UK Government issues travel update amid Middle East conflict

The war between Iran and the US and Israel has entered a fifth day (on Wednesday, March 4).

The US and Israel continue to strike Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend, with its latest target being Tehran (the Iranian capital).

Israel has also launched several attacks on Lebanon during recent days, including an overnight strike against towns near the captial of Beirut.

Meanwhile, Iranian-backed militant group Saraya Awliya al-Dam in Iraq said it fired drones toward Jordan aimed at “a vital target”.

US-Israeli strikes have killed at least 787 people in Iran, according to the Red Crescent Society.

In Lebanon, where Israel launched retaliatory strikes against the Iranian-supported militant group Hezbollah, 50 people were killed before the latest strikes overnight, including seven children, the country’s health ministry said.

Initial retaliatory strikes from Iran on the weekend hit hotels, airports, and other sites in cities throughout the Gulf, which have previously marketed themselves as regional safe havens, including the likes of Dubai and Doha (Qatar).

Countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar have continued to experience missile and drone attacks in recent days as the conflict in the Middle East rages on.

More than 200,000 British nationals, including military personnel, are thought to be at risk in the Gulf as these hostilities continue.

Around 130,000 Brits have registered their presence in the Middle East, as the Foreign Office works with airlines on evacuating those trapped overseas (due to the conflict).

UK Government travel advice for the Middle East

The UK Government has advised against travelling to 21 countries in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict:

Do not travel

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) "advises against all travel" to the following countries:

• Afghanistan
• Armenia (some parts)
• Azerbaijan (all but essential travel for some parts)
• Egypt (all but essential travel for some parts)
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Jordan (all but essential travel for some parts)
• Lebanon (all but essential travel for some parts)
• Pakistan (all but essential travel for some parts)
• Palestine
• Saudi Arabia (some parts)
• Syria
• Turkey (some parts)
• Yemen

The latest travel advice information for British nationals in the Middle East: https://t.co/AB8rEGx5TQ

This includes countries with updated travel advice and links to Register Your Presence. pic.twitter.com/RPBHw0mILU

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 1, 2026

Meanwhile, "no travel is considered safe" to Oman or Turkmenistan.

The FCDO advises British nationals in the city of Duqm and the surrounding areas to find shelter, while those visiting Salalah (or anywhere within 100km) should look to leave "as soon as possible".

All but essential travel

The FCDO "advises against all but essential travel" to the following countries:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates

For the latest travel advice, visit the Foreign Office website.

New travel advice issued for Thailand as Middle East conflict escalates

The Foreign Office updated its travel advice on Wednesday, with Thailand added to the list of countries Brits should avoid “due to the escalation in the Middle East”.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said: “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.”

The FCDO said it "advises against all but essential travel" to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including:

• Pattani Province
• Yala Province
• Narathiwat Province
• The districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province
• Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line

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The FCDO said: "This is due to regular attacks in the provinces by the border with Malaysia."

While all but essential travel is also advised against for any area within 20km of Thailand's land border with Cambodia.

The Foreign Office website adds: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)."