Latest news with #TravelAdvisory
Times
02-07-2025
- Times
Cyprus travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
Cyprus has remained neutral in the recent conflicts in the Middle East, but its relative proximity to the region has made it a base for military exercises and for emergency evacuations. Most recently, on June 13, 32 passenger flights bound for Israel were forced to divert to Cyprus during the fighting between Israel and Iran. A ceasefire in the conflict has now held since Tuesday, June 24, following twelve days of fighting that closed down airspace across the Middle East and disrupted flights and travel plans. Cyprus is an incredibly popular holiday destination and travellers are understandably concerned about the impact of recent events on any future trips. The UK Foreign Office does not advise against travelling to Cyprus — it is still considered safe. However, it does warn of the impact of ongoing hostilities in the region. Here's what you need to know. • Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now? Cyprus is generally considered to be a safe holiday destination, and this has not changed given the recent conflict in the Middle East. After Israel attacked Iran on June 13, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice. It states: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should: monitor local and international media for the latest information [and] be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.' This advice has not changed since the ceasefire was announced. In previous updates, the Foreign Office said that demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. It added: 'Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.' Separately, the British government does not recognise 'the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'. Consular support will be very limited in this area, which means you may be 'more vulnerable and at greater risk'.Cyprus has not been directly affected by the fighting in the Middle East, and its president had previously declared that the country was neutral in the conflict. However, its geographical proximity to the region has placed it under the spotlight. For example, in early 2024, the RAF base in Akrotiri was used by the US and the UK to launch missile strikes against Houthi bases in Yemen. This was in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. It sparked protests within Cyprus even though the country was not involved in the operation, and Britain was not obliged to seek permission from Cyprus for military operations launched from the base. In September 2024, Cyprus was also used as a base to evacuate UK nationals from Lebanon as the fighting intensified between Israel and Hezbollah. And in June 2025, after Israel attacked Iran, some passenger flights to Israel were diverted to Cyprus. The Foreign Office has not changed its advice on travelling to Cyprus in light of the current situation in the Middle East, and it's still considered a safe holiday destination. You should, however, follow the local news and stay away from any protests while there. • Best all-inclusive hotels in Cyprus• Best beaches in Cyprus Cyprus is a full member of the EU, which means that most of the rules and restrictions for entering any EU nation apply, including passport validity requirements. For British citizens, that means ensuring that your passport is less than ten years old and has at least three months of validity left on the day you intend to leave the country. You also need at least one blank page for stamping. You can enter Cyprus without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings or short-term study. Unlike visits to other EU countries such as France or Spain, which are part of the Schengen zone, your stay in Cyprus does not count towards the 90 day visa-free limit imposed on Brits after Brexit. • Best luxury villas in Cyprus Yes, Cyprus is generally considered safe for female travellers, including those travelling on their own. Crime rates are low but personal attacks, including sexual assault, do happen. The UK Foreign Office says that drug-assisted rape is a risk in Cyprus, and cites the use of drugs such as GHB and liquid ecstasy. It advises buying your own drinks and keeping an eye on them. If you're on a night out with friends, avoid splitting up from the rest of the group. Cyprus is generally considered safe for LGBT travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal in the country and civil partnerships are recognised. However, the Foreign Office warns that LGBT relationships may not be as widely accepted as in the UK, especially in the north of the island. • Safest countries for LGBT travellers• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now? Latest advice• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now? Latest advice
Times
02-07-2025
- Times
Israel travel advice: is it safe to visit right now?
