Foreign Office travel advice: New warnings for Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi due to 'regional tension'

The updated advice covers countries popular with British holidaymakers including Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates (which includes Abu Dhabi and Dubai). The updated advice, which also covers countries including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Libya, states: "There is a heightened risk of regional tension.

“Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances."

It adds: "Monitor local and international media for the latest information. Sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities."

The Foreign Office advises holidaymakers to:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice amidst fears ongoing protests in Iran could escalate into regional unrest. At least 2,500 people are understood to have died in clashes across the Middle Eastern country as demonstrations that started with concerns about a fall in currency and living standards morphed into widespread protests against the country's authoritarian theocratic regime, which has run the country since the 1979 revolution.

Authorities in the country have cracked down on demonstrators, including introducing internet shutdowns - with protesters also being warned they risk being treated as 'enemies of God' and reports of threats of swift executions. US President Donald Trump has issued a number of threats against the Iranian regime if protesters are harmed.

In exchange, the Iranian regime - which blames the US and Israel for helping to ferment the current unrest - has threatened to launch reprisals if it is targeted by external forces. The threats and counter threats have led to concerns of escalation, which could affect flights and security across the wider region.