The Foreign Office has issued updates for eight countries amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

As tensions rise in the Middle East, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has continued to update its travel advice for Brits, with major disruptions worldwide. The office has advised “against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates”, while other countries also have a travel ban or stark warnings in place.

In the latest wave of FCDO updates, travel guidance was issued for eight countries over the weekend, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Palestine, Israel, Kuwait, Jordan and Peru. The updated advice, still current as of Monday, 9 March, included “regional escalations” and “risks of terrorism” from several countries amid the conflict.

In Oman, the Foreign Office provided new information on Brits returning to the UK and travel disruption. On Sunday, 8 March, they stated that “commercial flights are operating from Muscat to the UK”, and any Brits still in Oman who need to return home should contact airlines directly.

The new advice added: “The Omani authorities are asking travellers only to travel to the airport when they have a confirmed onward flight. Any British nationals in Oman who need consular support can contact us 24/7 by calling +968 2460 9000.”

On the same day, the office updated information for Bahrain on “regional escalations, extending your visa, public gatherings, security sites and incidents”. The FCDO “advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain”, and has stated that any Brits in the country should let the UK government know and register their presence, while also “staying away from areas around security or military facilities.”

On Saturday, 7 March, the FCDO shared information on how to register interest in flights home from the United Arab Emirates. It stated: “If you have had travel plans disrupted, you can register your interest in UK government flights from the United Arab Emirates.”

The office also outlined that there are a “limited number of commercial options available, including by air from the UAE and from Oman.” The UAE currently has a strict “all but essential travel” warning in place from the FCDO amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

For Palestine and Israel, the office updated its information on commercial travel options over the weekend, with the Ministry of Transport confirming on Sunday, 8 March, that Ben Gurion Airport will begin gradually operating outbound flights. There is currently a warning “against all travel to Israel and Palestine.”

For Kuwait and Jordan, the FCDO updated its warning about the “risks from terrorism in the context of regional escalation”. They stated: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”

The office added that, “Iran-aligned militia groups have threatened to target US interests across the region, and have claimed attacks in Jordan and Iraq”. They said that these groups are likely to “continue to carry out these attacks” in Kuwait and Jordan, and noted that “US bases in Kuwait have also been hit by missile and drone fire”.

The office stated that terrorist attacks are likely to be carried out in tourist hotspots such as hotels, shopping malls, beaches, restaurants, sightseeing spots, border crossings and mosques. This was the case before the recent regional escalation, as the FCDO outlines.

There is currently a warning “against all travel to parts of Jordan”. Meanwhile, the FCDO advises “against all but essential travel to Kuwait.”

For Peru, an update was issued on Saturday, 7 March, with a “State of Emergency in place” amid a natural gas shortage. The FCDO said: “Emergency measures are in place following a rupture of the Camisea gas pipeline and the resultant natural gas shortage. Expect disruption and a shortage of natural gas for vehicles (GNV).”

There is a warning to avoid large gatherings and protests, with the office adding that the Peruvian Government announced temporary measures for Lima and Callao. As it stands, the FCDO “advises against all but essential travel to parts of Peru”.

The above travel advice remains current as of Monday, 9 March, but as the conflict escalates, it’s best to check the Foreign Office website regularly for any updates that could affect your travel. You can also visit the Foreign Office website for information on travel restrictions for each country.

Have you been impacted by travel disruptions? Email webtravel@reachplc.com