With the situation in the Middle East escalating, many Brits planning to travel in the coming weeks will no doubt be keeping an eye on the latest developments. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has regularly been updating its foreign travel advice section, and this is the best way to find out the latest information on whether it’s safe to visit a particular country.

Over the weekend, 21 countries have had FCDO updates and anyone planning to visit for either a holiday, family visit, or business trip should make sure they read the latest before they go. Here are the countries with updated advice. Keep in mind that this is in addition to existing FCDO advice and is correct at the time of writing.

Full list of countries with updated travel warnings

Afghanistan

Afghanistan was already on the FCDO do not travel list, and its website advises: “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

The FCDO advises against all travel to areas around the Armenia-Azerbaijan border due to tensions between the countries.

Azerbaijan

In addition to avoiding the Armenia-Azerbaijan, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the southwest of Azerbaijan.

Bahrain

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain and advises Brits who are already in the country to register their presence.

Egypt

All travel to the Egypt-Libya border and areas close to Israel should be avoided. The FCDO also advise against all but essential travel to the Western Desert. These areas are far from the popular tourist resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, but it’s worth remembering that the situation can quickly change, so tourists should keep an eye out for updates.

Iran

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Iran, and says: “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.”

Iraq

Iraq is on FCDO’s ‘do not travel’ list, and its website warns: “There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable.”

Israel

The FCDO’s advice has been updated to advise against all travel to Israel. British nationals already in the country should register their presence and follow local advice.

Jordan

All travel should be avoided within 3km (about 1.8 miles) of the Jordan-Syria border. Visitors to other areas should keep up to date with FCDO advice before they travel.

Kuwait

All but essential travel to Kuwait should be avoided.The FCDO added: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Kuwait should immediately shelter in place.

“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

Lebanon

All travel to the borders between Lebanon-Syria and Lebanon-Israel borders should be avoided. The FCDO also advises against all travel to certain parts of Beruit, and the rest of the country should be avoided for all but essential travel.

Oman

There’s a shelter in place warning for Brits currently in parts of Oman. The FCDO website says: “We advise 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

All travel within 10 miles of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border should be avoided, and the FCDO also has a long list of areas to avoid. It also advises against all but essential travel within five miles of the Pakistan-India Border Area.

Palestine

FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine and British nationals should register their presence in the country.

Qatar

All but essential travel to Qatar should be avoided. The FCDO advises: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Qatar should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

Saudi Arabia

Travel warnings to Saudi Arabia mainly focus on the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border, with Brits advised to avoid areas within 80km (about 50 miles) of the border.

For Brits currently in Saudi Arabia, the FCDO says: “Due to reports of missile activity in the region, we advise all British nationals to stay at home.Remain indoors in a secure location and follow instruction from the local authorities.”

Syria

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Syria.

Turkey

The FCDO has a travel warning to avoid the area within 10km (just over six miles) from the Turkey-Syria border. It isn’t currently advising against travel to Turkey, but Brits planning a trip soon should sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts and keep a close eye on news updates.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan’s advice has been updated for those looking to cross the border from Iran. It says “If you are a British national wanting to enter Turkmenistan from Iran, you will need special authorisation from the Government of Turkmenistan. This can be facilitated by the British Embassy in Ashgabat by contacting the FCDO before you travel to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.”

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

FCDO advice has been updated to advise Brits to avoid all but essential travel to the entire UAE, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It says: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.” Brits currently in the UAE should register their presence on the FCDO website so they can be advised on what to do next.

Yemen

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Yemen and says “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”

Cyprus travel advice

At the time of writing, the FCDO is not advising against travel to Cyprus, and its website says: “On 2 March 2026, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration confirmed a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri. British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.”

What should you do if you’re already in an affected area?

The FCDO has asked Brits who are in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, or United Arab Emirates to register their presence in order to get direct updates to FCDO advice.

Brits in affected countries should also sign up for FCDO alerts, keep up to date with local advice, and get in touch with their travel insurer and airline for further guidance.

Advice is correct at time of writing but travellers should always check the FCDO website as updates can rapidly change.