FCDO travel warnings for UK citizens. Photo: Shutterstock The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel advice across multiple regions, warning British nationals about worsening conditions in Cuba, escalating security risks in Lebanon, and growing global flight disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Here is what British travellers need to know.
The FCDO advises against all travel within 20km of the Egypt–Libya border, North Sinai, and several high-risk areas.
All but essential travel is advised for parts of South Sinai, east of the Suez Canal in Ismailiyah, much of the Western Desert, and the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil.
Major tourist sites such as Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, the Valley of the Kings, Siwa, and the White and Black Deserts remain excluded from the strictest warnings.
"There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances."
The FCDO is advising against all but essential travel to Cuba as the country faces severe infrastructure breakdowns.
Cuba is experiencing widespread power outages and serious fuel shortages. Transport, healthcare, communications, and tourism services are all being affected. Authorities have introduced fuel rationing and reduced public services in an attempt to manage limited energy supplies.
Cuban officials have announced that all international airports are currently without aviation fuel. At Havana’s José Martí International Airport, Terminal 2 has been closed, with flights redirected to Terminal 3.
Airlines are already reacting. All Canadian carriers and LATAM have suspended services to and from Cuba. Air France will suspend flights between Paris and Havana from March 29 to June 14, with the final departure from Havana on March 28.
The FCDO warns the situation could deteriorate quickly and without notice. British nationals in Cuba are urged to consider whether their stay is essential and to prepare for disruption. That includes conserving fuel, water, food and phone battery life. Anyone planning to leave should monitor airline updates closely and ensure travel documents and visas are valid.
The FCDO advises against all travel to large parts of Lebanon, including southern suburbs of Beirut, South Lebanon, Nabatiyeh, Beqaa, Baalbek-Hermel, Akkar, Tripoli, Palestinian refugee camps, and parts of Mount Lebanon and the North.
All but essential travel is advised for the rest of Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and some northern areas.
Regional escalation poses serious security risks, and the situation could change rapidly. Beirut airport remains open, but commercial flight options are limited. British nationals are advised to monitor developments closely and be prepared to leave or shelter in place if necessary.
Recent developments in the Middle East have led to airspace restrictions and widespread international flight disruption. Delays, cancellations and rerouted services are affecting travellers worldwide, even those not flying directly through the region.
This includes connections to and from the Maldives, as many long-haul routes transit Middle Eastern airspace. British nationals should check directly with their airline or tour operator before travelling and review their travel insurance coverage.
Those currently in the Maldives are advised to contact their airline for the latest updates. The Maldives Ministry of Tourism and Environment hotline is +960 9423131.
On March 4, 2026, the UK confirmed it temporarily withdraew some embassy staff and their dependents from Bahrain as a precautionary measure.
The British Embassy in Bahrain remains open and continues to operate.
The FCDO is urging British nationals to:
-Check airline or tour operator updates before travelling
-Review travel insurance policies carefully
-Monitor local and international media
-Sign up for FCDO travel alerts
-Keep travel documents valid and departure plans under review