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Vaishnavi Pandey

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  10 March, 2026

This nostalgic seaside town is home to the UK’s oldest and last scenic rollercoaster – a Grade II* listed ride and one of just seven remaining in the world

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British holidaymakers are being urged to rethink or double‑check their travel plans as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updates its guidance in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Popular hotspots including Cyprus, Turkey, the Maldives and Sri Lanka remain open to tourists, but all now come with fresh warnings about disruption and heightened risk.

The latest changes sit alongside a much longer “do not travel” list, where the UK government advises against all or all‑but‑essential travel because of war, terrorism, lawlessness or severe political instability.

Countries where all travel is currently advised against

Due to active conflict, terrorism or near‑total breakdown of security, the FCDO currently warns against all travel to several countries. This list is updated regularly but typically includes:

• Afghanistan – ongoing conflict, terrorism and lawlessness.
• Syria – long‑running civil war and extreme security risks.
• Yemen – intense conflict, airstrikes and a severe humanitarian crisis.
• Parts of the Middle East and North Africa where front‑line fighting or missile attacks are taking place, including areas of Iraq, Israel/Palestinian territories and parts of Lebanon.
• Some other states, such as Libya and Sudan, are effectively off‑limits apart from very limited areas where the UK allows only tightly defined essential presence.

If your pre‑booked holiday now falls into an “all travel advised against” area, you should normally be able to cancel or rebook through your airline or tour operator, and you should not attempt to travel just to avoid losing money.

Countries with partial ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings

Many countries popular with British tourists appear on the list not because the whole nation is unsafe, but because certain regions are considered too risky. Current examples include:

• Turkey – the FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria because of conflict and terrorism risks.
• Egypt – strong warnings for North Sinai and parts of the Western Desert and Egypt–Libya border, while Red Sea resorts remain open with enhanced security.
• Saudi Arabia – restrictions within 10km of the border with Yemen.
• Pakistan – multiple no‑go zones near Afghanistan, along the Line of Control, and in parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Tunisia, Togo, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Ukraine, Western Sahara and others – each has specific regions where British travellers are told not to go at all.

Cyprus, Turkey, The Maldives and Sri Lanka added to the list – what has changed?

Although they are not war zones, the FCDO has updated advice for several classic beach destinations to reflect the knock‑on effects of the Middle East crisis, especially around airspace and regional security.

Cyprus

Cyprus remains open to tourists and flights are still operating, but the FCDO warns that terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out, including in places frequented by foreign nationals. The island also faces potential knock‑on disruption in airspace and regional tensions because of its position in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey

Turkey is still welcoming holidaymakers to coastal resorts and cities, but the warning around the Syrian border has been hardened: the UK now advises against travel close to that frontier because of conflict‑related risks.

The Maldives

The Maldives is not directly involved in the fighting, but widespread airspace closures and diversions linked to the Middle East have led to a higher risk of delays and cancellations for long‑haul routes.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is experiencing similar disruption: while the island itself is not part of the conflict, many routes from the UK and Europe rely on Middle Eastern hubs and overflight corridors.

Advice for British holidaymakers

With tensions still evolving, British travellers are being told to review upcoming trips, especially those involving the Gulf, the eastern Mediterranean, or major Middle Eastern hubs.

Check the latest FCDO advice for every country on your route (including transit stops) on the day you book, a week before travel, and again 24 hours before departure.

Speak to your airline or tour operator about flexible booking options and what happens if your destination moves into a stricter warning category.

Read your insurance small print carefully; if the FCDO advises against travel and you go anyway, you may not be covered.

Register for travel alerts where available and keep emergency contact details with you at all times.

For many, holidays to Cyprus, Turkey, the Maldives and Sri Lanka can still go ahead, but the message from the UK government is to stay informed, stay flexible and be prepared for last‑minute changes as the Middle East conflict continues.