On March 1, the UK Government released guidance urging British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to register their whereabouts with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in order to receive direct updates. Approximately 300,000 British nationals are estimated to be in the region, with over 170,000 having already registered their presence with the FCDO.

The Foreign Office has been continuously revising its travel guidance for Middle Eastern countries and surrounding areas, as the ongoing conflict continues to create significant disruption. Officials confirmed they are in talks with commercial operators and regional countries regarding the organisation of additional flights, following the partial reopening of regional airspace. One of the most recent updates from the UK Foreign Office relates to entry into Egypt from Jordan.

Guidance said: “Ferry services operate between Aqaba, Jordan and Taba Heights and Nuweiba in Egypt. Contact ferry operators directly for schedules and availability. Please check travel advice for Jordan for the latest on exit requirements, reports the Liverpool Echo.

“If your stay in Sinai will exceed 15 days, or you are planning to travel in Egypt beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including flying from mainland airports, for example, Cairo or Hurghada, you will need an entry visa.

“If entering at Taba Heights, this costs 35 US dollars. If entering at Nuweiba, this costs 30 US dollars. Visas can be purchased at the port terminals. Travellers should obtain USD in cash before travelling given payments are often required in cash.”

Currently, the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to certain regions of Egypt. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you disregard advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

There is an increased risk of regional tension. Any escalation could result in travel disruption and other unforeseen consequences. The Foreign Office stated: “British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.”

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These precautions include:

• Subscribing to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.
• Keeping abreast of local and international news for the most recent updates.
• Registering for local information alerts/resources and adhering to the instructions of the local authorities.
• Avoiding areas surrounding security or military facilities.

The Foreign Office strongly advises against all travel within a 20km radius of the Egypt-Libya border, with the exception of the town of El Salloum, where it recommends only essential travel. Active military operations targeting criminal activity are ongoing in this region.

It recommends against all travel to North Sinai Governorate due to ongoing criminal activity and terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in fatalities. You can view the complete list of areas FCDO recommends against travel to parts of here.