Following military attacks in the Middle East, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) issued a travel advice, urging visitors to exercise extreme caution when visiting 18 countries. The recommendation also includes famous tourist destinations such as Morocco, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Cyprus, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern countries with increased security concerns.
About the unsettled situation in the Middle East, the advice reads, “On October 1, Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On October 26, Israel launched military action against Iran.
Countries under the UK’s Advisory 2024
The warnings released on October 26 advise tourists not to plan trips to Cyprus, Israel, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Libya, Algeria, Iran, and Syria. Although Dubai, Morocco, and Cyprus are among the most popular tourist destinations, they were also included.
Travel insurance implications
The recommendation warns travelers to take measures: “Traveling against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) may invalidate your travel insurance.” The UK Foreign Office cautioned that prolonged hostilities between Israel and Lebanon “could intensify immediately and pose risks for the entire region.”
Travelers are warned that ignoring FCDO warnings may result in their being held financially liable for occurrences such as unscheduled evacuations or medical concerns that would otherwise be covered.
Increased security measures, particularly in Turkey
Turkey has increased security measures in response to a terrorist attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Kahramankazan, around 40 kilometers from Ankara, on October 23. The attack, which resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries, has increased security at Turkish airports, where passengers should expect longer wait times and harsher security procedures.
The FCDO has advised travelers in Turkey to remain vigilant, heed local authorities’ instructions, and stay up to date on security developments, particularly if they are near the affected areas. Those considering a trip to Turkey should also consider modifying their itinerary to account for additional security measures and avoiding high-risk areas.
Snippets from Some Travel Advisories
- Lebanon: If you are currently in Lebanon, we recommend you leave while commercial choices are still available. The Embassy remains open as usual and continues to provide necessary services to British nationals. Tensions are high, and the situation might worsen with little warning. Do not rely on FCDO to evacuate you in an emergency. The closure or disruption of roadways and departure routes on short notice may impair your ability to leave the country. If you hear gunfire, immediately seek cover. Protests over regional events may also occur unexpectedly and rapidly escalate. Exercise caution, avoid demonstrations, and keep an eye on local media for any developments. You should not travel to the southern suburbs of Beirut and must shelter in place during strikes.
- Syria: The FCDO recommends against traveling to Syria due to the ongoing violence and unpredictable security situations. If one is a British national in Syria, then one must leave the country by all means that are possible. The British government does not provide consular support from within Syria because all British Embassy services in Damascus have been halted.
- The Occupied Palestinian Territories & Israel: The scenario has the potential to escalate swiftly and without warning, prompting advice to shelter in place. The scenario has the potential to escalate swiftly and without warning, prompting advice to shelter in place. FCDO recommends against any travel to Gaza. Traveling either inside or outside Israel or the OPTs is at your own risk. You should follow the direction of local authorities, such as if roads are accessible and when to seek cover.
- Iran: The FCDO recommends against any visit to Iran. British and British-Iranian dual nationals face the substantial danger of arrest, questioning, or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK may be sufficient grounds for Iranian officials to imprison you.
- Saudi Arabia: FCDO warns against all travel to within 10 km of the Yemen border and all but essential travel to locations between 10 km and 80 km from the Yemen border.
- Algeria: The FCDO advises against travel within 30 kilometers of Algeria’s borders with Mali, Libya, Niger, Mauritania, and Tunisia. If you intend to go, explore your destinations and get adequate travel insurance.
- Turkey: Due to conflict and an increased danger of terrorism, the FCDO recommends against any travel within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border. While 24-hour consular assistance is accessible by phone or online, in-person consular support is extremely limited in locations where we advise against travel.
- Mexico: FCDO warns against any but essential travel to Tecate, Baja California, especially the routes connecting Tijuana and Tecate. The FCDO warns against all but essential travel to the states of Zacatecas, Guerrero, Chihuahua, Colima, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, and Tijuana.
- Morocco, United Arab Emirates: There is no guarantee that travel will be safe. If you plan to go, explore your destinations and get adequate travel insurance.