Lifestyle

UK government issues travel update for the Middle East – what you should know

Ryan Brothwell 1 March 2026 3 min read

The UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued urgent travel updates for the Middle East on Sunday evening (1 March), amid escalating regional tensions following reported military strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The FCDO’s dedicated news page on travel advice updates warns British nationals across the region to closely monitor country-specific guidance, follow local authorities, and register their presence if in affected areas for direct alerts.

Key changes include severe restrictions on travel to several countries:

Israel and Palestine: The FCDO now advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine, citing heightened risks from regional escalation and conflict.
Iran: Advice remains against all travel to Iran, with updated warnings that Iranian airspace has closed. British nationals already in the country are urged to carefully consider their presence and the significant risks involved.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The FCDO has escalated its advisory to against all but essential travel to the UAE, a popular destination for British tourists and business travelers, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. British nationals there are advised to shelter in place and register with the government.
Other Gulf states: Similar “against all but essential travel” warnings apply to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar in some reports, with advice for nationals to stay at home or shelter in place. In Oman, specific instructions include sheltering in Duqm and leaving Salalah if possible via commercial means.
Saudi Arabia: Updates include advice to stay at home due to reported missile activity in the region, alongside existing restrictions near the Yemen border.

The updates follow joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering widespread airspace closures, massive flight cancellations, and diversions across the Middle East.

Airlines have suspended services to and from the region, with disruptions expected to continue at least through the coming days. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has advised passengers to check with carriers and refer to FCDO guidance before traveling.

British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE are particularly encouraged to register their presence on GOV.UK to receive tailored updates from the FCDO.

The government notes that the situation remains fluid, with risks of further escalation, missile activity, and sudden changes in airspace availability. Travelers are urged to sign up for email alerts on individual country pages and monitor local and international media.

You can find the travel advice for each affected country here: