The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been revising travel advice for countries across the globe as the conflict in the Middle East continues to create major disruption. As well as having a considerable impact on travel, the hostilities will have a notable effect in terms of inflation, interest rates and commodity prices.

UK nationals have already been evacuated from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and other impacted regions, with the government organising charter flights to transport citizens home safely. The most vulnerable will be given priority for booking onto charter flights and the Foreign Office has said it will contact those who have registered their presence in the area, reports Liverpool Echo.

In its guidance for numerous countries in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.”

“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.”

Political disputes, natural catastrophes and safety issues are among the factors leading the UK Foreign Office to advise British nationals against travelling to certain locations.

Afghanistan

Travel to Afghanistan is strongly discouraged. The security situation is unstable and previous tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have led to violent skirmishes in border areas.

Travelling throughout Afghanistan poses extreme danger and several border crossings are currently closed. There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan.

If you are a British national and find yourself detained in Afghanistan, you could face lengthy periods of imprisonment. The FCDO’s capacity to assist you is severely limited and in-person support is not feasible in Afghanistan.

Belarus

The FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. There is a significant risk of arrest if you have ever participated in any activity now deemed illegal by the Belarusian regime. There is also a minor risk that direct conflict related to the war in Ukraine may extend to Belarus.

In the unlikely scenario that conflict arises, the FCDO’s ability to aid British nationals will be significantly restricted. Your travel insurance could become void if you travel contrary to advice from the Foreign Office.

Burkina Faso

The FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso. This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnappings, as well as the country’s unstable political situation.

There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso, with all consular support being provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They are unable to offer face-to-face assistance.

In the event of severe violence, unrest or a decline in the security situation, it could become challenging to exit safely.

Haiti

The FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the unstable security situation. Currently, there are no British consular officials in Haiti and its capacity to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.

If you opt to travel to or remain in Haiti against FCDO advice, endeavour to steer clear of all crowds and public events, and take suitable security precautions.

Iran

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, as a resident or visitor, the Foreign Office said: “carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.”

British and British-Iranian dual nationals face a significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Possessing a British passport or links to the UK can be sufficient reason for the Iranian authorities to detain you.

Iraq

The FCDO advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This is due to a recent escalation in regional conflict. There is a significant risk of further escalation, and events are rapidly evolving and unpredictable.

The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. The border crossing from Iraq into Kuwait is closed.

“British nationals wishing to cross into Kuwait must contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours in advance. The British Embassy will share names and passport details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will determine entry.”

Israel

FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. You should inform the UK government of your presence in Israel, and register if you’re in the region for further updates.

The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. “.

You should comply with the instructions of the local authorities and keep track of local and international media for the latest information.

Mali

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Mali owing to the unpredictable security conditions. If you’re in Mali, you should leave “immediately” by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so.

The guidance stated: “The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.”

There is a significant threat of kidnapping and criminal activity throughout Mali, including in the capital, Bamako.

“If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.”

Niger

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger: “This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.”

Support for British nationals is severely restricted in Niger. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.

In-person assistance is not available. If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could prove difficult to leave safely.

Palestine

FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. If you are a UK citizen in the area, inform the UK government you’re in Palestine, register your presence for further updates.

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.

The Foreign Office said: “The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.”

Russia

The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia owing to the risks and threats from its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity, absence of flights to return to the UK and limited capacity for the UK government to provide support.

The Foreign Office said: “There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia.”

South Sudan

The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan owing to the risk of armed violence and criminality.

“The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.

“If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.”

Syria

The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria owing to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks. Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria.

The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

Yemen

The FCDO advises against all travel to the entirety of Yemen due to the volatile security conditions. The advice read: “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”

Assistance for British people is extremely limited in Yemen. British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.

The UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place.

If you choose to remain in Yemen, you should minimise movement around the country and within cities and towns, monitor developments in the local security situation and follow other precautions.