16.01.2026 19:10
Increasing tensions in the Middle East have begun to affect international travel as well. The UK Foreign Office issued a travel warning for 16 countries, including Turkey, highlighting security risks in the region and urging British citizens to exercise extra caution in the countries they are in. Meanwhile, a terrorism warning for Dubai was reiterated.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning covering 16 countries, including Turkey, due to escalating regional tensions in the Middle East. The ministry urged British citizens to review their travel plans and take "extra precautions" in the countries they are in.
CALL FOR "REASONABLE PRECAUTIONS"
The statement emphasized that travelers should act more cautiously, taking their individual circumstances into account, and noted that potential tensions in the region could lead to disruptions in transportation and unforeseen consequences.
POPULAR TOURISM COUNTRIES ALSO ON THE LIST
In addition to Turkey, which is visited by hundreds of thousands of British tourists each year, popular destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, and Egypt were also included in the warning. Authorities pointed out that regional tensions have risen.
The countries for which the UK Foreign Office has issued travel warnings are listed as follows:
Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Libya, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Cyprus, Bahrain, and Iran.
US-IRAN TENSION HAS BEEN INFLUENTIAL
The warning reportedly came after Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights early Thursday morning. The decision was made in the context of rising tensions between Tehran and Washington following a harsh crackdown on protests in Iran.
The ministry's statement included, "The risk of tension in the region has increased. A potential escalation could lead to disruptions in travel and unexpected effects. British citizens are advised to take reasonable precautions, considering their individual circumstances."
IS THE CLOSURE OF AIRSPACE A SIGN OF NEW RISKS?
The organization SafeAirspace, which monitors conflict zones and aviation risks, warned that the closure of airspace in Iran could signal new security and military activities in the future.
Concerns were raised that potential military actions by US President Donald Trump against the Iranian government could lead to a broader escalation in the region, increasing both security risks and disruptions in international travel.
TERROR WARNING FOR DUBAI RENEWED
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office reiterated its terror warning for the United Arab Emirates, particularly for Dubai, which hosts approximately 16 million international visitors annually.
The statement noted that British citizens could be targeted by terrorist organizations or individual attackers, stating, "There is a high global terrorist threat targeting UK interests and British citizens. Always be aware of your surroundings."
The statement emphasized that potential attacks could occur indiscriminately not only against Western targets but also in areas heavily populated by foreign visitors, and it was reminded that terrorist groups operating in the Gulf region continue to make threatening statements.