The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for 16 countries across the Middle East and surrounding region, warning that the risk of sudden escalation is high. The update was issued on the afternoon of 27 October 2026 and was reported on 28 October.

The countries covered are Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait, Palestine, Israel, Syria and Iran. The updated wording states: The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions.

Flights and airspace disruption

The advice notes strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure. British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East are warned to be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions at short notice, and to keep departure plans under review.

Check the official advice

Travellers are urged to follow local authority instructions, monitor news reports, sign up for travel advice alerts and check airport and airspace updates. For Iran specifically, the FCDO advises against all travel, and travellers going against such advice are warned that travel insurance may be invalidated. Anyone planning travel should check the official FCDO advice for their destination, as the situation can change quickly.