Fresh Foreign Office advisories issued as Israel buses British tourists to Egyptian border

A series of fresh Foreign Office travel advisories have been issued for tens of thousands of Britons attempting to leave the Middle East and Asia five days into the Iran conflict.

 

They cover the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia while the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advised against all but essential travel to Jordan.

 

In a further update, the FCDO now also advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait.

 

"Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Kuwait. In the context of the current regional escalation, we are aware of reports that Iraq-based Iranian aligned militia groups have threatened to target US military bases across the region. There is a significant US military presence in Kuwait," it said.

 

In a further development, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism is providing shuttle buses from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to the Taba border in Egypt. British tourists who entered on a B2 tourist visa are eligible to register for the service.     

 

A British Embassy team is present on the Egyptian side of the Taba border to point British nationals to options for onward travel to Sharm El-Sheikh Airport, according to the FCDO.

 

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism said across today and tomorrow (March 5), 10 shuttle buses would transport the first 350 registered tourists.

 

It added that on Sunday (March 1) there were 1,800 UK visitors in the country.

 

The updates came as Wizz Air rescheduled a number of services to provide flights to Europe from the Red Sea airport.   

 

At the same time the UAE plans to operate up to 300 repatriation flights along emergency ‘safe corridors’ to assist up to 45,000 stranded travellers.

 

Under current emergency arrangements, the UAE can handle up to 48 flights an hours with that capacity expected to rise “at a later stage” based on ongoing security assessments, the state’s tourism minister said.

 

A “limited number” of commercial flight options are also available from the UAE and Oman but regional escalation of the conflict poses “significant security risks” and has led to travel disruption, the FCDO highlighted.

 

Tui Group said it was “fully prepared” to operate special flights with its own aircraft to help holidaymakers return home, even though it does not usually operate in the region. 

 

“This would require the necessary governmental approvals and co-ordination, and therefore a specific start date has not yet been confirmed,” the company noted,

 

But Tui UK & Ireland cancelled four flights due to depart to Cyprus from Bournemouth, Cardiff, East Midlands and Manchester to Paphos today (Wednesday) “due to the current situation” following a drone attack on the RAF Base in Akrotiri on Sunday evening.

 

For holidaymakers on the island, the operator said: “Our teams are working with our airline partners to monitor the situation and make arrangements to bring you back to the UK once it is safe to do so.”  

 

Etihad Airways extended the suspension of commercial flights from Abu Dhabi until 2pm local time on Thursday, although some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate “in co-ordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals”.   

 

Qatar Airways pledged an update on suspended flights on the morning of March 6, saying flights will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. 

 

British Airways said passengers due to fly between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv up to March 15 change change floights free of charge to travel on or before March 29.

 

Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that government chartered repatriation flight had been organised to fly “vulnerable” British citizens home.

 

The flight is reportedly due to leave Muscat at 11pm local time tonight (Wednesday). The capital of Oman is a 280-mile drive from Dubai.

 

Cooper said: “We are working with airlines, with the travel industry, with governments across the region to make sure that there will be safe ways for people to return home. 

 

“For Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the airlines have been able to reinstate some commercial flights and will be working to help existing passengers, and we are working with them and the government to try to maximise the number of seats for British nationals.

 

“For Oman, in addition to commercial flights, we are also working to secure a government charter flight in the coming days, to prioritise vulnerable citizens who need to return home.  

 

“And we will continue to work with the travel industry. We’ll continue to ensure that we do everything possible to find more routes for people to return home.”  

 

In advice for Thailand, the government department said: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.”

 

Meanwhile, a “limited number” of commercial options are available, including by air from UAE and from Oman.

 

“If your presence in UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing - if you judge you can access these options safely,” the FCDO said.

 

“Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel. 

 

“If you are travelling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.”

 

In advice that was reflected for other Gulf states, the FCDO pointed out that travel within or out of the region “is at your own risk”.

 

It said: “Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.  

 

“Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication.

 

“Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.”