Turkey Joins Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, And More In Middle East As UK Issues Urgent Travel Warning Due To Escalating Risks, Passport Validity Issues, And Regional Unrest

Published on November 19, 2025

Turkey joins Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, and more in the Middle East as the UK issues a new travel advisory due to rising security threats, passport complications, and ongoing regional instability. As tensions escalate across the region, the UK government has updated its travel warnings, urging caution for travelers heading to these countries. With increasing risks from terrorism, political unrest, and conflict spillover, the latest advisory emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and careful planning before visiting these areas.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advisory for multiple countries in the Middle East, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iran. As geopolitical tensions rise across the region, the UK government has issued new warnings to its citizens, urging caution before traveling to these nations. The advisory highlights a mix of security risks, including terrorism threats, ongoing regional conflicts, and issues surrounding passport validity and travel restrictions.

Turkey: A Rising Concern Amid Regional Instability

Turkey has been added to the growing list of countries facing travel warnings as the UK’s FCDO issues a cautionary note for its citizens. As of the latest advisory, the FCDO advises against all travel within 10 kilometers of the Turkey-Syria border due to the ongoing conflict between Turkish forces and Kurdish militants. The region has seen an uptick in violent skirmishes and terrorist attacks, leading to heightened safety risks.

Travelers should also be mindful of the terrorist threat within Turkey, particularly in the southeastern provinces, including Istanbul and Ankara. Terrorist groups, such as the PKK and ISIS, have targeted high-profile locations in the past, including public buildings, airports, and major tourist attractions. While most attacks have occurred in areas away from tourist hotspots, the risk remains significant.

In addition to security concerns, the FCDO’s advisory also addresses passport validity. Travelers are reminded that their passport must be valid for at least 150 days beyond the date of entry into Turkey. Failure to meet this requirement could result in denied entry or travel disruptions.

Saudi Arabia: A Country at the Heart of Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia, a key player in the Middle East, is also facing an updated travel advisory. The FCDO warns UK citizens to avoid the Yemen-Saudi Arabia border, where tensions continue to escalate. This advisory extends to a 10-80 km buffer zone along the border, where conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi forces is ongoing.

While the rest of Saudi Arabia remains relatively stable, travelers must remain aware of the potential for terrorist attacks, especially in high-profile areas such as residential compounds, military sites, and public venues. The Saudi government has been a target of extremist groups, and attacks are more likely to be indiscriminate, affecting foreign nationals.

The FCDO has also highlighted that public demonstrations in Saudi Arabia are illegal and could result in arrest. The political climate in the kingdom is tightly controlled, and protests, whether political or otherwise, are met with a heavy police response.

For travelers, respecting local customs and laws is vital, as violations can result in fines or imprisonment. The FCDO advises staying away from large gatherings and demonstrations, especially those associated with political tensions.

Egypt: Terrorism Threats and Regional Uncertainty

Egypt’s travel advisory from the FCDO remains firm as the country grapples with an ongoing terrorist threat and political instability. The FCDO urges UK citizens to avoid the North Sinai Governorate and parts of South Sinai due to the high risk of terrorist attacks. Groups such as ISIS have been active in these areas, with attacks on military and civilian targets.

In addition to the terrorism threat, the political environment in Egypt is also concerning. The FCDO warns against participation in any political activities or demonstrations, as they can quickly turn violent. Egypt’s authorities have shown little tolerance for dissent, and foreign nationals found participating in protests may face detention or deportation.

Furthermore, Egypt’s border with Libya has been identified as a high-risk area, with limited access to safety services. Travelers are advised to exercise caution in these regions and avoid non-essential travel to the western desert, which is known for smuggling and illegal activity.

Qatar: A Calm Oasis Amid Regional Tensions

While Qatar enjoys relative political stability, the FCDO’s travel advisory for the small Gulf nation includes warnings related to regional tensions. With the situation in the wider Middle East volatile, Qatar remains on alert for potential spillover effects from the ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

Although Qatar itself is not currently embroiled in active conflict, travelers are advised to stay updated on regional developments, as the political situation can quickly change. The FCDO advises travelers to avoid any involvement in political demonstrations or activities critical of the government.

Qatar’s strict customs laws also warrant attention. The sale and possession of vapes, e-cigarettes, and certain substances are prohibited, and travelers found carrying such items risk confiscation and legal consequences.

Oman: A Quiet Traveler’s Destination with Regional Risks

Oman’s FCDO advisory is less severe but still noteworthy for travelers to the region. The country remains largely peaceful compared to its neighbors, but tensions in the broader Gulf region, particularly in relation to Iran and Yemen, mean that travelers should stay alert to any changes in the security situation.

The advisory cautions against unnecessary travel to areas near the borders with Yemen due to the possibility of spillover from ongoing hostilities. While Oman is not directly involved in these conflicts, travelers should monitor regional news for any developments that might impact their safety.

Oman is also known for its conservative culture, and travelers should respect local customs, especially during religious observances like Ramadan, when there are additional restrictions on food and drink consumption in public.

Kuwait: Safety Concerns Amid Regional Tensions

Kuwait, a small but strategically important country in the Gulf, also faces an updated travel advisory due to the broader regional instability. The FCDO urges travelers to be cautious and stay informed about any developments in the political landscape, particularly with regard to the tensions between Israel and Iran.

While Kuwait has a low crime rate, the FCDO advises against participation in political demonstrations, as the country has a zero-tolerance policy toward dissent. Travelers should avoid areas where protests are taking place, as these could escalate quickly.

Additionally, Kuwait’s strict laws regarding behavior in public spaces, including the prohibition of public displays of affection and certain forms of social media activity, are essential for travelers to understand. Violations can result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Iran: A Nation in Political Crisis

Iran’s travel advisory is among the most severe. The UK government strongly advises against all travel to Iran due to the significant risks posed by political instability, ongoing conflicts, and the potential for arbitrary detention.

The political environment in Iran is particularly hostile toward foreign nationals, and British citizens, particularly those with dual nationality, face an increased risk of arrest or detention by Iranian authorities. The UK government has limited consular support available in Iran, and British nationals are advised to reconsider their need to be in the country.

Tensions between Iran and the US, Israel, and other regional powers have led to escalating security risks. Travelers should also be aware that Iran does not recognize dual nationality, and if detained, the Iranian government is unlikely to allow for consular intervention from the UK.

The Middle East remains a complex and dynamic region, with security risks and political instability affecting several countries. While many nations continue to be popular travel destinations, the UK government’s updated travel advisories underscore the importance of staying informed and exercising caution.

For travelers planning trips to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, or Iran, it is essential to heed the FCDO’s advice. This includes monitoring local and international media, staying aware of political developments, and ensuring all travel documents, including passports, meet the required validity standards.

Turkey joins Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, and more in the Middle East as the UK issues a new travel advisory due to rising security risks, passport issues, and escalating regional instability. These concerns have prompted the UK government to urge travelers to exercise caution and stay informed about the evolving situation.

While the Middle East offers incredible historical, cultural, and natural attractions, the current political climate means that travelers must be vigilant and prepared for any eventuality. Always consult the latest travel advisories, invest in comprehensive travel insurance, and respect local customs and laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.