Foreign Office Issues Updated Travel Guidance for Popular Holiday Destinations
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released its latest travel advice for three favoured holiday spots among British tourists: Cyprus, Turkey, and Egypt. This update, effective as of 10 March 2026, comes amidst the ongoing Middle East conflict, highlighting security concerns and potential disruptions for travellers.
These destinations are renowned for their sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, diverse landscapes, and extensive coastal resorts. They offer sunshine and pleasant weather from early spring through autumn, making them affordable choices for sun-drenched breaks. Many Brits have already booked trips for Easter or summer holidays, or are planning to do so, but the proximity of these hotspots to the Middle East conflict adds significance to the latest guidance.
Current Status: No Total Travel Bans, but Key Warnings in Place
As of Tuesday, 10 March, the Foreign Office has not placed Cyprus, Turkey, or Egypt on its 'no travel' list. However, several updates require attention from British nationals. The guidance emphasises that travel conditions can change rapidly, and it is crucial to check restrictions before booking or departing.
Cyprus: Terrorist Attack Threat Highlighted
The most recent FCDO update for Cyprus, dated 5 March and still current, cautions that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out. It states there is a high threat globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, urging travellers to stay aware of their surroundings at all times. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in areas frequented by foreign nationals.
Despite this, there is no advice against travel to Cyprus. The Foreign Office notes that regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption, adding that no travel can be guaranteed safe. Information on staying safe abroad is available through UK Counter Terrorism Policing.
Turkey: Warnings for Border Areas, but Tourist Spots Unaffected
For Turkey, the Foreign Office advises against travel to certain areas due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. This 'do not travel' warning applies within 10km of the border with Syria, a measure in place before the Middle East conflict.
However, there is no FCDO guidance against travel to popular tourist destinations such as Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Izmir, which are 1500-1600km from the border with Iran. A nationwide warning of a high threat of terrorist attack remains, with most incidents occurring in southeast Turkey, Ankara, and Istanbul. Similar warnings have been in place for other countries long before the Iran war.
In an update last week, the FCDO cautioned that regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Nevertheless, it does not recommend against travel to other regions in Turkey, with most flights and holidays proceeding as planned.
Egypt: Travel Restrictions for Specific Regions
Currently, the Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of Egypt and against all but essential travel to other areas. One alert is against travel within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where only essential travel is recommended.
Travel restrictions also apply to North Sinai, the northern section of South Sinai, the eastern section of Ismailiyah Governorate, the Western Desert, the Hala'ib Triangle, and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid. The FCDO has cautioned of a heightened risk of regional tension and escalation that could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.
A high threat of terrorist attack alert is in force for Egypt, which was effective prior to the Middle East conflict. However, the Foreign Office does not recommend against all travel to Egypt, noting that approximately one million Brits visit annually and most visits are trouble-free.
Recommendations for Travellers
If you have a holiday planned, it is advisable to stay in touch with your holiday provider, though their current focus is on those with immediate travel plans. Due to the constantly evolving situation, travel guidance can change swiftly. It is essential to consult the latest Foreign Office advice for your destination before finalising any travel plans. You can visit the Foreign Office website for detailed information on travel restrictions for each country.
