The situation in the Middle East is unpredictable. It could get worse with little warning. Security risks may increase. There may be travel disruptions within the region and globally.
Safety and security
Conflict in the Middle East could impact safety and security elsewhere. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation. Protests and civil unrest may happen globally. The risk of terrorist attacks can increase, particularly around:
- areas where foreign tourists gather
- embassies
- other foreign interests.
Read our advice about armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and protests and civil unrest.
Travel impacts
Closure of airspace around transit hubs in the Middle East may impact flights globally. It may cause flight delays and cancellations.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.
If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates. Local security situations could get worse with little warning. Flights can change or stop at short notice. Roads and borders can close.
What you should do
Before you go
- Contact your airline to confirm your flights.
- Check your travel insurance's policy on flight cancellations and travel advice level increases.
- Research where you're going before you book. Read the travel advice for your destination and subscribe for free updates.
- Check the advice level and understand what our advice levels mean.
- Decide if you feel safe travelling to your planned destination.
- Be aware of current affairs where you're going.
While you're travelling
- Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places or mass gatherings.
- Report anything suspicious to the police.
- Monitor the local and international news for any new threats.
- Take official warnings seriously.
- Decide if you feel safe travelling to your planned destination.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Read more
- Read our advice about the Israel-Iran conflict.
- See our information about armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and protests and civil unrest.