Thousands of people have returned home to the UK from the Middle East
A generic plane(Image: PA)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has shared regular updates for countries affected by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has now reached its seventh day. Flights carrying British nationals stranded in the Middle East have started touching down in the UK in recent days.
With 138,000 British citizens in the Middle East registered with the UK government, thousands are still stranded and searching for ways to return home as soon as possible. Airlines are urging passengers to keep their contact details updated so they can receive the latest flight updates.
Yesterday, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Airspace is still restricted across the Gulf but yesterday over 4,000 people returned to the UK on commercial flights, and our first charter flight is now heading back from Oman. We’ll keep working flat out with airlines and Gulf partners to help Brits get home.”
We have rounded up the latest Foreign Office advice for countries with updated travel guidance from the Foreign Office. This includes UAE, Cyprus and Egypt.
UAE
The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates. You should register your presence if you’re in the country to receive further updates. Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. You should stay away from from areas around security or military facilities.
It said: “If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.”
There are a limited number of commercial options available to leave the UAE, including by air from UAE and from Oman. If your presence in UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing – if you judge you can access these options safely. If you are traveling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.
The Foreign Office said: “Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.”
Cyprus
Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. You should monitor local and international media for the latest information and keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date.
On March 2, 2026, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration confirmed a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri. British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook. British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.
On Thursday, March 5, the FCDO issued updated guidance that read: “Terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
“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.”
While no restrictions on travel to Cyprus have been imposed, those with upcoming holidays are advised to stay in touch with their tour operators.
Egypt
There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances. You should stay away from areas around security or military facilities.
International borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice before trying to cross.
The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the Egypt-Libya border, North Sinai, parts of south Sinai, the Ismailiyah Governorate, parts of the Western Desert, the Hala’ib Triangle, and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid. Approximately one million British people travel to Egypt each year. Most visits are trouble-free.
Turkey
Guidance from the Foreign Office said: “If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border.
“You must state which border point you intend to use and provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). Also indicate whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.”
If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk. In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you. FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. British nationals should follow advice from local authorities, sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, monitor local and international media for the latest information and stay away from areas around security or military facilities.
The Foreign Office said: “If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.”
