Travel Advice Dubai: British tourists told to ‘stay indoors’ amid Middle East hostilities
Officials are understood to be working on plans for the potential evacuation of more than 100,000 Britons from the Middle East.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that 102,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the region. She said a total of about 300,000 British citizens are in Gulf countries targeted by Iran.
British nationals are being advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the Foreign Office’s travel advice, which officials expect to change rapidly. The Ministry of Defence confirmed a suspected drone strike hit an RAF base in Cyprus overnight.
Those in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office online.
The latest travel advice for key tourism hotspots in the region has been updated following the recent hostilities. Here’s all you need to know:
Dubai
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates. Register your presence if you're in the United Arab Emirates
The warning adds: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Brits in Dubai and the UAE are advised to sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts as well as monitor local and international media for the latest information and stay away from areas around security or military facilities.
The FCDO also advises to keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date.
If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.
Qatar
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Qatar. Register your presence if you're in Qatar.
The advice also states: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Qatar should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Bahrain
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain. Register your presence if you're in Bahrain.
Brits in Bahrain are also advised: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain should immediately shelter in place.
“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Cyprus
On the government website, it advises: “On 2 March 2026, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration confirmed a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri.
“British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.”
British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.