After the mounting tensions in the Middle East, the FCDO have issued advice for travellers
As tensions continue to rise across the Middle East, holidaymakers who have already booked their flights or are looking to travel in the next few weeks are being warned to keep advised on travel updates.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been regularly updating its foreign travel advice section, providing updates on countries that Brits should be cautious of if deciding to travel there. Over the last couple days, over 20 countries have received updates. Today, (March 4), three more countries received updated travel advice: Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.
If your flight’s been cancelled by the airline, however long before it was due to take off, you have a legal right to choose between eithr a refund for the flight that was cancelled or an alternative flight (airlines call this re-routing) to your destination. If you do choose to travel against their advice, your travel insurance could be invalidated.
Anybody looking to travel should regularly keep themselves updated with the latest travel advice by the FCDO. These updates are current at the time of publication.
Thailand
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border: Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province and,the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province.
The FCDO states that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against their advice. They advise against all but essential travel to Thailand. For many Brits flying to Thailand requires a stop over in the Middle East and with rising tensions and esclation, this has caused major disruptions to travel, including airspace closures, delays or cancelled flights.
The FCDO added: ‘In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in early December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended’.
Saudi Arabia
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Saudi Arabia. Due to reports of missile and drone activity in the region, they advise British nationals to stay inside and exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia. . If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter
Regional escalation is a security risk for travellers and has also led to travel disruptions in the area. Travellers are advised to stay away from military or security facilities.
Etihad Airways has cancelled all flights from Abu Dhabi until 10 am, Thursday, March 5.
Qatar
The FCDO has advised Brits already in Qatar to let the UK Government know that they’re there by registering their presence for further updates. Escalation in the region has led to serious disruptions with Qatar Airways suspending all flights to and from Doha after the closure of Qatari airspace.
Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. Updates will be provided on the Qatar Airways page.
The FCDO implores Brits to follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter.
The FCDO has called on British citizens presently in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, or United Arab Emirates to register their whereabouts to receive direct updates regarding FCDO advice. UK nationals in impacted countries should also subscribe to FCDO alerts, keep abreast of local guidance, and reach out to their travel insurer and airline for further details.
Countries where the FCDO advises against ALL travel (or parts of it)
- Afghanistan
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Egypt
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Turkey
- Yemen
Countries where the FCDO advises against all but ESSENTIAL travel (or parts of it)
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
Countries with other advice (Check detailed guidance)
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