The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a significant update to its travel guidance, affecting 18 countries across the Middle East and Europe. The new advice, published on the evening of Wednesday, 15 January 2026, cites a 'heightened risk of regional tension' following threats of airstrikes by the US and Iran.
Essential Travel Only Advised for Israel
In the most stringent update, the FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Israel. Furthermore, it continues to recommend against all travel to parts of Israel and Palestine. The specific areas Britons are told to avoid include Gaza, areas within 500 metres of the Gaza border, Northern Israel, and the Occupied Golan Heights.
The government also warned against attempting to enter the Golan Heights from Syria and advised avoiding the Sheba'a Farms and Ghajjar areas. 'If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased, there is still a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel,' the FCDO statement read.
Precautions for Popular Holiday Destinations
While not advising against travel to several popular destinations, the FCDO has urged British nationals to 'take sensible precautions' when visiting countries in the broader region. This warning impacts millions of UK holidaymakers.
Key destinations affected include:
- Egypt, which welcomes around one million British tourists annually.
- Türkiye, visited by approximately 4.5 million Britons each year.
- The United Arab Emirates, including its major cities Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Other nations where visitors should exercise increased caution are Cyprus, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq. The FCDO added that 'escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.'
Full List of Countries with Updated Warnings
The travel advice updates apply to the following 18 countries as of 15 January 2026:
UAE, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, Libya, Israel, Palestine.
The FCDO advises British citizens travelling to any of these locations to monitor local and international media closely, sign up for FCDO travel advice alerts, and follow the instructions of local authorities. The updated guidance follows days of violent protests in Iran, which began over economic issues and the falling value of the Iranian currency, and the subsequent exchange of threats between Iranian and US authorities.
