Foreign Office warns Brits about several destinations as threat could ‘escalate’

Britons have been warned about the impacts of global conflict on popular travel destinations this year.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for popular holiday destinations such as Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, UAE, Tunisia, Morocco and Bahrain.

The advice comes as tensions mount across the Middle East following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon as well as strikes between Israel and Iran.

It said: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

“On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October Israel carried out military action against Iran. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast.”

The destinations are popular throughout the winter months due to their hot temperatures throughout the year.

Britons are warned to stay vigilant and to be aware that some borders could “close at short notice”.

The FCDO warned: “Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.”

Many of the countries with updated travel advice have seen or are likely to see protests in the coming weeks.

Turkey, a popular tourist destination, has increased its rhetoric towards Israel in recent weeks, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warning Israel that it has the capability to intervene in the conflict following strikes on the Iranian capital Tehran.

In its updated warning on Turkey, the FCDO said: “Demonstrations occur occasionally in cities and may become violent. Police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protests.

“Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey.

“Large demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.

“Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.”

The advice further warned that countries across North Africa have seen protests flare up quickly and often turn violent, with security forces, especially in Egypt, being known to quell protests violently.