US, UK and Canada Update Travel Advisories for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan

British holidaymakers urged to check the latest FCDO guidance as regional tensions keep Middle East travel advice under review

British travellers planning trips to the Middle East are being advised to check official guidance carefully after the UK, US and Canada updated or maintained heightened travel advice for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. The update comes amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns that missile or drone attacks could resume with little warning.

The three governments use different advisory systems, so guidance is not identical across the board. Canada currently advises against non-essential travel to all five destinations, while the US places each country at Level 3, meaning citizens should reconsider travel. UK advice is more targeted, with specific location-based warnings alongside broader safety guidance. For UK passengers, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office remains the most relevant source when planning holidays, flights and insurance.​​​​​​​

The FCDO says the security situation in the UAE remains unpredictable despite a recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding, warning that attacks could resume at short notice. General travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi is not currently advised against by the UK, though Canada and the US have issued stronger warnings.

For Saudi Arabia, the FCDO continues to advise against all travel within 10 kilometres of the Yemen border, and against all but essential travel between 10 and 80 kilometres from it. The FCDO also highlights public threats made by the Houthis against Saudi infrastructure, including airports.​​​​​​​

The FCDO updated its Bahrain guidance on 20 July, after the US Embassy in Manama warned that Iran may target unspecified locations in the city. British nationals are being told to remain vigilant, avoid areas near military or security facilities, and be prepared to take shelter if instructed.

Jordan has seen one of the more significant changes, with the FCDO now advising against all but essential travel to Aqaba International Airport and Aqaba seaport, alongside its existing warning against travel within three kilometres of the Syrian border. Amman, Petra and the Dead Sea remain outside general FCDO warnings, though visitors are urged to stay alert.​​​​​​​

Airspace restrictions and security developments may lead to delayed, diverted or cancelled flights, including on connecting services through Gulf airports. Passengers should check bookings regularly and allow extra time for security procedures.

Travelling against FCDO advice may also affect the validity of some travel insurance policies, particularly in areas where all or all-but-essential travel is advised against. Travellers are encouraged to check policy wording and speak to their provider before making changes.​​​​​​​

Travellers to the region should keep documents accessible, sign up for FCDO email alerts, and follow instructions from local authorities. Photographing military activity, security sites or damaged infrastructure should be avoided, as this may carry serious penalties under local law.

With the situation remaining changeable, anyone travelling to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain or Jordan is encouraged to check the latest advisories in good time and speak to Crystal Travel's travel agents for up-to-date support before booking or departing.​​​​​​​