UK Government Travel Advice 2026: Middle East Conflict Updates, ETA Rules & Stranded Brits
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued urgent travel updates for 2026 as the Middle East conflict escalates and new border rules come into effect. With over 200,000 British nationals potentially at risk in the Gulf region, dozens of countries now have updated travel warnings, while a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has been fully enforced since February 25, 2026 . Here is everything UK travellers need to know.
UK Travel Advice 2026: Key Updates at a Glance
| Update | Details | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East Conflict | 21 countries have updated travel advice; "Do Not Travel" warnings issued for multiple nations | March 2026 |
| Stranded Britons | Estimated 200,000+ British nationals in region; 138,000+ registered with FCDO | March 2026 |
| ETA System Enforced | All visitors to UK (except British/Irish citizens) need ETA; dual nationals must use British passport | February 25, 2026 |
| Rescue Flights | Government-chartered flights operating from Oman; commercial services resuming gradually | March 2026 |
FCDO Travel Advice: Middle East Conflict March 2026
The US-Israeli war with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has triggered the most significant update to UK travel advice in years. The FCDO has issued warnings for 21 countries across the Middle East and beyond .
"Do Not Travel" Countries
The FCDO currently advises against all travel to the following countries :
| Country | Latest Update |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | All travel advised against |
| Armenia | All travel advised against |
| Azerbaijan | All travel advised against |
| Egypt | All travel advised against |
| Iran | All travel advised against (in place since 2020, reinforced) |
| Iraq | All travel advised against |
| Israel | All travel advised against |
| Jordan | All travel advised against |
| Pakistan | All travel advised against |
| Palestine | All travel advised against |
| Saudi Arabia | All travel advised against (except limited essential travel to Eastern/Riyadh Provinces) |
| Syria | All travel advised against |
| Turkey | All travel advised against; border crossing from Iran requires FCDO facilitation |
| Yemen | All travel advised against |
"All But Essential Travel" Countries
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to :
Bahrain
Kuwait
Qatar
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Immediate Safety Instructions
For British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, the FCDO has issued urgent instructions to "immediately shelter in place" :
"Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities."
Country-by-Country Updates: What Travellers Need to Know
Saudi Arabia
The FCDO now advises against all travel to Saudi Arabia. However, essential travel may still be permitted to Eastern Province and Riyadh Province, although the government does not encourage it. There is an especially urgent warning against travelling within 10 kilometres of Saudi Arabia's border with Yemen due to "rising security concerns" .
Lebanon
Travel is advised against for several areas of Beirut and its southern suburbs, although Route 51 connecting central Beirut to Rafic International Airport is excluded from the warning. Travel is also advised against in Mount Lebanon Governorate, South and Nabatiyeh Governorates, Beqaa Governorate, Baalbek Hermel Governorate, Akkar Governorate and the city of Tripoli .
Turkey
Turkey remains a popular destination, but the FCDO warns that all British nationals intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey "must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara" before travelling to the border. You must state which border point you intend to use and provide personal details .
The FCDO also advises against travel within 10km of the border with Syria "due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism" .
Kuwait
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait. Kuwait has been targeted by Iranian drone and missile strikes. British nationals stranded there have been advised to leave for Saudi Arabia using two suggested routes if "you judge it is safe" .
Oman
No travel is considered safe to Oman. The FCDO advises British nationals in the city of Duqm and surrounding areas to find shelter, while those visiting Salalah (or anywhere within 100km) should leave "as soon as possible" . However, Muscat has become a key departure point for evacuation flights .
Stranded British Nationals: Evacuation Update
How Many Brits Are Affected?
An estimated 200,000+ British nationals are in the Middle East region, with 138,000 having registered their presence with the FCDO as of March 4, 2026 . Only around 1,000 have made it back on commercial flights since the war began .
Rescue Flights and Evacuation Routes
The first Government rescue flight and a British Airways commercial flight from Muscat, Oman, were expected to land in the UK on March 5, 2026, though a technical issue at the airport caused delays . British Airways is planning two additional flights from Muscat to London Heathrow on March 6 and 7 .
The FCDO has launched a new central hub for those in countries directly impacted by the conflict and urges Brits to register their presence online .
