In light of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new travel advisory for several Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. The advisory, updated on June 13, 2025, is in response to the rapidly changing security situation in the region, which has been heavily impacted by military actions between Israel and Iran. The FCDO warns travelers to exercise increased caution due to the heightened risks of violence, political instability, and potential disruptions to travel infrastructure. This update aims to keep British nationals informed and ensure their safety as tensions continue to rise across these countries.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice on June 13, 2025, in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. This comprehensive update covers several key destinations in the region, including the UAE (Dubai), Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. The advisory aims to keep travelers informed about the rapidly changing security landscape in these regions due to ongoing military conflicts and political instability.
Focus on Jordan and the Immediate Impact of Regional Tensions
The FCDO’s latest advisory is particularly focused on Jordan, a country that has found itself in a precarious situation due to the spillover effects of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as ongoing hostilities in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The UK government has acknowledged that the security situation in Jordan is highly volatile, and the risk of further disruptions could affect both citizens and travelers.
In its updated travel advice for Jordan, the FCDO notes that on the morning of June 13, 2025, official sirens were activated throughout the country at 09:30 AM. These sirens served as a warning for residents and visitors to stay indoors, as there was a significant risk of falling debris, particularly in light of the ongoing military exchanges between Israel and Iran. This served as a clear indication that the region’s security conditions could change rapidly, and travelers should remain vigilant in following the advice provided by local authorities.
Airport Closures and Flight Disruptions
By 10:30 AM on the same day, Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport, located in Amman, was officially closed due to the security risks posed by the escalating conflict. This closure had a direct impact on air travel, with numerous flights being either canceled or diverted to alternative destinations. As a result, the FCDO has strongly advised any British nationals currently in Jordan to get in touch with their respective airlines as soon as possible to reschedule their flights or receive guidance on the best course of action.
For those who have not yet traveled to Jordan, the FCDO urges travelers to carefully monitor updates from airlines and travel insurers. It is important to check the latest developments and assess the risks before making any final decisions about travel. The current situation in Jordan may change quickly, and travelers should ensure they are fully aware of potential risks or disruptions.
In addition to the airport closure, there have been reports of the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank being closed. This bridge is a vital link for travelers and goods moving between Jordan and the Palestinian territories. With this crossing now reportedly closed, there is an added layer of uncertainty for those who were planning to use it to travel between these areas. Given the fluidity of the situation, travelers are encouraged to stay updated on the status of this and other key transit points in the region.
Border Closures and Potential Road Closures
The FCDO has also raised concerns about the possibility of border closures between Jordan and Israel, as well as between Jordan and the West Bank. In addition to the border issues, there are growing fears of spontaneous road closures within Jordan itself. Such closures could occur with little or no prior notice, further complicating the travel situation for both locals and tourists. The FCDO recommends that travelers in the region continuously monitor local media and official updates to stay informed about the current state of road networks and border access points.
Travelers who are already in Jordan should exercise caution and follow all directives from local authorities. The situation in the region remains fluid, and the risk of sudden changes in the security environment is high. The FCDO has made it clear that British citizens should be prepared for unexpected disruptions and should make contingency plans accordingly.
Broader Regional Concerns: UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt
While Jordan has been the focus of the most recent updates, the FCDO has also highlighted growing concerns for other Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt. These countries are geographically close to the conflict zones, and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran could have ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate borders of the conflict.
The FCDO has cautioned travelers planning to visit or currently in the UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt to be aware of the potential security risks posed by the ongoing hostilities in the region. The advisory emphasizes that the situation could escalate rapidly, leading to potential threats not only to local populations but also to foreign nationals. The conflict has already led to widespread violence and political instability, and the risk of further violence cannot be ruled out.
As with the advice for Jordan, the FCDO recommends that travelers to these destinations monitor both local and international news sources to stay updated on the latest developments. Travelers are also advised to remain vigilant at all times and to follow the instructions of local authorities. This is particularly important in areas where the potential for mass gatherings, protests, or other security-related incidents may increase.
The Escalating Conflict and Its Global Implications
The FCDO’s decision to issue these updated travel warnings comes in the wake of a prolonged and increasingly violent conflict that has gripped the Middle East for several months. The situation has been marked by significant loss of life, with the Palestinian death toll now surpassing 55,000 since the start of hostilities. This ongoing conflict began with the October 7, 2024, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 736 Israeli civilians, including 36 children, 79 foreign nationals, and 379 security personnel.
In response to the escalating violence, Israel has launched multiple military operations against Gaza and other targets, leading to widespread destruction and condemnation from the international community. The actions have been particularly controversial, with many world leaders urging Israel to take greater steps to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, particularly in Gaza. However, the ongoing violence has led to an increasingly complex diplomatic and humanitarian crisis.
The most recent developments in June 2025 have seen Israel launching strikes against Iran in what has been described as a preemptive measure. This new escalation, which includes airstrikes on Iranian military targets and nuclear facilities, has further inflamed tensions in an already volatile region. The FCDO has responded by issuing its updated travel advisories to ensure the safety of British citizens and to prepare them for the possibility of further regional instability.
Travel Precautions and Recommendations
For British travelers in the Middle East, the FCDO has provided a series of recommendations to help mitigate the risks associated with traveling in such a volatile environment. The most important advice is to stay informed at all times. This means actively following news reports and official government communications, as well as staying in touch with airlines, travel agents, and insurance providers. Given the unpredictability of the current situation, travelers should be prepared for sudden changes in their plans and should have contingency measures in place.
Additionally, the FCDO has emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidance of local authorities. In times of crisis, local governments are the best source of information about the immediate safety risks and available evacuation procedures. Travelers should also be prepared to change their travel plans on short notice, particularly if they are in areas near active conflict zones or near potential targets of military action.
The UK has issued a new travel advisory for the UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan due to escalating tensions from the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The advisory highlights increased security risks and urges travelers to stay informed and cautious amid growing instability in the region.
As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, the UK government’s travel advisory for the Middle East has become increasingly urgent. Travelers heading to or currently in Jordan, the UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt must exercise extreme caution and stay informed about the fast-changing security environment. The FCDO’s advice serves as an essential guide for British nationals to ensure their safety during a time of heightened tensions and political instability. With the situation continuing to evolve, it is critical that travelers remain adaptable and follow all local directives to minimize risks.
