The Foreign Office has today published a series of new travel advisories for 16 countries. In the wake of Iran’s drone attack on Israel, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised anyone traveling to more than a dozen countries to check the latest situation carefully before to travel
Anyone going to Oman, Morocco, Qatar, Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, Algeria, Bahrain are advised to take extra care. The Foreign Office said: “On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military actions against Israel.
“Monitor this travel advisory and other media as the situation changes rapidly. Follow and contact FCDO travel Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can too receive email notifications when this travel advisory is updated. “
Israel was attacked with 300 drones and missiles last night by Iran, most of which were shot down. The airspace was closed although it reopened today. US President Joe Biden said on Sunday he would convene a meeting of the Group of Advanced Democracies “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack”.
Iran launched the attack in response to a widely blamed attack Israel on an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month that killed two Iranian generals. Israel said Iran launched 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles early Sunday.
Yesterday, the Foreign Office also issued an urgent travel warning for 18 countries telling anyone traveling to countries around the southern Mediterranean and the Middle East that the risk of a terrorist attack has increased given the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The alert was issued overnight and the Foreign Office said in the update for all countries: “There is increasing tension between Iran and Israel. Any military action could escalate quickly and there may be risks for the region more broadly. If you are in the region, or considering traveling to the region, monitor news updates and continue to check FCDO’s travel advisories for updates.”
The vacation spots in the warning are the United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Tunisia. Also included in the alert are Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Yemen, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Oman and Lebanon. Officials believe that British tourists are particularly at risk in the region and say: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack worldwide affecting the interests of the United Kingdom and British citizens, including from groups and individuals who see the United Kingdom and British nationals as targets. You must remain vigilant at all times.
“The UK Counter Terrorism Police has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce the risk of terrorism abroad.” The Foreign Office said a terrorist attack was “probable” and added that attacks could be indiscriminate, even in places visited by foreigners.
The terrorists continued to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including against UK citizens. Targets may include: residential compounds, military sites, oil, transportation,
interests aviation, crowded places, restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping malls, places of worship.
People are advised to check the latest advice for the country they are planning on the Foreign Office website by clicking here.
