What Middle East holidaymakers need to know

What has happened?

Following the death of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and threats of retaliation against the US, travel advice for several countries in the Middle East has been amended.

Which nations are affected?

The Foreign Office has changed its advice for most countries in the region, including Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Britons there are advised to be vigilant and keep up to date with developments. It advises against all travel to Iraq, except for the Kurdistan region, where it advises against all but essential travel. It advises against all but essential travel to Iran.

What does that mean?

Holidaymakers should avoid political protests or other volatile situations. They should be vigilant in crowds and tourist hotspots, and keep up to date on political developments in the region – particularly any new threat of attack or retaliation – via the media and the Foreign Office.

You can sign up for email alerts for individual countries’ travel advice pages on www.gov.uk.

Should I cancel my holiday?

Countries on the ‘remain vigilant’ list are considered safe to visit. If you have booked a holiday to one, you are unlikely to be able to cancel or change your trip without losing money unless Foreign Office advice changes. Tour firms will offer a full refund or alternative arrangements if the Foreign Office advises against travel or all but essential travel.

How about my insurance?

Travel cover should not be affected unless you go to a country where the Foreign Office has warned against all travel or all but essential travel, in which case any claims you make will not be paid.

If Foreign Office advice changes while you are in an affected country then you should still be covered, but you should follow its advice, including any instructions to evacuate.

What is the risk of an attack?

A strike on tourists is unlikely, especially after Iran said it would hit military sites. But it is possible for protests linked to the crisis to become violent. Experts have also warned of the possible resurgence of Islamic State, which attacked holidaymakers in Tunisia and Egypt.

Are expats affected?

If the Foreign Office says it is safe to travel to the region there is no problem living in countries potentially affected. If it changes its advice to all but essential travel then you should seek instructions.