Foreign Office Issues New Travel Warnings for Egypt, Israel, and Palestine
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advisories for three countries, including Egypt, in a significant development for British tourists. The changes, announced on Thursday, March 19, 2026, affect travel to Israel, Egypt, and Palestine, with new warnings and requirements for border crossings.
Context of the Updated Travel Advice
These updates come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is now entering its fourth week with no signs of abatement. The situation intensified on Thursday morning when Israel targeted Iran's South Pars gasfield, following Israeli forces killing Iran's intelligence minister and launching intense airstrikes in Beirut.
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, condemned the attack on the gasfield, describing it as a "dangerous and irresponsible step." Qatar's energy firm reported "extensive damage" at its gas hub in Ras Laffan due to Iranian strikes, with the ministry calling it a "brutal Iranian attack" that poses a direct threat to national security.
Specific Travel Advice for Each Country
Israel: The FCDO advises travellers crossing from Israel into Egypt at the Taba border to carry at least 110 US dollars in cash per person, with extra funds for additional expenses. Since early March 2026, border crossing charges have been subject to sudden increases. Key fees include:
- A 10 USD border tax for stays in Taba, granting an entry permission stamp for up to 15 days.
- A 60 USD border tax for travel beyond Taba within the Sinai Peninsula, such as to Sharm El-Sheikh.
- A 60 USD border tax plus a 30 USD standard entry visa for travel beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including flights from airports like Cairo and Hurghada.
- At Taba, the entry visa requires a "letter of guarantee" from travel agents, costing around 20 USD, available at the border crossing.
- For car travel through Taba, additional fees of 50 USD and parking charges may apply.
Palestine: The FCDO highlights that ATMs at the Taba Border Crossing are unreliable and often out of cash, so travellers should obtain USD beforehand in Eilat. All payments must be made in cash. Border officials may request the removal of hats, coats, or religious clothing during security checks.
Egypt: The Rafah border crossing is currently closed. When it reopens, procedures for crossing will be determined by Israel, Egypt, and Gaza authorities, with no specific details provided yet.
Implications for UK Tourists
These new warnings and fees represent a blow to UK holidaymakers planning trips to the region, adding financial and logistical hurdles. Travellers are urged to check the latest FCDO advice regularly, as the situation remains fluid due to the ongoing conflict. The emphasis on carrying sufficient cash and being prepared for security measures underscores the heightened risks in the area.
