Situation in the Middle East

Foreign Office travel advice updates for British nationals affected by the situation in the Middle East

Register your presence with the UK government. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Click here for full FCDO travel advice.

Arab British Chamber of Commerce updates and guidance

Travel and Mobility Considerations: Airspace closures and flight operations, visa processing, warnings, emergency travel documents and other considerations in view of the current conflict in the region. (Fragomen.com)

Ship Insurers Cancel War Risk Cover Due to Iran Conflict: Several marine insurers said they are cancelling war risk cover for ships due to the conflict in Iran and the Gulf. Insurers including Gard, Skuld, NorthStandard, the London P&I Club and the American Club said their cancellations will take effect from March 5, according to notices dated March 1 on their websites. (Asharq Al Aswat)

National Cyber Security Centre Alert

The NCSC advises UK Organisations to review their cyber security posture in response to evolving events in the Middle East. There is almost certainly a heightened risk of indirect cyber threat for those organisations and entities who have a presence, or supply chains, in the Middle East.

Transport Disruptions

Businesses moving goods internationally should be aware of significant disruption affecting both air and sea freight routes in the Middle East.

Air Freight
Airspace is currently closed in:
• Iran
• Iraq
• Kuwait
• Bahrain
• Qatar

This is impacting passenger and cargo flights, particularly across Europe–Middle East–Asia corridors. We are seeing:
- Flight cancellations and rerouting
- Extended transit times
- Increased freight costs
- Short-notice schedule changes

Sea Freight
Maritime traffic is also experiencing major disruption, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. While no formal international legal closure has been declared, many operators are suspending or rerouting vessels due to elevated security risks.

Current status includes:
- Strait of Hormuz: Significant disruption, vessels holding offshore
- Jebel Ali: Operations suspended
- Fujairah & Khor Fakkan: Operating
- Duqm (Oman): Suspended
- Other Oman, Saudi and Suez Canal ports: Operating
- Qatar ports: Open but reduced traffic

What this means for importers and exporters
You may experience:
- Extended transit times
- Rerouting
- Increased freight rates and surcharges
- Schedule volatility at short notice

This is an evolving situation and may change quickly. If you have shipments moving through affected regions, now is the time to review upcoming consignments and maintain close communication with your freight forwarder or carrier. 

Please follow this page to be kept updated with the latest information, guidance and developments as they become available, or contact our Export Documentation Helpdesk for further support from our International Trade Centre and trusted partners.