The Foreign Office has advised against travel to certain countries.
Mia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Reporter and Courtney Eales
09:31, 12 Mar 2026
There’s advice for anyone going to Egypt(Image: murat4art via Getty Images)
At the start of this month, the UK Government issued guidance advising British citizens in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to register their whereabouts. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is then able to send them direct updates.
There are roughly 300,000 British nationals in the region, of which over 170,000 have registered their presence with the FCDO. The Foreign Office has been revising its travel guidance for Middle Eastern countries and those in the vicinity, as the ongoing conflict continues to cause significant disruption.
The Government stated it is in discussions with commercial operators and regional countries regarding the arrangement of additional flights, as regional airspace has now partially reopened.
One of the most recent updates from the UK Foreign Office relates to entry into Egypt from Jordan.
Guidance stated: “Ferry services operate between Aqaba, Jordan and Taba Heights and Nuweiba in Egypt. Contact ferry operators directly for schedules and availability. Please check travel advice for Jordan for the latest on exit requirements.
“If your stay in Sinai will exceed 15 days, or you are planning to travel in Egypt beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including to fly from mainland airports, for example Cairo or Hurghada, you will need an entry visa”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The statement continued: “If entering at Taba Heights, this costs 35 US dollars. If entering at Nuweiba, this costs 30 US dollars. Visas can be purchased at the port terminals. Travellers should obtain USD in cash before travelling given payments are often required in cash.”
Currently, the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to certain regions of Egypt. Ignoring advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office could invalidate your travel insurance.
There is an increased risk of regional tension which could result in travel disruption and other unforeseen consequences. The Foreign Office stated: “British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.”
These precautions include:
Subscribing to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.
Keeping an eye on local and international media for the latest updates.
Signing up to local information alerts/resources and following the instructions of the local authorities.
Avoiding areas surrounding security or military facilities.
The Foreign Office strongly advises against all travel within a 20km radius of the Egypt-Libya border, with the exception of the town of El Salloum, where it recommends only essential travel.
Active military operations targeting criminal activity are ongoing in this area.
It recommends against all travel to North Sinai Governate owing to ongoing criminal activity and terrorist attacks targeting police and security forces that have led to fatalities.
The complete list of areas the FCDO advises against travelling to can be found here.
Many Brits have been left stranded in Dubai after Israel and the US’ attacks on Iran. Here’s all the latest guidance from airlines
A 12 year old Brit, Ahmad Ali, was stranded alone in Dubai for three nights on his return to the UK from Pakistan. Yesterday, he finally made it back home(Image: PA)
Many Brits are still left stranded in the Middle East as Iran’s counter attacks continue.
Brits and Europeans from other nations are fearing being caught in the crossfire after the Iranian regime let loose at neighbouring nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hundreds of people stranded abroad have said they are seeing and hearing bombs rain down near their accommodation, with some advised on ways to board up their windows to prevent them shattering in the event of an explosion.
An explosion was heard close to the US consulate building in Dubai on Tuesday night, with a fire breaking out. There were also reports of explosions and air raid sirens going off in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and air raid sirens sounding in Kuwait city. Iran is continuing strikes in the Middle East after US-Israeli military action started at the weekend.
Brits stuck in the Middle East and those with holidays booked to tourist hotspots like Dubai are now scrambling for answers from airlines on what to do next.
After residents received a state-wide warning to remain vigilant and remind renters of basement bunkers, many British immigrants and visitors in Dubai are facing a new challenge – how to leave and return safely home.
Emirates says on its website: “All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on March 4, due to airspace closures across the region.
“Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on March 3 and 4. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.
“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for these flights. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”
Manchester Evening News reports that, overall, Emirates is now running 45 flights scheduled from Dubai for today, with seven returning Brits to the UK.
Qatar Airways
Yesterday morning (March 3), Qatar Airways stated flights were still “temporarily suspended”. Taking to X (Twitter), the official account wrote: “Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace”.
They added that the next update will be posted on March 6, 0900 Doha time (0600 UTC) and that passengers should watch the official app or website for the latest flight information.
