On 18 June 2026, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated the overall level of travel advice in relation to the conflict in the Middle East for the following countries.  Please check each country’s travel advice page for full updated details and any restrictions within the travel advice:

• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar 
• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• Kuwait  

We know lots of people’s travel plans have been affected by travel restrictions in the Middle East. As always, it’s also important that you check the government’s travel advice for the destination you are planning to visit, including when planning and booking, and before you are due to travel. You can sign up to alerts. You should also note that the Government says that the situation remains unpredictable.

What the update to travel advice means for you

Travelling to or through the Gulf region

If you have a holiday booked to or through the Gulf region over the coming weeks and months, it should be able to go ahead.

In light of the conflict, some airlines have amended their routes to avoid travelling to or through the Gulf region, while other airlines have continued to operate their flights. You should continue to monitor the information from your travel provider and airline about your upcoming plans, as they may still be subject to change as companies adjust to the change in travel advice.

Booking a holiday to or through the Gulf region

If you’ve been delaying booking your travel plans to see how events in the Middle East unfolded, you can now feel reassured by this news.  

Our ABTA member travel companies will be able to make arrangements for you if you now decide to book, providing the peace of mind you need. They’ll also be able to discuss with you whether you want to book your trip as a package holiday – which gives you the maximum protection.

Travel insurance  

We advise you to check with your insurer as to whether you are covered for travel to or through the Middle East. If you haven’t taken out travel insurance, we strongly recommend that you do, making sure you are clear what the policy does and doesn’t cover, and that your insurance covers any pre-existing medical conditions and activities you plan to do.

Travelling to other parts of the Middle East

Government advice against travel still remains for some other parts of the Middle East.  

If you are due to travel to the area you should:

• Check the UK Government’s advice for the destination you plan to visit/travel through and continue to monitor the information. You can sign up to alerts to get the latest information.  
• Monitor the information from your travel provider and airline regarding how your plans are affected.
• Look at your travel insurance policy to see how you are covered.