Foreign Office points new journey recommendation for 21 nations affected by Middle East battle – here is the total record

As the Middle East continues to be affected by the ongoing conflict, travel to the region has been severely disrupted.

With some countries halting all travel and others with greatly limited access, tensions continue to heighten across the region.

As such, the Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued travel advice and warnings for countries affected by the violence.

It has also encouraged Brits currently located in seven countries to register their presence with the Foreign Office.

British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the FCDO.

More than 140,000 Brits have already done so, after the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday morning, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among those killed. 

Here’s the full list of the 21 countries affected by the Middle East war – and the current advice in place for each one…

Airports across the Middle East have faced closures amid the ongoing conflict

Afghanistan

The FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan.

The GOV.UK website explains: ‘You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions. 

‘Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open.

‘There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. 

‘FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan.’

Armenia 

Armenia has travel restrictions in place in some parts, with the FCDO advising against all travel to within 5km of the entire eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, due to tensions between the two countries.

It also advises against all travel along the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan, due to border tensions. 

Azerbaijan 

As for Azerbaijan, the FCDO also advises against all travel to the Azerbaijan-Armenia border.

In addition, all but essential travel is not recommended in Southwestern Azerbaijan, the districts (‘rayons’) of Kelbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Shusha, Khojali, Khankendi, Aghdam and Tartar.

Bahrain 

As a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, all but essential travel to Bahrain should be avoided.

If you are in Bahrain, the FCDO says, due to the ongoing security situation, you should register your presence with the UK embassy.

Egypt 

Parts of Egypt are safe to visit, but the FCDO advises against all travel to the Egypt-Libya border, as well as other places

Parts of Egypt are safe to visit, but the FCDO advises against all travel to the Egypt-Libya border, North Sinai, the northern part of South Sinai, the eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate, the Western Desert and the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

There is a heightened risk of regional tension in Egypt. 

Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. 

Plus, international borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. 

Iran 

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran.

It explains: ‘If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.

‘British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.’

It comes after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who presided over a brutal regime which slaughtered thousands of his own citizens, repressed women and funded terror organisations, was killed on Saturday morning by joint US-Israeli strikes. 

Iraq 

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iraq. 

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign Office.

Israel

The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel. 

It says: ‘We have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel. Our Embassy continues to operate as normal.

‘The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.

‘If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased, there is still a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles falling across Israel and Palestine, and possible disruption at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.

‘Political tension can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events.’

Jordan 

Currently, it is not recommended to travel to parts of Jordan – the areas within 3km of the border with Syria.

Meanwhile, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all other areas of Jordan.

Kuwait 

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait. 

In terms of staying safe in the country, the Government explains: ‘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.’

Lebanon

Certain areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate should be avoided, as well as several other regions in Lebanon.

The GOV.UK website says: ‘Since 2 March, conflict in Lebanon has escalated in response to regional events. Airstrikes and rocket attacks between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah have increased. 

‘Widespread evacuation warnings have led to mass movement of people from conflict-affected areas. On 4 March, the IDF instructed people to leave all areas south of the Litani River.

‘Israeli airstrikes have occurred primarily in areas south of the Litani River, Beirut’s southern suburbs and Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. The IDF regularly releases evacuation warnings before airstrikes, but many have taken place with no advance notice. 

‘The dynamic nature of the conflict means airstrikes have also taken place outside these areas. British nationals should follow local, international and social media to keep up to date with official alerts.

‘We advise you to keep up to date with the latest situation including using multiple media sources to understand frequency and location of strikes as these may change rapidly. There are various mapping sources available online.’

Oman

Currently, there are no travel warnings in place for Oman.

However, the FCDO advises that British nationals in the city of Duqm and surrounding area shelter in place. 

Any British nationals currently visiting Salalah, or within 100km, should look to leave as soon as possible if commercial means allow. British residents in Salalah should follow the advice of local authorities, sheltering in place as required. 

Pakistan 

The FCDO advises against all travel or all but essential travel to parts of Pakistan.

This includes within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, areas in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-India Border Area, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Sindh Province and Punjab Province.

Palestine

Travel is not advised to Palestine.

Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.

You should stay away from areas around security or military facilities.

Qatar

Smoke from intercepted missiles in the sky over Doha, Qatar

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Qatar. 

Qatar Airways has said that scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.

Saudi Arabia 

Areas around the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border should not be visited.

Also, the FCDO advises all but essential travel to Eastern Province and Riyadh Province.

A warning on the GOV.UK website reads: ‘Due to reports of missile and drone activity in the region, we advise British nationals to stay inside and exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia. 

‘Where available, follow advice from local authorities on how to stay safe in your location as risks may vary across Saudi Arabia.’

Syria 

The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria. 

Turkey 

The FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.

While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in areas where the FCDO advises against travel. 

Turkmenistan

There are currently no warnings in place regarding travel in Turkmenistan. 

United Arab Emirates 

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates. 

Airports across the region were initially closed after Iranian missile and drone attacks, but have now begun to reopen with heavily restricted air traffic.

The attacks forced Dubai airport to close, leaving 20,000 travellers stuck in the UAE and all flights suspended. About half a million passengers per day use airports in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which are vital hubs for travel between Europe and the continents of Asia and Australia.

Yemen

The FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions.

Support for British people is severely limited in Yemen. British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.