The UK government has confirmed that around 300,000 British nationals are currently in Gulf countries affected by the escalating conflict. Of those, 102,000 have registered their presence with the Foreign Office as officials draw up contingency plans, including the possibility of a large-scale evacuation.
Sir Keir Starmer said the government is “looking at all options to support our people”, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that detailed preparations are under way. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register online and monitor official travel advice, which could change rapidly.
British Airways
Speaking to the Mirror, British Airways said: “We’re continuing to do everything we can to support customers and colleagues in the region and are in regular contact with them”.
“We currently remain unable to operate flights from destinations including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Amman, and Tel Aviv. We’re aware that a number of our customers are now in Oman, where the airspace is currently open. Working with the relevant authorities, we’ve been able to schedule a flight from Muscat to London, departing at 02:30 local time on March 5. Existing customers who are in Oman can let us know they wish to travel on this flight via a dedicated phone line: +44 203 467 3854”.
The advised: “Customers should continue to follow the latest safety advice from local government and the Foreign Office. Customers are advised NOT to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking”. They added that “flights to Cairo, Riyadh, and Jeddah continue to operate as normal”.
The airline went on, saying: “We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change the date of their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for a different date for free. Customers travelling to these destinations in the coming days can also change their booking to a different route with no change fee but will need to pay the fare difference,” ended BA.com.
British Airways has also said: “If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv you can change your flight free of charge up to and including 29 March. Customers travelling up to and including March 4 may also request a full refund”. Those concerned have been recommended to keep up with the latest on the FCDO and their airline/travel provider websites for real-time guidance.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air states: “The airline is now suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman up to and including Sunday, March 15 (previously March 7), pending structural schedule changes reflecting reduced demand. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will recommence as planned from March 8 inclusive”.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic says that some flights were resumed yesterday between London Heathrow Airport, Dubai and Riyadh.
A spokesperson shared: “The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority, and our operation is subject to ongoing assessments”
“We are contacting customers regarding their travel arrangements. We’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding and recommend that all customers due to travel to or from Dubai and Riyadh over the next 48 hours check the status of their flight on virginatlantic.com before going to the airport.
“We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East with ongoing dynamic assessments and active changes to our flight routings based on the latest information and guidance, if required”. These are the ongoing flights now resumed:
VS400 London Heathrow – Dubai, Tuesday March 3
VS242 London Heathrow – Riyadh, Tuesday March 3
VS401 Dubai – London Heathrow, Wednesday March 4
VS243 Riyadh – London Heathrow, Wednesday March 4
The airline ewill not fly over Iran and flights “to India and Maldives may experience slightly longer flight times,” says a recent update. A spokesperson tells the Mirror: “All flights will carry appropriate fuel to allow for short notice re-routing” and that “all cancellations are being continuously updated”.
“To provide greater flexibility for customers with affected upcoming travel plans, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holidays has introduced flexible booking options, which remain under constant review. For full details and contact information for customer teams please see https://www.virginatlantic.com/travel-news/middle-east-airspace”.
“Virgin Atlantic customers with a cancelled flight who are away from home for longer than planned will have all reasonable expenses, accommodation and transport covered. They are asked to submit all receipts via our website”.
Ethiad
Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways have continued to suspend their commercial flights and are currently only operating a small number of repatriation flights, Manchester Evening News reports.
An Emirates flight from Dubai and a Qatar Airways departure from Doha landed at Manchester Airport this morning. In total, Emirates is operating seven flights from Dubai to the UK while Etihad has two Abu Dhabi departures.
The airline said on Wednesday that Etihad’s flights to and from Dubai are suspended until at least Friday morning. All scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 2pm UAE time on Thursday. The airline has warned travellers to only head to the airport if contacted directly by Etihad.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is constantly updating its advice as the situation changes in the Middle East and has now issued guidance for stranded Brits trying to get home
12:36, 04 Mar 2026Updated 12:38, 04 Mar 2026
While flight cancellations are ongoing some services from the Middle East are departing(Image: Gian Mattia D’Alberto/LaPresse/Shutterstock )
In the past few days, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has had to update its advice several times in the wake of the constantly changing situation in the Middle East.
