The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus this month as safety warnings have been issued.

Ongoing conflict between Iran and the US and its allies has caused widespread airspace restrictions, resulting in major disruption to flights this month. The Middle East conflict has prompted the FCDO to advise against all but essential travel to several countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israel, Palestine, Qatar and Bahrain, but travel to other countries has been affected too.

With the Easter school holidays approaching, travel companies have reported that many families remain keen to get away, with growing demand for Mediterranean hotspots and long-haul destinations reachable without changing planes in countries affected by the war.

Airports in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are vital hubs for travel between Europe and the continents of Asia and Australia, but the widespread airspace restrictions means flights may be disrupted.

Turkey, Dubai and Cyprus are among some of the most popular holiday destinations affected by the ongoing conflict and have all been given updated travel advice from the FCDO this month. Here’s the latest advice that holidaymakers need to know.

Turkey

The FCDO is currently advising against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to “fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism, and those travelling against this advice risk their travel insurance being invalidated.

The travel warning only applies to the Turkey-Syria border, so Brits can still visit other parts of Turkey and won’t be in breach of FCDO advice.

The FCDO does warn that there is a “high threat” of terrorist attacks in Turkey and urges Brits to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

The FCDO said: “Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. See Regional risks for details about the areas in south-east Turkey where FCDO advises against travel.

“There have been several attacks involving knives, firearms and explosives. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:

• public buildings
• places of worship
• airports
• large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions.”

Dubai

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, which includes popular holiday hotspot Dubai, due to the ongoing conflict.

Commercial flights have resumed to the UK from the UAE, but the FCDO has paused its ‘register your interest in flights from UAE’ scheme, so any Brits still in the UAE who need to get back are advised to check availability with commercial airlines. Brits can still register their presence in the UAE to receive further updates.

In its latest advice, the FCDO said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities and US or Israeli  facilities and institutions.

“Iran continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, financial institutions, oil production sites, water systems, and airports. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.”

Cyprus

The FCDO is not currently advising against travel to Cyprus, but Brits have been warned of security risks in the country and travel disruption.

The FCDO said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. British nationals should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad – GOV.UK. This includes 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”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date.”

Events in the Middle East have led to “heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely” in Cyprus, so Brits are urged to avoid any protests, political gatherings or marches, and to leave the area if one develops. Terrorist attacks also “cannot be ruled out” in Cyprus, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

If you choose to travel, the FCDO recommends researching your destination and getting appropriate travel insurance which covers your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.