Foreign Office changes travel advice for 10 countries – full list | Travel News | Travel

The Foreign Office (FCDO) has recently changed its travel advice for 10 countries for Britons abroad or thinking of travelling outside of the UK. As tensions esculate in the Middle East many airlines have been forced to either cancel or reroute flights due to airspace closures and safety concerns.

Between March 3 and March 5 the FCDO amended travel guidance for Thailand, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Israel, Bahrain and Kuwait. The FCDO has « updated information about regional escalation and leaving » the countries in question. As the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran continues to unfold across the Middle East, concerns about the safety of travelling to these 10 countries have grown.

The FCDO says The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is providing shuttle buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border (Egypt). British tourists that entered on a B2 tourist visa are eligible to register for this service.

British Nationals who are resident in Israel or are dual Israeli nationals are not eligible for this service. Brits should register their presence in Israel with the UK Government.

A British Embassy team is present on the Egyptian side of the Taba border to point British Nationals to options for onward travel to Sharm El-Sheikh Airport.

Closures of airspace over large parts of the region mean thousands of flights have been cancelled. As of Thursday (March 5), the current status for the entire United Arab Emirates is « advise against all but essential travel ».

The government agency is advising its citizens in the area to register their presence and to comply with guidance from local authorities, while staying updated through local and international media for the latest developments.

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is providing shuttle buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border (Egypt). British tourists that entered on a B2 tourist visa are eligible to register for this service.

British Nationals who are resident in Israel or are dual Israeli nationals are not eligible for this service.

A British Embassy team is present on the Egyptian side of the Taba border to point British Nationals to options for onward travel to Sharm El-Sheikh Airport.

Due to the ongoing security situation, FCDO have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw some of their staff and their dependents from Bahrain. Their Embassy continues to operate.

If you judge it is safe to leave Kuwait the following land border crossings into Saudi Arabia are currently open as of March 3:

• Al Salmi / Ar – Ruqi
• Al Nuwaisib / Al -Khafji

The FCDO said:  » If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name.

« If you plan to use commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.

« Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Kuwait is at your own risk.

« Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel. »

The FCDO said: « 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. »#

A limited flights are now operating in Qatar and Brit holidaymakers should leave if it is safe to do so.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East have led to significant travel disruptions, including airspace closures and widespread flight delays and cancellations.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.

The advises against all but essential travel to Jordan, and all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria. Its airspace has been affected by the regional conflict.

The Jordanian authorities may announce closures of airspace with little notice. People should contact their airline before travelling.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

The government agency also advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the Faiyum Governorate
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
• the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
• the White Desert and Black Desert
• the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga

It is not advised to travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

If you judge it is safe to do so and plan to use commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.