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National
Sian Filcher & Kali Lindsay

Foreign Office issues new travel warnings for Egypt, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Syria and Iran

Fresh warnings have been issued for tourists who are planning to travel to Egypt, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates or Syria.

The advice comes after the death of General Qadem Soleimani, which has resulted in protests across Iran.

The UK Foreign Office urging tourists to be vigilant when travelling to Egypt, Turkey and Dubai, and in some cases are being advised to cancel their plans.

Here are the current warnings to be aware of: 

Egypt

The FCO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai (FCO)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.

The FCO advises against all but essential travel to: 

  • The Governorate of South Sinai, except the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, which includes the airport and the areas of Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq.
  •  The area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, excluding the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh.

The FCO said: "Although most attacks occur in North Sinai, there is a risk of terrorist attacks across the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, affecting Egyptian security forces, religious sites, large public gatherings and places visited by foreigners.

"There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in or around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas), when terrorist groups have sometimes called for attacks. Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends. Terrorists have attacked tourists in Egypt in the past. There is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks targeting Coptic Christians from extremists linked to Daesh-Sinai in Egypt."

United Arab Emirates

The Foreign Office has issued travel advice saying there are increased tensions in the region.

The FCO’s website says: “There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests and the security situation could worsen with little warning. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments.

“Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.”

Turkey

Tourists are advised not to travel within 10 km of the border with Syria (FCO)

The FCO advises against all travel to areas within 10 km of the border with Syria.

The FCO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • All other areas of Sirnak, Kilis (including Kilis city) and Hatay provinces
  • The provinces of Diyarbakir, Tunceli and Hakkari

The FCO said: "Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey. Terrorist groups, including Kurdish groups, Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) and far left organisations, continue to plan and carry out attacks.

“Further attacks could be indiscriminate. Most attacks have taken place in the south-east of the country, and in Ankara and Istanbul.”

Syria

British nationals are urged to leave Syria by any practical means (FCO)

The FCO advises against all travel to Syria, and urges British nationals to leave Syria by any practical means.

Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria, as all services of the British Embassy in Damascus are suspended and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.

The FCO’s website says: “The situation remains volatile and dangerous. The Syrian regime does not exercise control of parts of Syria, notably in the north west and north east of the country where fighting continues to take place causing significant civilian casualties and displacement. 

“Daesh, formerly known as ISIL, continues to operate as an insurgency and conducts regular attacks, especially in north east Syria and other terrorist groups are also active. Throughout Syria, local security situations are fragile and can deteriorate into armed clashes without warning.”

Iran

Advice for British nationals travelling to Iran (FCO)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise all British nationals against all travel to:

  • within 100km of the entire Iran/Afghanistan border
  • within 10km of the entire Iran/Iraq border
  • the province of Sistan-Baluchistan
  • the area east of the line running from Bam to Jask, including Bam

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Iran.

However, for British-Iranian dual nationals the FCO advise against all travel to Iran. If you’re in Iran, you should consider carefully your need to remain. If your continued presence is not essential, you should consider leaving.

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