations on Wednesday
Officials updated travel information early on Wednesday ‘due to the escalation in the Middle East’
A plume of smoke rises after a strike on the Iranian capital Tehran(Image: ATTA KENARE, AFP via Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has this morning issued updated crucial travel guidance for eight countries. The Foreign Office revised its travel advice early on Wednesday “due to the escalation in the Middle East”.
It stated: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
British nationals impacted are being urged to keep up to date with the latest information from their airline or tour operator and check their travel insurance policies before departing.
The updated guidance applies to Britons in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt. Around 130,000 Britons have registered their presence in the Middle East, whilst the Foreign Office confirmed it was liaising with airlines regarding additional routes.
For those eight countries, officials stated: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities.
“Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.”
For those remaining in place, it advised: “If staying follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.”
Leaving Bahrain
Officials said: “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 to Saudi Arabia and ensure you have the correct paperwork, or you may be denied entry. If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name.
“If using 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. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Bahrain is at your own risk. ” More information here.
Israel
“If you judge it is safe to do so and 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. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. ” More information here.
Kuwait
“If you judge it is safe to leave Kuwait the following land border crossings into Saudi Arabia are currently open as of 3 March:
- Al Salmi / Ar – Ruqi
- Al Nuwaisib / Al -Khafji
“Read Travel Advice for Saudi Arabia and ensure you have the correct paperwork, or you may be denied entry. “ More information here.
Palestine
“If you judge it is safe to do so and 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.” More information here.
Qatar
“If you judge it is safe to do so and 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. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Qatar is at your own risk. ” More information here.
Saudi Arabia
“If you judge it is safe to do so and 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. ” More information here.
UAE
“There are a limited number of commercial options available, including by air from UAE and from Oman. If your presence in UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing – if you judge you can access these options safely. Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel. If you are traveling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.” More information here.
Egypt
“International borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice before trying to cross.
“Entering Egypt from Gaza: The Rafah border crossing is currently closed. When re-opened, Israel, Egypt and the authorities in Gaza may determine procedures for who is permitted to cross and when. If you are a British national in Gaza who wants to leave Gaza, see Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice. ” More information here.
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