The conflict between Iran and Israel has been ongoing since June 13 and the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to the two Middle Eastern countries and the occupied Palestinian territories. Although Israeli airspace has been closed since the fighting began, it's still possible to leave the country via its land borders, some of which are only open for a limited number of hours during the day. The Foreign Office warns that this could change at any time. On Friday, June 20, foreign secretary David Lammy said that the government was working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv when airspace reopens. However, it is not yet clear when that will happen. Separately, the Israeli tourist board is collecting visitor information to co-ordinate departures in due course. • Read the latest on Israel-Iran here The situation in the Middle East is still developing. On June 27 the UK Foreign Office updated its advice to state it continued to advise against all travel to certain areas in Israel/the occupied Palestinian territories. The UK Foreign Office removed its advice on Brits registering their presence via a digital form on June days earlier, on June 22, the UK Foreign Office stated that the US has launched military strikes on Iran and that Iran-aligned militia groups are also likely to continue to conduct attacks. It warned that this a fast-moving situation that poses significant risks and that the situation has the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning. This advice came after the Foreign Office raised the level of its advice for Israel from 'amber' to 'red' on June 15, when it warned against all travel to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. If you travel against this advice, your travel insurance is likely to be invalidated. Israeli airspace remains closed and there has been a nationwide state of emergency declared in Israel. The UK Foreign Office advises those in Israel to check Home Front Command for the latest guidance (available in Israel only) and follow instructions from the Israeli government. It states 'Restrictions may be put in place at short notice. Should you be in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPTs) and not have access to Home Front Command continue to follow local instructions including from Palestinian Civil Defence (call 102, or see or الدفاع المدني الفلسطيني | Facebook). 'The interception of missiles over Israel and the OPTs may result in falling fragments or debris. If you encounter any projectile debris or fragments you should move away from them immediately and contact local authorities.' If you are in Israel, keep yourself informed via local media, and follow any advice found on the Israeli Home Front Command website; the advice can also be obtained by calling 104 (these services are only available to those currently in Israel). Those in the UK concerned about friends or family members in the area can call the Foreign Office on +44 (0) 207 008 5000. On June 16, it was reported that the Foreign Office will dispatch rapid response teams to assist travellers making their way from Israel to border crossings with Jordan and Egypt. On Friday, June 20, foreign secretary David Lammy said: 'As part of our efforts to support British nationals in the Middle East, the government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport when airspace reopens.' Foreign Office advice states: 'International land border crossings to Jordan and Egypt are open, but could close without notice and timings are subject to change. Before you travel check the travel advice for any neighbouring country that you are planning to travel to or through.' It's still possible to leave Israel via its land borders. Jordan-Israel border crossings are open during the following hours (timings subject to change): • Allenby/King Hussein Bridge: 8am to 2.30pm• The Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing: 8.30am to 2.30pm• The Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing: 8am to 8pm The Egypt-Israel border crossing at Taba is open 24 hours, although this is also subject to change. • Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?• Is it safe to travel to Tunisia right now?• Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?• Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now? Travelling against Foreign Office advice means that most standard travel insurance will be immediately invalidated — and also that, should you need consular assistance on the ground, it will likely be challenging. Consular and embassy support is still available to Britons for the time being. If you were due to travel to Israel, check with your travel firm, airline or tour operator. It's likely that your travel plans have already been cancelled, so you would be due a full refund. Your travel insurance policy may be able to help with out of pocket expenses. • Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Yahoo
S'poreans urged to postpone non-essential travel to areas in Middle East affected by rising tensions
