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Foreign Office updates ‘Do Not Travel’ list, adds countries amid Middle East conflict
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has prioritized evacuations and warned that non-essential travel risks invalidating insurance amid disrupted flights and airspace closures.
On March 8, 2026, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated travel guidance, advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.
Amid regional airspace closures, the US and Israel's attack on Iran on Saturday, February 28, killed Iran's supreme leader and caused travel chaos.
Government charters continue, with a second flight landing at Gatwick Airport and a third due to leave Muscat, Oman, as over 32,000 British nationals have been evacuated since March 1.
Travel insurers and the FCDO warn that travelling against advice may invalidate insurance, amid airspace closures grounding flights since Saturday.
UK forces have intercepted an attack drone and RAF Typhoons and F-35s are conducting defensive sorties, while a Merlin helicopter joins and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer seeks to reassure the public as the conflict continues into its tenth day.