Business travellers heading to the Middle East are facing a fresh wave of uncertainty as the UK Foreign Office issues strengthened travel advisories across the region, triggered by rising instability in Iran.
The FCDO is now advising against all travel to Iran, citing a volatile security environment, widespread protests, and reports of violence and detentions by Iranian authorities. UK embassy staff have been temporarily withdrawn, with consular support operating remotely — a move underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The ripple effect extends far beyond Iran’s borders. The Foreign Office has also issued heightened caution notices for a string of nearby destinations, including Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen. Travellers are warned that “escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts,” including potential airspace closures and cancelled flights. Some airlines have already rerouted or reduced services amid reports of temporary airspace shutdowns over Iran.
For corporate travel managers, the message is clear: reassess itineraries, monitor FCDO alerts closely, and ensure employees have contingency plans in place. With tensions capable of shifting rapidly, even destinations not under formal “do not travel” orders may experience operational disruption.
As the region navigates a fragile geopolitical moment, business travellers should expect heightened security checks, possible delays, and the need for flexible routing.