Brits should keep an eye of the status of their flight before they head to the airport (Image: Marcin Golba/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
Over recent days, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been compelled to revise its guidance multiple times following the continuously evolving situation across the Middle East.
Approximately 132,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the Middle East with the FCDO, with many seeking to depart the region and return to the UK at the earliest safe opportunity.
Yesterday evening, the FCDO posted on X (formerly Twitter) issuing a travel update for British nationals currently in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The updates provide guidance to Britons seeking to leave the aforementioned countries, including which routes should be avoided when travelling by road, and the current status of commercial air flights. It has also updated information regarding the Taba Border Crossing, with the revised advice page noting: “International borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Check with local authorities and read Israel travel advice and Palestine travel advice before trying to cross.”
For British nationals in the UAE, including Dubai, the FCDO has revised its guidance on departing the country. Its updated information states: “There are a limited number of commercial options 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.”
While flight cancellations are ongoing some services from the Middle East are departing (Image: Gian Mattia D’Alberto/LaPresse/Shutterstock)
“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 traveling by air do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.
“Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of UAE is at your own risk.
“Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.”
Certain countries additionally feature a Regional Risks section providing specific guidance on areas to avoid and suggested alternatives. Nevertheless, the FCDO is clear in stating that all travel to or from these nations remains at the individual’s own risk.
British nationals should continue to adhere to local authority guidance and obtain current information before departing.
Whilst travel between Britain and the Middle East remains significantly disrupted, some flights have been operating on restricted routes to repatriate Britons from Dubai since yesterday (March 3).
Emirates and Etihad have been running a highly limited service, whilst Virgin Atlantic confirmed it is restarting operations from Dubai and Riyadh to London-Heathrow.
British nationals still in the Middle East should register their presence on the FCDO website to ensure they receive the most recent Foreign Office guidance. Only UK passport holders can register for this service.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
