The FCDO has issued its complete ‘do not travel’ list and updated travel advice for popular destinations including Cyprus, Turkey, and the Maldives amid ongoing Middle East conflict causing flight disruptions
British holidaymakers plotting getaways to sought-after destinations including Cyprus, Turkey, and the Maldives are being advised to reconsider their arrangements as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revises its travel guidance amid the continuing Middle East conflict.
The hostilities, now entering their ninth day, have triggered airspace shutdowns, flight scrappings, and alerts about elevated dangers for travellers. UK citizens have already been airlifted from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and other impacted regions, with the government organising charter flights to ferry nationals back to safety.
“Even countries not directly involved in the conflict are experiencing travel disruptions,” the FCDO stated, encouraging Britons to keep tabs on airline notifications, verify insurance provisions, and register with the FCDO prior to departure.
Nations where all travel is discouraged:
- Afghanistan: Total avoidance of travel is recommended.
- Iran: British nationals are pressed to reassess their presence in Iran owing to grave dangers.
- Iraq: All journeys to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are deemed hazardous.
- Israel and Palestine: Travel is completely prohibited.
- Syria: Travel to Syria is firmly discouraged.
- Yemen: All travel is advised against.
- Nations with limited travel constraints Certain destinations are deemed suitable only for essential travel, typically owing to border disputes, war zones, or additional security threats:.
- Middle East.
- Bahrain: Journey only for essential purposes.
- Kuwait: Journey only for essential purposes.
- Qatar: Journey only for essential purposes.
- Oman: British citizens in Duqm are urged to remain sheltered; those visiting Salalah and nearby regions should depart if feasible.
- Saudi Arabia: Steer clear of zones close to the Yemen frontier; remain vigilant in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
- Jordan: Avoid regions near the Syria frontier; other locations only for essential travel.
- United Arab Emirates including Dubai: Journey only for essential purposes.
- North Africa.
- Egypt: Steer clear of North Sinai and the Egypt-Libya frontier. Northern South Sinai and sections of Ismailiyah and Western Desert are limited to essential travel only.
- South and Central Asia.
- Pakistan: Steer clear of zones close to Afghanistan, the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and districts in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Northern Sindh and sections of Punjab are only for essential travel.
- Caucasus.
- Armenia: Steer clear of zones along the Armenia-Azerbaijan frontier and the M16/H26 route between Ijevan and Noyemberyan.
- Azerbaijan: Movement near the Armenia frontier is limited; southwestern areas impacted by recent hostilities are for essential travel only.
- Georgia: Steer clear of Russian-occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia; zones directly adjacent to these boundaries are only for essential travel. Lebanon: Certain districts of Beirut and southern suburbs are strictly no-go areas.
- Popular holiday hotspots: exercise vigilance.
- Even destinations typically regarded as safe for holidaymakers are impacted by global travel disruption due to the Middle East conflict:.
- Cyprus: Travel remains feasible, but the FCDO cautions that terrorist attacks cannot be discounted, including in areas frequented by foreign nationals.
- Turkey: Travel near the Syria border is strongly advised against; other regions are for essential travel only.
- Maldives: Travel disruption is rife due to airspace closures; tourists are recommended to liaise with airlines, keep abreast of news, and review insurance coverage.
- Sri Lanka: Although not directly implicated, flights are disrupted due to Middle East escalation; travellers should confirm schedules and insurance.
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