The conflict between Israel and Iran has been going on since June 13, with no signs that either side will give in. Since June 15, the UK Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Israel and has updated its travel advice for all countries in the region, including those in the Middle East, parts of north Africa and some destinations in Europe.
On June 13, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear sites and senior military figures. Since then, there has been a continuous exchange of fire and both Israel and Iran have said their attacks would go on, raising the prospect of a protracted conflict.
Israel has declared a state of emergency, with residents warned to stay close to bomb shelters. It is reported that some 40,000 tourists are currently stranded in Israel. The UK is reported to be drawing up plans to assist its citizens in Israel.
The conflict has also affected other countries in the region, including tourist destinations such as the UAE, with the Foreign Office warning that ongoing hostilities in the wider region “could escalate quickly”. Domestic and international flights have been affected by closed airspaces and diversions in the wake of the conflict.
If you’re planning to visit the region, including Israel, Jordan, Dubai, Egypt or Morocco, here’s what you need to know.
• Read the latest on Israel-Iran here
What’s the latest advice on travel to the Middle East?
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for all of the countries in the region, including those in the Middle East, parts of North Africa and some in Europe. It warns that ongoing hostilities could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region, and advises travellers to monitor local news and its travel advice pages as the situation is fast-moving.
It has advised anyone in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories to let the UK government know by registering their presence to receive further updates. Separately, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism has announced plans to collect information from visitors in order to coordinate departures. Those in Israel should complete an online form to register for departures.
Israel: The fighting is ongoing, with further attacks from Iran expected. As of Sunday June 15, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
A state of emergency was declared in Israel on June 13, and Israeli airspace remains closed. British citizens in the country are advised to follow instructions from the Israeli government and check the Home Front Command website (available in Israel only) for the latest guidance. Those in the UK concerned about friends or family members in the area can call the Foreign Office on +44 (0) 207 008 5000.
With Israeli airspace closed, many tourists in Israel are looking at routes out via Jordan and Egypt. On June 16, the Foreign Office said: “International land border crossings to Jordan and Egypt are open, but could close without notice and timings are subject to change. Before you travel check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.”
Jordan-Israel border crossings are only open during specific hours (timings subject to change):
• Allenby/King Hussein Bridge: 8am to 2.30pm
• The Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing: 8.30am to 2.30pm
• The Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing: 8am to 8pm
The Egypt-Israel border crossing at Taba is open 24 hours, although this is also subject to change.
On June 16 it was reported that the Foreign Office will dispatch rapid response teams to assist travellers making their way from Israel to Jordan and Egypt by land.
• Israel travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
Lebanon: The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to parts of Lebanon including areas on the Israeli and Syrian borders. On Friday, June 13, it updated its travel advice to take in the risk of regional escalation, adding: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.”
Jordan: The Foreign Office warns against all travel to within 3km of the Syrian border. Jordan has closed its airspace twice amid the exchanges between Israel and Iran; however, it was reopened on June 15. The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Jordan on June 13, adding that “ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.”
The Foreign Office says that there are reports of military debris falling in various locations, with “travel disruption, including flight cancellations and airspace closures” possible at short notice. On June 16 air raid sirens were reported in Amman, indicating there may have been missiles, drones or rockets flying over Jordanian airspace.
Land border crossings are open but may also close at short notice, and there could be protests. Travellers in Jordan are advised to monitor local and international media and follow instructions of local authorities.
• Jordan travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
Egypt: Longstanding advice against all travel to North Sinai, which borders Israel, remains in place, as does the similarly enduring caution against non-essential travel to the Western Desert. There are other restrictions in effect and travellers should check the Foreign Office website for full details; however, there are no advisories against travel to tourist destinations including Cairo and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam and Hurghada.
The UK Foreign Office updated its Egypt travel advice on June 13 to add that ongoing hostilities could pose security risks for the wider region. It added that there have been reports of military debris falling in various locations and said “travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures may occur”.
For travellers stranded in Israel, land border crossings are open but may also close at short notice.
• Egypt travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
UAE and Oman: There are no advisories against travel to the emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, nor to its neighbour Oman. However, the Foreign Office updated its guidance on June 13 to note the regional risks. “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region,” it said, advising travellers to monitor media for the latest information and stay vigilant.
Iraq: There are widespread advisories in place restricting travel to Iraq (either against all travel, or all but essential travel — the latter being the case for Baghdad).
Are Egypt and Jordan safe for tourists?
The Foreign Office does not advise against travel to the vast majority of Jordan (except to within 3km of the border with Syria) or a number of popular Egyptian destinations (including Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada). However, it warns that terrorists are “very likely” to try to carry out attacks in Egypt and “likely” to do so in Jordan, so travellers should remain vigilant.
While the Foreign Office has not advised against travel to most of Egypt or Jordan, hostilities could escalate, posing security risks for the wider region.
Are there warnings against travel to any other parts of the Middle East and north Africa?
There is no Foreign Office advice against travel to Morocco, and no-go zones in Tunisia are largely limited to the borders with Libya and Algeria. However, as with the countries above, the Foreign Office has updated its advice for Morocco to add that hostilities could escalate at any time, posing security risks for the wider region.
• Morocco travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
• Tunisia travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
The Foreign Office warns against all travel to Iran, Syria and Yemen.
Are airlines still flying to the Middle East?
Israeli airspace is closed, so no commercial flights are entering or leaving Israel (as of Saturday, June 14). Jordan’s airspace reopened on June 15, after two closures. Airlines are still flying to the UAE, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco, although travellers should be aware that delays and cancellations could arise from any escalation of the conflict.
Can I cancel my Middle East flight if I don’t want to travel?
If your flight has been cancelled by your airline then you are entitled to a full refund. If you wish to give up your seat on a flight that is operating, your entitlement to a refund depends upon the conditions that came with your ticket. In general, only full-fare tickets, regardless of cabin class, come with that perk and the easiest way to check is to contact the airline.
Can I cancel my holiday to the Middle East?
Your travel insurance is likely to be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign Office.
Separately, unless Foreign Office advice affects the destination you’re travelling to, normal booking conditions apply. Any request to cancel your holiday is considered to be “disinclination to travel” and you cannot expect a refund under the Package Travel Regulations. Nevertheless, it’s worth sharing concerns with your operator in case they can offer any flexibility.
• Compensation for cancelled and delayed flights: everything you need to know
• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know