An estimated 132,000 Brits have registered their presence in the Middle East with the FCDO, and many will be looking to leave the area and return to the UK as soon as its safe.
Last night, the FCDO took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a travel update for Brits currently in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The updates offer advice to Brits looking to leave the above countries, including which routes to avoid when travelling by road, and the latest situation with commercial air flights. It also updated information on the Taba Border Crossing, with the updated advice page stating: “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.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
For Brits in the UAE, including Dubai, the FCDO has updated its advice on leaving the country. Its updated information says: “There are a limited number of commercial options available, 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.
“Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel. If you are traveling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.
“Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of UAE 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.”
Some countries also have a Regional Risks section which includes specific advice on which areas should be avoided and the alternatives. However, the FCDO is careful to state that all travel in or out of these countries is still at the individual’s own risk. Brits should still ensure they follow the advice of local authorities and get up to date information before setting off.
While travel between the UK and the Middle East is still severely disrupted, some flights have been running on limited routes to bring Brits home from Dubai since yesterday (March 3).
Emirates and Etihad have been operating a very limited service, and Virgin Atlantic confirmed it is resuming services from Dubai and Riyadh to London-Heathrow.
Brits who are still in the Middle East should register their presence on the FCDO website as this will ensure they get the latest Foreign Office advice. Only UK passport holders can register for this service.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Passengers have been evacuated from Paphos International Airport in Cyprus amid reports of an unidentified drone flying into its airspace. Here are the latest updates from airlines with flights to the island.
14:28, 02 Mar 2026Updated 15:50, 02 Mar 2026
Paphos Airport was evacuated this morning – FILE PHOTO(Image: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Paphos International Airport in Cyprus ordered an ‘immediate and total evacuation’ this morning (March 2) amid reports that an unidentified drone had been flown into its restricted airspace.
Some European airlines including easyJet have already been cancelling their flights to Larnaca International Airport, a major hub for package holidays, after a drone strike hit the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Cyprus is a popular destination for Brits, with over 1.3 million visiting each year, and with the busy Easter period on the way, many holidaymakers may be wondering how this will affect their travel plans. Around 60 flights have been cancelled to the island today, and airlines will be closely monitoring the situation in order to make a decision on resuming flights in the coming days and weeks.
Check out updates from airlines including British Airways and easyJet below. Travellers to the island should also keep up to date with FCDO advice for Cyprus, as the situation is likely to change quickly.
British Airways (BA)
BA said in its latest statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East. We understand it is a difficult time for customers in affected destinations and we are in contact with them to offer reassurance and support. Safety is our top priority and we will only operate a flight if it is safe to do so.”
It added: “We have cancelled flights to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv up to and including the 05 March and today’s Larnaca service [March 2].
“We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for free.
“We are advising customers to check their flight status on BA.com for the latest updates before travelling to the airport due to the evolving situation.”
EasyJet
EasyJet has been advising passengers on X (formerly Twitter) to check its Flight Tracker for the latest information on whether their Cyprus flight will be delayed or cancelled.
An easyJet spokesperson told The Express: “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating.
“Flights from 3 March are currently operating as planned but we would advise customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information.
“We are doing all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and are providing options for rebooking including on other airlines or a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.”
TUI
A TUI spokesperson said: “The safety of our customers is our highest priority, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the middle east and surrounding regions. We are currently operating our Cyprus program as planned, but as this is an evolving situation, that could be subject to change.” Paphos and Larnaca airport shows TUI flights scheduled from Wednesday onwards, with no cancellations or delays showing at the time of writing.
TUI has also previously released a statement for customers due to fly out to the UAE or Qatar up to and including March 8, advising: “our pre-travel team will be in contact with you ahead of your departure date.” It also advises: “We are working though bookings in date order and will call you to discuss your options. However, if you would prefer, please call us on 0203 451 2688.” Should the current situation extend to Cyprus, it’s likely the process would be the same.
Jet2 flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3 and 4) are not yet showing as cancelled or delayed on the Paphos Airport website. Customers who have asked for advice via Jet2’s official X account have been advised to contact the Jet2 pre-travel team via Whatsapp to discuss their options.
Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
