The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for ten countries across the Middle East and Asia following heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. Tourists and residents are urged to exercise increased caution amid ongoing hostilities.
The affected countries include Thailand, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Israel, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The updates focus on regional escalation and options for safely leaving these countries.
Specifically, the FCDO highlighted key land border crossings from Kuwait into Saudi Arabia, which remain open as of 3 March. Travelers must ensure any vehicles used are fully owned and registered in their name. For those relying on commercial transport, current airline and tour operator updates, as well as local government instructions and border status, should be closely monitored.
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The advice underscores the importance of having adequate emergency supplies, essential medications, and up-to-date travel documents, including necessary visas. Travel within or departing these countries carries inherent risks and must be carefully evaluated.
For those traveling into Saudi Arabia by road, it is critical to meet all entry requirements to avoid denial of entry. In Saudi Arabia, visitors should comply fully with local authorities’ directives, especially if instructed to shelter indoors or in designated safe areas, ideally in interior rooms away from windows.
In Israel, the Ministry of Tourism is providing shuttle buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border with Egypt for British tourists holding B2 tourist visas. British nationals residing in Israel or holding dual nationality are not eligible for this service. A British Embassy team is available on the Egyptian side to assist with onward travel to Sharm El-Sheikh Airport.
Crossing the Taba border into Egypt requires payment of a ‘Sinai Tax’ of $25 USD per person, payable in cash, exempting travelers from an entry visa for up to 15 days within the Sinai Peninsula. Longer stays or travel beyond Sinai, including flights from mainland Egypt, require an entry visa costing $30 USD and a letter of guarantee available locally for an additional $25 USD. It is advised that travelers bring sufficient US dollars beforehand since no USD-dispensing ATMs are available at Taba.
Limited commercial flights are operating out of the UAE and Oman, but non-essential travel is discouraged. Similar caution is advised in Qatar, where flights remain restricted, and travelers should depart if safe.
Airspace closures and disruptions are widespread due to the regional conflict, affecting flights well beyond the Middle East. Jordanian airspace has been specifically impacted, and the FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to Jordan and prohibits travel near the Syrian border.
Israel and Palestinian border crossings, including the Taba crossing to Egypt, could close without warning. Travelers should consult updated local guidance and FCDO travel advice before attempting to cross any international borders in these areas.
In summary, the FCDO urges UK travelers to stay informed, prepare for possible disruptions, and prioritize personal safety while navigating this volatile situation.