By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 2305 EAT on Sunday 15 June 2025

The UK government has issued a travel warning advising Britons against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to escalating military activity between Israel and Iran. Recent missile launches by both countries have led to a “fast-moving situation that poses significant risks,” with Israel’s airspace currently closed.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns that the situation could deteriorate quickly and without warning.

The FCDO advises against all travel to areas within 500m of the Gaza border, certain areas in the West Bank, and near the Syria border. If you’re in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, it’s crucial to stay informed through local media and follow instructions from the Israeli Home Front Command.

Additionally, the UK government has warned against travel to 18 countries in the region, including popular destinations like Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, due to ongoing conflicts and potential risks.

Those currently in Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories have been urged to follow the instructions of local authorities amid the deteriorating security situation.

The updated travel advisory from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) highlights the growing risks of regional escalation. Previously, Britons were advised to avoid travel to specific parts of Israel. However, following the declaration of a state of emergency on 13 June, the guidance was raised to warn against all but essential travel across the country. It has now been escalated to advise against all travel to Israel entirely.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the government’s stance on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “My message to British nationals there is clear – your safety remains our top priority.”

The FCDO also continues to advise against all travel to Iran due to the ongoing hostilities and heightened tensions in the region.

British Pilgrim Stranded in Israel as Conflict Escalates

British grandfather James Eden, 72, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, says he has been left stranded in Jerusalem after travelling to Israel on 9 June for a six-day Christian pilgrimage.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr. Eden said the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) contacted him but admitted “there wasn’t a lot they could do,” apart from issuing alerts and tracking the whereabouts of British nationals.

He is now considering travelling to Egypt in the hope of catching a flight back to the UK, but said the FCDO made clear it would “not help [him] get out of Egypt either.”

In response, an FCDO spokesperson confirmed: “We are in contact with a British man in Israel and are ready to support British nationals 24/7.” The spokesperson urged any Britons in the region to “monitor updates to FCDO Travel Advice.”

The UK is also advising against all travel to parts of Egypt due to heightened regional risks.

Tensions surged following an Israeli strike on Iran on the night of 12 June, targeting what Israel described as military and nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with retaliatory airstrikes, escalating hostilities between the two nations.

Iranian missiles struck areas of Bat Yam and Tamra on Saturday night, while Israel reported hitting over 80 targets in Tehran during overnight operations.

In response to the worsening situation, the UK government announced it was deploying additional RAF jets to the Middle East as a “precautionary measure,” according to the Chancellor.

Meanwhile, oil prices spiked on Friday amid fears that the escalating conflict could disrupt energy supplies from the region.

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