Middle East: Consular assistance for British nationals 2026

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This information should be read as correct at time of publication: 10 March 2026.

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On 28 February 2026, Israel and the United States began a series of strikes against Iran. They said they aimed to induce regime change in Iran and target its nuclear and ballistic missile programme. The strikes are reported to have caused both military and civilian casualties in Iran and the wider region.

In response, Iran has launched a series of counter-strikes against Israel, US military bases in the region, and military and civilian locations in Arab states that house US forces. UK bases in Bahrain, Qatar and Cyprus have also been attacked.

On 1 March the UK Government published guidance advising British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to register their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), to receive direct updates.

There are an estimated 300,000 British nationals in the region, of which more than 170,000 have registered their presence with the FCDO (as of 9 March).

British nationals are also advised to “shelter in place” as required and to follow the advice of local authorities while in the region.

Travel advice for these countries is regularly updated, with the latest guidance advising against all but essential travel across the region, and with some territories highlighted to advise against all travel.

FCDO Rapid Deployment Teams have been sent to Muscat (Oman) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) to support UK nationals. General information on the consular support that the government can provide in emergencies is published by the FCDO.

Some UK embassies have temporarily reduced their in-person presence due to the conflict.

There was an initial period in which air space in the region was closed and commercial flights were suspended. Regional airspace has now partially re-opened, with major airlines operating a revised flight schedule. Some airlines have reduced the number of flights to the region. The government says it is discussing with commercial operators and regional countries the arranging of further flights.

On 3 March the UK government announced the first chartered flight from Muscat, Oman, to the UK. Three government-chartered flights have now returned British citizens from Oman, landing on 6, 7 and 9 March.

The government says it is not encouraging British nationals in other Middle East countries to travel to Oman for the flights, and Muscat is around a 280-mile drive from Dubai in the UAE.

On 8 March the FCDO opened a booking portal for British nationals in Dubai who wished to access commercial flights provided by the government from the UAE. After registering, individuals will receive updates about booking a place on these flights, with the most vulnerable being prioritised.