SINGAPORE – Singaporeans are urged to defer non-essential trips to areas affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and adhere to travel advisories by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is because the authorities are concerned over the escalating tensions in the region, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim. Speaking to the media at Changi Airport on June 25, Associate Professor Faishal noted that 43 haj pilgrims who were supposed to return to Singapore on a June 23 Scoot flight from Jeddah were affected when the flight was cancelled. An alternative flight via Malaysia Airlines was subsequently arranged, and the pilgrims safely landed back in Singapore on June 25, he said. Scoot had earlier cited operational and safety considerations for cancelling some flights to and from Jeddah, amid military strikes between Israel and Iran. Prof Faishal, who was at the airport to welcome home the final batch of haj pilgrims, said there were also some Singaporeans studying in the Middle East who were stranded after having booked flights home. They included students from Islamic universities in Jordan and Egypt, such as Al-Azhar University. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore has contacted the students, and they are currently on their journey back to Singapore, he added. Prof Faishal said that all Singaporean haj pilgrims who performed their pilgrimage in 2025 have returned to Singapore safely. The haj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and takes place over five or six days. In 2025, Singapore and Saudi Arabia struck a deal to allow 900 slots for Singaporeans to perform the haj pilgrimage. At the airport, Prof Faishal congratulated the Saudi Arabian government for its 'tremendous effort' in organising a successful haj for 1.67 million pilgrims around the world. He also noted that there were about 890 outpatient visits in 2025 to the Singapore Pilgrims' Affairs Office (Spao) in Shisha and Madinah. Spao introduced a hybrid model for medical services in 2024, working closely with a Saudi-based medical service provider and appointing medical professionals to be attached to respective haj travel agents for the medical needs of pilgrims. Prof Faishal said: 'Spao's hybrid model worked well with medical teams from both Singapore and Saudi, and we were able to provide medical attention and quality care to our pilgrims.' Prof Faishal, who took over the Muslim Affairs portfolio from Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli in May, said he has received encouraging feedback from pilgrims and their family members that bus services and facilities in Arafah and Mina, two significant locations in Mecca, have improved. He urged returning pilgrims to continue monitoring their health and to seek medical attention if they feel unwell. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Fox News
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
US Virtual Embassy in Iran urges Americans to evacuate country immediately after partial airspace reopening
The U.S. Virtual Embassy in Iran is insisting that Americans leave the Middle Eastern country amid conflicts in the region after a partial reopening of its airspace. This comes after a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel to end the nearly two-week conflict. "As of June 26, 2025, Iran's airspace has been partially reopened, although business trips from Tehran and other major centers may be interrupted," the embassy said in an advisory. "US citizens should follow local media and consult with commercial airlines to get more information about flights departing from Iran." American citizens who wish to leave Iran must travel by land to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey or Turkmenistan if the conditions are safe, the embassy said. The U.S. State Department created a crisis information acceptance form for American citizens in Iran to provide information on consular assistance, the embassy noted. But because of the limitations of consular support in Iran, the embassy said it does not anticipate that withdrawal from Iran will be provided with direct assistance from the U.S. government. U.S. citizens who plan to leave Iran must use the available facilities to leave the country, it said. The embassy encouraged Americans wanting to leave Iran to take several actions, including having a plan to leave immediately without relying on the U.S. government, keeping their phones charged and communicating with loved ones about their situation, preparing an emergency plan for emergency situations and signing up for alerts from the U.S. government such as the Intelligent Passenger Registration Program (STEP) that would make it easier to find their location in an emergency abroad. Americans who cannot leave Iran are advised to find a safe place in their residence or another safe building and to carry food, water, medicine and other essential items with them. At certain intervals, the Iranian government has limited access to the mobile internet network and physical phone lines, the embassy said, adding that U.S. citizens should be prepared for internet network outages and develop alternative network connectivity and communication plans. "American-Iranian dual citizens must leave Iran with an Iranian passport and before leaving Iran, they must be ready to face checkpoints and be interrogated by Iranian authorities," the embassy said. "The state of the Iranian government Dual citizenship does not recognize and will treat American-Iranian dual citizens only as Iranian citizens. US nationals in Iran are at significant risk of interrogation, arrest, and detention. Showing a US passport or proving a connection with the United States is sufficient reason for the arrest of a person by the Iranian authorities." "US passports may be confiscated in Iran," it continued. "American-Iranian dual citizens should consider that in their Iranian passport, they will receive the necessary visas for the countries they will pass through on their return trip to the United States, so that in case of confiscation of their American passport, they can use [their] Iranian passport in Iran. These people can then apply for a new US passport in the country they will pass through." U.S. citizens who reside in Iran with a permanent residence visa, regardless of how long they are staying, must obtain an exit permit when departing Iran, the embassy said, noting that all Iranian passport holders are required to pay exit fees.
