By Basant El-Faramawy
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated travel advice for 16 countries in and around the Middle East, warning that the region remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high.
Updated advice for 16 nations
The fresh warnings were applied on Tuesday, 27 October, to the travel advice pages for Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Palestine and Saudi Arabia. The FCDO stated that since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has indicated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, and there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.
Potential flight cancellations and airspace closures
British nationals in or planning to travel through the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions, the FCDO said. Travellers are advised to read the crisis abroad page, sign up for email alerts, follow local authority advice, and monitor local and international media for updates on airports and airspace that could close at short notice.
Yemen and Saudi Arabia face heightened risk
The FCDO page for Yemen notes that since July 2026, Iranian-backed Houthi forces have launched air strikes against Saudi territory and Saudi shipping vessels in the Red Sea, with an ongoing risk of further military escalation. For Saudi Arabia, the advice highlights a deadly attack on King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and suggests British nationals consider leaving the country by land as an alternative to airports.
Pakistan-specific warnings
Pakistan’s travel advice adds that global supply routes could affect fuel availability and pricing, potentially causing transport disruption. It also notes an ongoing risk of terrorism and urges caution around protests, demonstrations, security checkpoints, tourist sites, and religious gatherings, particularly in urban areas.
