The UK government has revised its travel warning for 18 countries in response to rising tensions following Israel’s recent military airstrikes on Iran. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued an alert on 26 October, urging travelers to reconsider their plans for several popular destinations.

Countries listed in the advisory include Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel, Libya, Iran, Lebanon and Syria. The FCDO has warned that ongoing hostilities in the region could escalate quickly and pose significant risks to travellers.

A particular concern about travel insurance was highlighted in the advisory, stating: “Your travel insurance may be invalidated if you travel contrary to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice.” Recent developments, including Iran’s launch of nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1 and Israel’s military actions against Iran on October 26, have contributed to the unstable situation.

Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about evolving conditions and are advised to follow FCDO’s updates via social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The advisory also states that individuals can sign up for email notifications for any updates on travel advice and highlights the importance of staying informed during crises abroad.

In addition to the regional alert, a separate warning was issued for Turkey following the terrorist attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries facility in Kahramankazan on October 23, which resulted in the death of 5 people and the injury of 22 people. Those near the incident are advised to listen to local authorities and follow developments through local media. Increased security measures at Turkish airports have led to longer waiting times at security checks.