The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance for several countries across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to escalate.
The conflict began on February 28, 2026, and has intensified over the past days, prompting the FCDO to review safety guidance for 21 countries, most of them located in the Middle East.
Although the fighting is centered around the Persian Gulf region, the wider escalation has affected neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, particularly due to reported attacks involving Iranian drones targeting U.S. assets in the region.
Turkey
According to the FCDO, most of Turkey remains safe for travel, with the majority of the country still classified under normal travel conditions.
However, the British government advises against all travel within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border due to ongoing fighting and an increased risk of terrorism.
The FCDO also notes that while 24-hour consular support is available by phone or online, in-person assistance may be limited in areas where travel is strongly discouraged.
Greece
There are currently no travel warnings in place for Greece, according to the latest update from the FCDO.
An advisory issued on March 5 confirmed the removal of previous information related to mass demonstrations and disruptions to public services that occurred on February 28.
Despite the positive assessment, the FCDO reminds travelers that no destination can ever be guaranteed completely safe, urging visitors to stay informed through official travel advice channels.
Cyprus
Similarly, no “do not travel” warning has been issued for Cyprus, though the FCDO stresses that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.
The advisory follows a suspected drone incident at RAF Akrotiri, the British military base in Cyprus, on March 2.
British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas are advised to follow instructions issued by the British Bases Cyprus administration, while those in the Republic of Cyprus should comply with guidance from local authorities.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, including the city of Dubai, citing security risks linked to regional escalation.
Officials warned that the conflict could lead to security threats and travel disruptions.
British citizens already in the UAE are advised to avoid areas near security or military facilities and to follow instructions from local authorities, including seeking shelter if required.
In addition, the UK government confirmed that dependants of British Embassy staff in the UAE have been temporarily withdrawn as a precaution, although embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai remain fully operational.
Travelers planning to exit the UAE via Saudi Arabia with emergency travel documents or passports with less than six months validity have been advised to contact British embassy helplines for assistance.
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Tags: UK Foreign Office, FCDO travel advice, Turkey travel warning, Greece travel update, Cyprus security alert, UAE travel advice, Dubai travel warning, Middle East tensions, Iran Israel conflict, RAF Akrotiri drone incident