The UK government has revised its travel advisory for 18 countries in response to escalating tensions following Israel’s recent military airstrikes against Iran. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued the warning on October 26, urging travellers to reconsider their plans for several popular destinations.

Among the countries listed in the advisory are Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, The Occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel, Libya, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria. The FCDO cautioned that ongoing hostilities in the region could quickly escalate, posing significant risks for travellers.

The advisory highlighted a particular concern for travel insurance, stating, “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.” Recent developments, including Iran’s launch of approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1 and Israel’s military actions against Iran on October 26, have contributed to the precarious situation.

Travellers are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving circumstances and are advised to monitor updates from the FCDO through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The advisory also notes that individuals can sign up for email notifications for any updates on travel advice, emphasising the importance of staying informed during crises abroad.

In addition to the regional alert, a separate advisory has been issued for Turkey following a terrorist attack on October 23 at the Turkish Aerospace Industries facility in Kahramankazan, which resulted in five fatalities and 22 injuries. Those in proximity to the incident are advised to heed local authorities and stay updated via local media. Increased security measures at Turkish airports have been implemented, leading to longer wait times at security checks.