UK Foreign Office relaxes travel guidance for UAE and Qatar following US-Iran accord

The UK Foreign Office has relaxed its travel guidance for several Gulf destinations, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. The decision, announced on Thursday 18 June, marks a significant shift in policy after months of restrictions that had impacted the travel industry.

The FCDO no longer advises against all-but-essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. This reverses guidance that had been in place since 28 February, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes against American allies in the region. The restriction had created considerable challenges for tour operators and travel businesses, with some customers required to sign waivers to transit through affected areas.

Despite the relaxation, the FCDO cautioned that the regional situation remains unpredictable and that attacks between the US and Iran could resume at short notice. The agency emphasised that guidance has not been changed uniformly for all countries in the region. Industry leaders welcomed the development while noting both its importance and limitations. Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer described it as "the most important development for tourism to and through the Middle East in some time," though acknowledged that translating the policy change into new bookings remains uncertain.

Travel industry representatives highlighted both relief and ongoing concerns. Advantage Travel Partnership's Julia Lo Bue-Said welcomed the decision but called for a more nuanced approach to regional travel advisories, arguing that destinations can suffer economic damage despite remaining safe. Barrhead Travel's managing director expressed confidence that customers would re-engage with Middle Eastern destinations for winter sun and long-haul connections, while the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers noted that the advisory had created major challenges for members offering itineraries across Asia and Australasia that rely on regional transit.