It is now advising against all travel to some Middle Eastern countries
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for popular holiday destinations following the joint US-Israeli military action against Iran. It is now advising against all travel to some Middle Eastern countries, while nationals in other states are being told to “shelter in place.”
Travellers have now been warned against all travel to Israel, Palestine and Iran. Any nationals who are already in Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates, have been told to register their Prescence with the UK Government.
A statement by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.
“British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”
British nationals in certain countries, such as Kuwait, the UAE, Oman and Qatar, are being advised to “shelter in place.” Any nationals in Qatar are being told to “stay at home.”
“The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates. Register your presence if you’re in the United Arab Emirates (Warnings and insurance). Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” said a statement.
Their update comes after US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning, in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike, against the Tehran government. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian declared the killing of the Supreme Leader of Iran an “act of war against Muslims.”
Iran has retaliated by firing ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, in retaliation to US-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday.
Dubai, which is a popular holiday destination for British nationals, has also suffered damage to it’s main airport – the busiest for passenger traffic – as well as to two luxury hotels. Four people were injured in the Dubai International Airport incident. A drone targeting Zayed International Airport, in Abu Dhabi, was intercepted, with fallen debris killing one person.
The UK is on “high-alert” for a potential terrorist attack, as the Defence Secretary considers raising the threat level, amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Defence Secretary John Healey told The Telegraph that the government is in discussions over raising the UK’s terrorist threat level, which is is currently “substantial”, even higher. There are two more levels above this – “severe” or “critical”.
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