Advice for Stranded Brits
The FCDO advises British nationals to :
Stay where they are if safe
Follow instructions of local authorities
Monitor the Foreign Office's travel advice (expected to change rapidly)
Register presence with the FCDO (over 94,000 already registered, mostly in UAE)
Flight Cancellations and Airspace Closures
Airlines Suspending Services
Multiple airlines have cancelled flights to and from the Middle East :
Airspace Closures
Airspace over Iran and Iraq is empty, and large areas over the UAE and Qatar remain closed due to fighting . The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing missile attacks have made commercial aviation impossible in many areas .
New UK Border Rules: ETA Fully Enforced from February 2026
Beyond the Middle East crisis, the UK has implemented significant changes to its border system that all travellers must understand.
What Is the ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is digital permission to travel to the UK for short stays of up to six months. It applies where a traveller's nationality is included on the ETA national list and they do not already have any existing UK immigration or nationality status. This includes EEA citizens, Americans and other non-visa nationalities .
Key Changes Effective February 25, 2026
From February 25, 2026, the following rules are fully enforced :
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ETA Cost | £16 (permits multiple journeys over two years or until passport expires) |
| Dual Nationals | Must travel on British or Irish passport; cannot use other passport even with ETA |
| Exemptions | British and Irish citizens (including dual nationals) are exempt from ETA requirement |
| Enforcement | Those without ETA will not be able to board flights, ferries or trains to UK |
Home Office minister Mike Tapp stated: "The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK's border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service that works for both visitors and the British public" .
What Dual Nationals Must Do
If you are a British or Irish citizen and also hold citizenship of another country, you must :
Obtain a valid British passport; OR
Obtain a valid Irish passport; OR
Obtain a valid passport for another country containing a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK
You cannot apply for an ETA using your non-British/Irish passport, even if you hold an ETA-eligible nationality . If you seek to travel without the correct documents, you may not be allowed to board and will need additional identity checks .
Planned Price Increase
There are plans to increase the cost of an ETA to £20 at an unspecified future date .
Your Rights If Your Flight Is Cancelled
With widespread flight cancellations affecting the Middle East, travellers should know their rights:
Check with your airline or tour operator for the latest updates before departing
Monitor FCDO travel advice for your destination country
If stranded, register with the FCDO to receive updates on evacuation options
For commercial flight cancellations, you may be entitled to refunds or rebooking under UK consumer protection laws
How to Stay Updated
The FCDO expects travel advice to change rapidly as the situation evolves . To stay informed:
Visit the official FCDO website: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Register your presence if you're in affected countries
Check with your airline before travelling to the airport
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now?
A: The FCDO advises against all travel to multiple countries including Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey and Yemen. It advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE .
Q2: How many Brits are stranded in the Middle East?
A: An estimated 200,000+ British nationals are in the region, with 138,000 registered with the FCDO as of March 4, 2026 .
Q3: What is the new ETA rule for UK travel?
A: From February 25, 2026, all visitors to the UK (except British/Irish citizens) need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing £16. Dual nationals must travel on British or Irish passports .
Q4: Can I travel to Turkey right now?
A: The FCDO advises against all travel to Turkey. If you are crossing from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara before travelling to the border .
Q5: Are flights operating to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
A: Most commercial flights to and from the UAE remain cancelled due to airspace restrictions. Wizz Air has suspended flights until March 7, and Virgin Atlantic cancelled its Dubai service .
Q6: What should I do if I'm stranded in the Middle East?
A: Register your presence with the FCDO online, follow local authority instructions, monitor travel advice, and stay in contact with your airline. If safe, consider travelling to Oman for evacuation flights .
Q7: Do I need an ETA if I have dual nationality?
A: Yes—if you are a British or Irish citizen, you must travel on your British or Irish passport. You cannot use your other passport even with an ETA .
Q8: How much does an ETA cost?
A: Currently £16, with plans to increase to £20 at an unspecified future date .
Summary: Key Takeaways for UK Travellers 2026
Middle East travel is extremely high-risk: Do not travel to 21 countries; essential travel only to Gulf states
Over 200,000 Brits affected: Register with FCDO if you're in the region
Flights cancelled: Check with airlines before travelling; airspace over Iran, Iraq, UAE and Qatar closed
New UK border rules: ETA required for all visitors from February 25, 2026
Dual nationals: Must use British or Irish passport to enter UK
The situation remains volatile, and travel advice is subject to change at short notice. Always check the official FCDO website before making travel plans.
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