Tensions in Iran trigger Foreign Office travel advisories across region 

The Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to Israel last night after cautionary notices were issued covering a string of countries in the eastern Med, Middle East and Gulf regions.

Winter sun holiday destinations including Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey and the UAE were among those where a “heightened risk of regional tension” was noted amid a focus on Iran.

“Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said in travel advisories also including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen.

US president Donald Trump has refused to rule out military action against Iran over its violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.

The government temporarily withdrew staff from Iran with the UK embassy in Tehran operating remotely as a “precautionary measure” due to what was described as the “ongoing security situation”.

“The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. We continue to advise against all travel to Iran,” the FCDO said following demonstrations across the country with “reports of violence and fatalities, as well as the arrest and detention of protesters by the Iranian authorities”.

The updated travel advisory added: “There is ongoing disruption to communications across Iran, with severe limitations on internet access. Some international flights have also been cancelled. Check with your airline for further information.”

Some reports suggested that Iranian airspace was completely closed.

Referring to Israel, the FCDO advised against all but essential travel to the country and continued to advise against all travel to parts of Israel and Palestine. 

"There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts,” the advisory issued late on Wednesday added.

“Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel. Our embassy continues to operate as normal. 

“The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.”

The advisory came a day after Israel suggested inbound tourism was “on the road to recovery” following two years of conflict in Gaza.