UK Foreign Office Travel Advice Today: British Airways Middle East Flights, Dubai, Doha, Oman, and Turkey — Full Update March 5
With regional conflict escalating across the Gulf, the UK Foreign Office has now issued urgent travel advice covering 21 countries. Around 300,000 British nationals remain in the Middle East as airlines scramble to evacuate stranded passengers through Muscat, Oman — the last major open hub in the region.
Foreign Office Travel Advice: 21 Countries on Do-Not-Travel List
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a sweeping update to its travel advice, warning British nationals against travel to 21 countries as of March 2, 2026, amid escalating tensions across the Middle East and neighboring regions.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Israel, and Palestine. It also advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Around 300,000 British nationals are currently believed to be in the Middle East, either as tourists or expats. Current guidance for those in Dubai and the wider UAE is to shelter in place — remaining indoors, avoiding all travel, and following instructions from local authorities — as well as registering their presence with the Foreign Office.
UK Travel Advice for Oman and Muscat: Last Open Gateway
The FCDO advises British nationals in the Omani city of Duqm and surrounding areas to find shelter, while those visiting Salalah or anywhere within 100km should leave as soon as possible using commercial means.
Muscat has emerged as the key departure point for people trying to leave the Middle East. The Foreign Office does not advise against travel to the area where Muscat's airport is located, unlike the current advice for airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Muscat can be reached by road from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi in approximately 300 miles.
The Foreign Secretary confirmed the UK is working to secure a government charter flight from Oman in the coming days, prioritising vulnerable citizens who need to return home.
British Airways Middle East Flights Update: Muscat Fully Booked
British Airways remains unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv. Flights from Muscat on March 5, 6, and 7 are now fully booked, though the airline says it will review the situation and add additional services if possible.
Passengers booked to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, or Tel Aviv up to and including March 15 can change their flight date free of charge for travel on or before March 29. Those travelling up to and including March 15 may also request a full refund through Manage My Booking.
British nationals already in Oman seeking a seat on British Airways rescue flights should call the dedicated line: +44 203 467 3854.
Qatar Airways and Doha Airport: Relief Flights Begin from Muscat
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Doha Airport. However, a limited number of relief flights began operating from Thursday March 5 to help stranded passengers. These run from Muscat to London Heathrow, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome, and Amsterdam, and from Riyadh to Frankfurt.
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have received official notification from Qatar Airways directly. Affected travellers will be contacted with their flight details and arrangements.
Is Dubai Safe? UAE Travel Advice for Britons
The Foreign Office states: "Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities."
Emirates is now operating a reduced schedule with some Dubai flights open for booking. Passengers connecting through Dubai will only be allowed to travel if their onward connecting flight is also operating. Cancelled Emirates flights can be rebooked for free or refunded.
Turkey Travel Advice: Border Warning Only
Turkey is a special case in the Foreign Office update. The FCDO is not advising against travel to Turkey as a whole, but does warn against travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border. Holidaymakers are encouraged to sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts and monitor updates closely.
Turkish Airlines said passengers travelling to or from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE between February 28 and March 31 may make changes to their bookings free of charge.
How to Register Your Presence With the Foreign Office
Around 130,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the Middle East as the Foreign Office works with airlines on evacuating those stranded overseas. All British nationals currently in the affected region are urged to register their presence through the FCDO website immediately.
The UK Government is currently exploring potential evacuation scenarios including commercial, charter, and military flights, as well as bus routes across the Saudi and Turkish borders, to bring Britons safely home as swiftly as possible.
For the latest updates, visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and monitor your airline directly before travelling to any airport in the region.
