Foreign Office warns Britons on several fronts as threat could ‘escalate rapidly’ | UK

This year, Britons were warned of the impact of global conflict on popular tourist destinations.

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 rise in the Middle East following escalating fighting between Israel and Lebanon and strikes between Israel and Iran.

It said: “The ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could quickly escalate and create risks for the entire region.

“On October 1, Iran launched about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. October 26 Israel carried out military operations against Iran. Monitor this travel advisory and other media as the situation is changing rapidly.”

These destinations are popular during the winter months due to hot temperatures throughout the year.

Britons are being urged to remain vigilant and remember that some borders could “close at short notice”.

FCDO warned: “Follow and connect with FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also receive email notifications when this travel advisory is updated.”

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

Türkiye, a popular tourist destination, has stepped up its rhetoric against Israel in recent weeks, following a warning from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Israel that he has the opportunity to intervene in the conflict after strikes on the Iranian capital Tehran.

In its updated warning for Turkey, the FCDO said: “Demonstrations occur from time to time in cities and may turn violent. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protests.

“Events in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories have led to increased tensions in the region and communities throughout Turkey.

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

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

The advice also warned that protests flare up quickly and often turn violent in North African countries, and security forces, especially in Egypt, are known for violently suppressing protests.