Foreign Office revises Middle East advice

Last updated at 09:17 14 April 2003


As the worst of the Iraq war looks to now be over, the Foreign Office has revised travel advice for UK citizens travelling abroad.

In spite of ongoing military operations in the Middle East, the Foreign Office is no longer advising against travel to parts of Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, Jerusalem, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Syria as British embassies re-open and daily life resumes.

However any new revisions were coupled with strong warnings about the increased risk to British travellers from terrorists.

The updated advice reads: 'There remains a high threat to British individuals and organisations in the region. Terrorist attacks could involve the use of chemical and biological materials'.

Travellers were also advised to 'maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as hotels, restaurants and shopping malls.'

The British Embassy in Tel Aviv and Consulate-General in Jerusalem will resume normal service shortly whilst missions in Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, and Bahrain are also expected to be operating a 'full public service' soon.

Certain areas remain no-go zones including Jordan where the FCO is still advising against travel to the southern city of Ma'an warning visitors 'There have been attacks on Western targets in Jordan. There is evidence of terrorist plans to attack Western targets linked to events in Iraq'.

The Foreign Office also continues to advise against all travel to Yemen and against all non-essential, including holiday travel to Lebanon.

In Jerusalem, travellers were warned of the ongoing conflict on the West Bank and Gaza strip and British nationals in Jerusalem where strongly advised to 'keep in touch with developments, maintain a very high level of vigilance' and to 'avoid any political gatherings and demonstrations'.

Most watched News videos

Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.