Tourist hotspots included in FCDO alerts about Middle East hostilities

The UK Foreign Office has issued a string of alerts this afternoon (June 13), warning travellers visiting Middle Eastern and north African destinations about rising military tension in the region.

 

Popular tourist hotspots such as Cyprus, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates were included in the alerts.

 

The warnings follow Israeli strikes across Iran on Friday morning (June 13), and the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel.

 

The FCDO warned: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.”

As well as updated advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the alerts were also issued for Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

 

Travellers are advised to “monitor local and international media for the latest information” and “be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities”.

 

The advice for Jordan was also updated to include this warning: “There are reports of military debris falling in various locations. Travel disruption, including flight cancellations and airspace closures may occur.

 

“Demonstrations and protest activity may take place. Land border crossings may close with no notice.”

 

Later on Friday afternoon, a further FCDO update advised “against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories”.

 

Airlines serving India and Asia are having to divert, abandon or cancel flights as airspace was closed after the attack on Iran’s nuclear sites by Israel.

 

Israeli carrier El Al suspended flights as aviation authorities also closed Israel’s airspace “following recent security developments”.

 

Near and Middle East image by AridOcean/Shutterstock

 

More: Updated: Flights diverted after Israel attack on Iran