UK Foreign Office issues fresh alert for 18 countries including European holiday hotspots

The UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to Israel, and it has issued warnings for travel to several other countries — including holiday hotspots popular with British tourists.

In updates issued on Wednesday evening for at least 18 countries, the FCDO said there is ‘a heightened risk of regional tension’ amid threats by the US and Iran to carry out airstrikes in the region following days of violence in Iran.

The FCDO said it is advising against non-essential travel to Israel, and is continuing to advise against all travel to some parts of Israel and Palestine.

While it is not advising against travel to the UAE, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Oman, Jordan and Qatar, it said British citizens visiting countries in the Middle East should ‘take sensible precautions’.

It added: ‘Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.’

The precautions Brits are advised to take include:

• Reading UK government advice on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad
• Sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• Monitor local and international media for the latest information
• Sign up for local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities

This advice follows threats by Iran and the US to carry out air strikes in the region following multiple days of violent and deadly protests, which began over the economy and the freefall in value of the Iranian currency.

Which other popular holiday spots are affected?

Other popular European holiday spots have been issued with the same warning, including Egypt, which welcomes one million British tourists annually.

Türkiye is also on the list, so the 4.5 million British tourists who visit each year should be prepared to take precautions.

Those travelling to the UAE will also need to heed this warning when visiting any of its cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Other countries where visitors should take precautions are Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq and Libya.

Where is the FCDO advising against all travel to?

The FCDO is now advising against all travel to parts of Israel and Palestine.

The specific areas in this region the government doesn’t want you to visit include Gaza, areas within 500 metres of the Gaza border, Northern Israel and the Occupied Golan Heights.

It added that you should not attempt to enter the occupied Golan Heights through Syria, and you should also avoid Sheba’a Farms and Ghajja.

The FCDO said: ‘If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased, there is still a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel.’

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