The National
24-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Israel-Iran conflict: Regional Etihad, Emirates, flydubai and Wizz Air flights delayed, cancelled or rerouted
As conflict between Israel, the US and Iran escalates, flights continue to be suspended and more cancellations are expected. Flights to and from the UAE were delayed and disruption on Monday evening as a number of regional countries closed their airspace due to the Iranian attack on US airbase Al Udeid in Qatar. But Dubai airports announced late on Monday that it had resumed full operations 'following a temporary precautionary pause'. 'The safety and well-being of all travellers and aviation staff remain the highest priority. While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate according to schedule, some flights may experience delays or cancellations,' Dubai Media Office posted on X. 'Travellers are advised to stay informed by checking regularly with their airlines for the latest updates.' Etihad Airways The UAE's national carrier has cancelled services to and from Tel Aviv until and including July 15, as Israel places its air defence systems on high alert. 'Etihad continues to experience disruption to several services due to airspace closures and the ongoing regional situation,' an Etihad representative told The National in a statement. The Abu Dhabi airline also urged travellers to check the latest flight status at The following Etihad flights have been cancelled: EY651 on 24 June from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and EY652 from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi EY663 on 24 June from Abu Dhabi to Doha and EY664 from Doha to Abu Dhabi EY575 on 24 June from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and EY576 from Dammam to Abu Dhabi EY690 on 24 June from Abu Dhabi to Muscat and EY691 from Muscat to Abu Dhabi 'This remains a highly dynamic situation, and further changes or disruption, including sudden airspace closures or operational impact, may occur at short notice. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in co-ordination with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions,' it said on its website. Emirates All Emirates flights to Tehran in Iran and Baghdad and Basra in Iraq have been suspended until and including June 30. Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq and Iran as well as customers with onward flydubai connections will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice, Emirates said. The airline also urged customers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport to check their flight status on for the latest information. 'After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas,' the airline said on Monday. 'Some flights may incur delays due to longer re‑routings or airspace congestion, but Emirates' teams are working hard to keep to schedule and minimise any disruption or inconvenience to our customers.' Flydubai Flydubai said in a statement to The National: 'Flydubai flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria and St Petersburg remain suspended until June 30.' Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of those countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'We continue to monitor the situation closely and amend our schedule as needed. We have reinstated flights across our network where conditions permit, though some delays may be expected due to ongoing airspace restrictions. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our passengers and appreciate their understanding during this time.' Wizz Air Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has suspended all flights to and from Israel's Ben Gurion Airport until further notice. It has also cancelled flights to and from the UAE until June 30. "In light of the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and due to the closure of multiple airspaces across the region yesterday evening, we diverted our flights to alternative airports," a Wizz Air Abu Dhabi representative told The National on Tuesday. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi flights to and from Amman and Beirut have also been suspended until June 30. Meanwhile, Wizz Air flights from Europe to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman remain suspended until September 15. The carrier said it will offer free rebooking, or a full refund in Wizz credits or in the original form of payment, to customers affected by cancellations. Air Arabia 'Due to the escalating situation and airspace closures across the region, some flights may experience disruptions,' the airline posted on Monday. 'Customers are advised to check their flight status for the latest updates prior to heading to the airport.' Air Arabia flights to and from Jordan remain suspended until June 26. Air Arabia flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan are also suspended until June 30. Passengers connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi with final destinations in any of the above countries will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice, the airline said. Regional flights Qatar Airways Qatar Airways confirmed the reopening of airspace over Qatar late on Monday night. 'We are working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support any passengers that have been impacted, and will resume operations as quickly as possible,' the airline posted on their website. 