As the war between the US, Israel and Iran reaches its 11th day, the Foreign Office (FCDO) is keeping a constant watch on countries in the Middle East and Europe and updating its travel advice. Since the war broke out on February 28, the FCDO has moved several previously “safe” or “green” destinations into the restricted category, including several key tourist destinations that Brits flock to at this time of year.

While the war is between nations on the other side of the Persian Gulf, several countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have been caught in the crossfire. Hundreds of Iranian drones have been targeting Gulf countries as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues strikes on US assets.

The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the entire UAE. British nationals currently in the country are advised to shelter in place and register their presence with the Embassy due to increased missile activity in the region. The FCDO continues to warn that travel insurance could be invalidated if they travel against its advice.

In its most recent update on Monday (March 9), the FCDO, as a precautionary measure, temporarily withdrew the dependents of British Embassy staff from the UAE, though the embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai continue to operate as normal.

The latest FCDO guidance for the UAE reads: “If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.

“Limit your movements to essential journeys only. When travel is unavoidable, aim to move during daylight hours and avoid crowded venues. Always let friends or family know where you are and when you are travelling, and keep your mobile phone with you and charged.

“If you are away from your home or hotel, and an attack occurs or you receive an alert from the official UAE warning system, seek shelter in the closest building immediately.”

The FCDO also warns that there are “a limited number of commercial options available” for leaving the UAE, including air travel from the UAE and Oman.

“If your presence in [the] UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing – if you judge you can access these options safely. Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel. If you are traveling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.”

Jordan, which shares borders with Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestine, is now also under all but essential travel advice. This is primarily due to the impact of the regional conflict on Jordanian airspace and security.

“The FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km [1.9mi] of the border with Syria,” guidance reads. However, due to the recent regional escalations, it now also”advises against all but essential travel to all other areas of Jordan”.

British nationals in Jordan are urged to read “guidance on ‘how to prepare for a crisis’ with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and ‘what to do in a crisis’.

“British nationals who are trying to leave Jordan via Saudi Arabia and who are travelling on British Emergency Travel Documents, Emergency Passports, or passports with less than 6 months remaining validity, should call the helplines for British Embassy Riyadh +966 (0) 11481 9100 or British Consulate Jeddah +966 (0)126225550 for advice.”

While there is no “do not travel” warning for the Republic of Cyprus, including areas like Larnaca and Paphos, the FCDO has updated its advice following a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri on March 2.

Travellers are urged to exercise “sensible precautions” and monitor local authorities.

“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 on the British Bases Cyprus Facebook.

“British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.”

The FCDO’s warnings for Saudi Arabia have been expanded. While it has long advised against all travel to within 10km (6mi) of the border with Yemen and all but essential travel to areas between 10km (6mi) and 80km (50mi) from the border with Yemen, the FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the Eastern Province and Riyadh Province.

“Due to reports of missile and drone activity in the region, we advise British nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay inside and exercise increased caution,” the latest advice reads. “There are reports of continued missile and drone attacks in the Eastern Province and Riyadh Province. There is also a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles and drones falling across the region and causing further disruption. Where available, follow advice from local authorities on how to stay safe in your location as risks may vary across Saudi Arabia.

“If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building and take hard cover. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.”

For those intent on leaving Saudi Arabia, the FCDO says: “Commercial travel options remain widely available despite limited disruption and temporary closures of airspace across Saudi Arabia. If you judge it is safe to do so and plan to use commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Saudi Arabia is at your own risk.

“Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.”

For those with a holiday booked in Turkey, the majority of the country remains under “safe” or “green” categories. However, the FCDO advises against “all travel to within 10km [6mi] of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”.

Once again, the FCDO advises British nationals in Turkey to read “guidance on ‘how to prepare for a crisis’ with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and ‘what to do in a crisis’.

It also urges Brits to follow advice from local authorities, sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts and monitor local and international media for the latest information.

Similarly, in Greece, there are currently no FCDO travel warnings on place, following the removal of information about mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services across the country on February 28.

However, the FCDO does warn: “No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”

It suggests reading its travel advice for women, solo and independent travellers, those with diabilities, LGBT+ travellers and those planning on volunteering and adventure travel abroad.