The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for 13 countries, including popular holiday destinations Turkey and Egypt, due to ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East.
What the Latest FCDO Warning Says
On 27 October 2026, the FCDO added this wording under the “regional tensions” section of its travel advice pages:
“The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.”
British nationals planning to travel through the Middle East — or already there — should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other travel disruptions.
Practical Advice for Travellers
The FCDO recommends you:
- Read the official guidance on what to do if you’re affected by a crisis abroad
- Sign up for free FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
- Follow instructions from local authorities
- Monitor local and international media for airport and airspace updates (closures can happen at short notice)
- Stay away from security or military facilities
- Keep departure plans under review and ensure your passport and travel documents are valid
- If told to take shelter: stay indoors or go to the nearest safe building. An interior stairwell or room with few external walls offers better protection. Do not approach drone or missile fragments
Important: Travel insurance can be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
Countries With Updated Travel Advice
The regional tensions update currently appears on the FCDO pages for these 13 countries:
- Egypt
- Turkey
- Qatar
- Iran
- Israel
- Kuwait
- Palestine
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Yemen
- Syria
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
Current “Do Not Travel” Warnings
| Level of Advice | Countries |
|---|---|
| Against all travel to parts | Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia |
| Against all travel | Iran, Yemen, Syria |
Note: Not every restriction is caused by the current Middle East situation. Always check the full country page.
Country-specific highlights
- Turkey: Against all travel within 10 km of the Syria border.
- Egypt: Against all travel to North Sinai and within 20 km of the Libya border (except El Salloum).
- Yemen: Since July 2026 the Houthis have launched strikes on Saudi territory and shipping in the Red Sea. Further escalation remains possible at short notice.
Always Check the Official Source
Advice can change quickly. Before booking or travelling, visit the official FCDO pages:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?
Most of Turkey remains open to tourists, but the FCDO advises against all travel within 10 km of the Syrian border. Check the latest page before departure.
Does the Egypt travel warning affect Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada?
The main Red Sea resorts are generally not covered by the strongest warnings, but North Sinai and some border areas are. Always verify the exact map on the official Egypt page.
Will my travel insurance still cover me?
Usually not if you travel against FCDO advice. Check your policy carefully.
How often is FCDO advice updated?
It can be updated at any time, sometimes with very little notice. Email alerts are the fastest way to stay informed.