'As usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We would advise passengers to check or the Qatar Airways mobile application ahead of travel. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.' The airline has temporarily halted flights to Iran and Iraq as well as to Syria's Damascus International Airport (DAM), without announcing a resumption date yet. The affected airports in Iran include: Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKIA) Mashhad International Airport (MHD) Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) The affected airports in Iraq include: Baghdad International Airport (BGW) Erbil International Airport (EBL) Basra International Airport (BSR) Sulaymaniyah International Airport (ISU) Najaf International Airport (NJF) Oman Air The Omani airline has temporarily suspended all lights to and from Manama, Dubai, Doha and Kuwait. 'Flights across the rest of our network may be delayed as a result of longer flight paths. We kindly ask our guests to please check their flight status on our website at before leaving for the airport,' Oman Air said. Kuwait Airways Kuwait announced the resumption of all their flights on Tuesday morning, via a post on X. It had announced a temporary suspension on services to and from Amman, Beirut and Dubai. Gulf Air Gulf Air announced the resumption of its flights following the reopening of Bahrain airspace. 'We regret any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience and understanding,' the airline posted on Monday. The Bahrain national carrier's flights to and from Amman, as well as Baghdad and Najaf in Iraq stand cancelled until June 27. Syrian Airlines Syrian Airlines announced on Monday that all flights into the country will be operated via Aleppo International Airport, and passenger transportation will be provided by special buses to Damascus International Airport. 'Syrian Airlines is operating an additional flight to Dubai on Sunday evening and an additional flight to Sharjah on Monday evening, in an effort to repatriate as many passengers as possible whose flights had been previously cancelled,' the airline posted on its website over the weekend. Egypt Air Egypt's national flag carrier, Egyptair, announced the cancellation of all flights to and from cities in the GCC region after the closure of airspace in several Gulf countries. Flights to all major Gulf cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh will be halted until further notice, the airline said in a statement on Monday night. But flights to and from three Saudi cities – Jeddah, Madinah and Al Qassim – will continue under the new measures. Royal Jordanian Due to airspace closure, all passengers transiting through the UAE to Iran, Israel, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon are not allowed to board until further notice, the airline posted on its website. The airline is also offering a full refund without penalties to all passengers booked until July 15. International airlines In Asia Singapore Airlines The carrier has cancelled flights between Singapore and Dubai, with no update as to their resumption. 'As the situation remains fluid, other SIA flights between Singapore and Dubai may be affected,' the airline said on its website. In North America Delta Air Lines The US carrier said travel to, from or through Tel Aviv 'might be impacted' until August 31. United Airlines United Airlines has suspended flights to Dubai until June 25 and to Tel Aviv until August 1. Air Canada Canada's flag carrier has cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv until September 8. It has also suspended its daily, non-stop service between Toronto and Dubai until and including July 3. In Europe British Airways Flights departing from London Heathrow to Doha, as well as their subsequent return flights, have been cancelled until June 25. In a statement to The National, a representative from British Airways said: 'As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority. We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation." The airline later confirmed: "We are offering a flexible booking policy for those customers who are booked on services to and from Dubai and Doha and wish to change their dates of travel. Those due to travel between now and June 29 can rebook on to a later flight up to and including July 13, free of charge, by contacting us by phone." Air France Air France has suspended services to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. KLM Dutch carrier KLM has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until at least July 1. Ryanair The Irish low-cost carrier, which cancelled flights to Tel Aviv in May, has extended the suspension until August 31 and cancelled flights to Amman until July 11. Aegean Airlines Greece's Aegean Airlines has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until July 12. EL AL Israel Airlines Although airspace has now closed, the airline had previously suspended commercial flights to and from Israel. Swiss Air Lines All flights to Tel Aviv through October 25 and to Beirut until July 31 have been halted. Austrian Airlines Flights to Tel Aviv have been cancelled until July 31. Brussels Airlines Flights to Tel Aviv have been cancelled until July 31. Lufthansa Lufthansa suspended Tel Aviv and Tehran services until and including July 31. Flights to Amman and Erbil are cancelled until and including July 11; and flights to Beirut until and including June 30.
