• June 23, 2025

UK Govt Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Travellers To Dubai, Doha, and Middle East

LONDON June 23: The UK Government has issued an urgent travel warning for British tourists planning to visit Dubai, Doha, and other destinations in the Middle East following US military strikes on Iran on June 22.

Updated travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) highlights that “ongoing hostilities” in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran, may escalate rapidly and without warning. Countries included in the advisory are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Office warns of the risk of sudden travel disruptions such as last-minute airspace closures, flight delays or cancellations, and other unexpected travel complications.

British travellers are urged to:

Stay up to date via local and international news outlets.

Follow guidance from local authorities.

Avoid all non-essential visits to military bases.

Check with airlines for the latest travel updates.

The advisory encourages tourists to consult the FCDO’s crisis advice page and remain vigilant at all times.

This warning follows British Airways’ decision to cancel all flights to Dubai and Doha on Sunday, June 22. In a statement, BA said:
“As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority. We are contacting affected customers to advise them of their options.”

The airline is also offering flexible booking options for those scheduled to travel to Dubai and Doha between Sunday and Tuesday.

Despite BA’s cancellations, Gatwick Airport has reported that flights to and from Doha and Dubai are still operating as scheduled.

The FCDO has also updated travel guidance for Jordan, noting that while its airspace remains open, closures may occur at short notice. Travellers in or heading to Jordan are advised to stay in touch with airlines and monitor local authority instructions.

The UK Government continues to advise against all travel to Israel and Iran, and is currently organizing evacuation flights for British nationals from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

Tensions remain high after Iran issued a stark warning of “heavy consequences” in response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Former President Trump claimed the attacks caused “monumental damage” to all Iranian nuclear sites.