Travel across the Middle East has been thrown into turmoil following Israel’s unprecedented strike on Iran’s nuclear and military sites on June 13, 2025, sparking a conflict that has rapidly escalated and drawn in the United States. The fallout has rippled through the region’s airspaces and travel plans, leaving tourists and holidaymakers anxious about the safety of popular destinations such as Turkey.
Turkey, straddling Europe and Asia, is a favored spot for British tourists, boasting golden beaches, ancient cities, and vibrant cultural hubs. In 2024 alone, the country welcomed 4.43 million UK visitors, many flocking to hotspots like Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, and the historic streets of Istanbul. But with the recent flare-up between Israel and Iran, and the US’s military involvement, travel to the region has become complicated and fraught with uncertainty.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not advised against travel to Turkey outright, emphasizing that most regions remain safe and tourist-friendly. However, it continues to warn against all travel within 10 kilometers of the Turkish-Syrian border due to ongoing conflict and a heightened risk of terrorism. The province of Hatay, near this border, is especially sensitive, with roads potentially closing at short notice. Additionally, travelers are urged to be vigilant as terrorists are “very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.”
The FCDO also highlights the increased tensions across Turkey stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict, particularly cautioning tourists to avoid all demonstrations related to the conflict in major cities such as Ankara and Istanbul. Israeli diplomatic missions in these cities have been focal points for protests, which can turn violent. “The police response has included use of tear gas and water cannons,” the FCDO notes, urging British nationals to steer clear of such gatherings.
Moreover, areas near Turkey’s borders with Iraq and Iran require special attention. Travelers wishing to visit Hakkari province in the southeast must obtain permission from the local Governor’s Office, and those wanting to visit Mount Ararat in Agri Province—a designated special military zone—need authorization from the Dogubayazit Government office and must pay a fee. The government strongly advises exercising “extra care” in these regions, staying updated via local news, and following official guidance.
On June 20, 2025, the FCDO issued a specific alert for British nationals planning to cross into Turkey overland from Iran. It requires travelers to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before attempting the crossing. Personal details such as name, date of birth, and travel document information must be provided, as mandated by Turkish authorities. While British nationals can enter Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, the FCDO warns that leaving Iran overland carries risks. Holding a British passport or perceived connections to the UK can prompt Iranian authorities to detain individuals, making such travel a personal risk.
Turkey shares a 560-kilometer (348-mile) border with Iran, and direct flights between the two countries typically last between 2 hours and 49 minutes to 3 hours and 35 minutes, depending on the cities and airlines. Despite Turkey maintaining diplomatic distance from the conflict, its busy airspace has been affected by regional volatility. Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, for example, has experienced 34 delays and 12 cancellations, predominantly affecting Pegasus Airlines, which saw 23 delays and all 12 cancellations. Turkish Airlines reported seven delays, while FlyDubai and Jazeera Airways also faced minor delays. Travelers are advised to keep a close eye on airline announcements and prepare for potential disruptions.
These travel disruptions come amid a broader escalation in the Middle East. After Israel’s initial strike on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 13, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited an imminent threat from Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran denies any intent to develop nuclear weapons, but tensions have only intensified. On June 21, 2025, the US dramatically entered the conflict with “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a massive airstrike involving 125 military aircraft, including seven B-2 stealth bombers, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. US General Dan Caine confirmed the obliteration of these sites.
The US attack drew mixed reactions: Saudi Arabia expressed “great concern,” while Oman condemned the strikes outright. Meanwhile, the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement urging Iran to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region, reiterating that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Despite these warnings, Iran retaliated by striking the US military base at al-Udeid in Qatar on June 23, hours after its evacuation.
Following these events, former US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on social media platform Truth Social. However, the announcement’s ambiguous wording left questions about when the ceasefire would take effect. Iranian state media confirmed the deal, but Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of violating the agreement soon after.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains dire. On June 24, Israeli forces and drones opened fire on hundreds of Palestinians waiting for aid trucks in central Gaza, killing at least 25 people, according to witnesses and hospitals. The ongoing violence continues to cast a shadow over the region’s stability and safety.
Other Middle Eastern destinations popular with tourists are also feeling the impact. The UK Foreign Office warns that “ongoing hostilities” could deteriorate quickly in the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Flights have been canceled and airspaces closed across these countries, fueling concerns of spillover violence. Cyprus, located just 472 kilometers from Israel and Palestine, has seen reports of streaks of light in the night sky, suspected by some to be missile interceptions, though these remain unverified. Despite this, the Foreign Office has not issued an official warning against travel to Cyprus but advises visitors to stay alert and follow local authorities’ instructions.
For travelers who have booked holidays to Turkey, the current Foreign Office guidance means cancellations are unlikely to be refunded. Since Turkey remains off the official “do not travel” list, travel insurance providers are unlikely to cover cancellations based on safety concerns alone. Grant Winter, compliance officer at specialist travel insurance provider Goodtogo, told Metro, “No airline is obligated to refund you for a flight you choose not to take.” Thus, travelers who opt not to go may face losing some or all of their money.
Adding to the region’s woes, Turkey recently witnessed a tragic accident unrelated to the conflict but adding to travel concerns. Two hot air balloons crashed in the famed Cappadocia region, one carrying Indonesian tourists. The crash, occurring at 5 a.m. local time near the village of Karataş, resulted in one death—the pilot—and at least a dozen injuries.
Despite the turbulence, Turkey’s main tourist airports, including Istanbul Airport and Antalya Airport, continue to operate largely as usual, with frequent arrivals and departures. However, travelers should remain vigilant, monitor local news and airline updates, and heed any official instructions during this uncertain and tense period.
As the Middle East conflict unfolds with unpredictable consequences, the message from authorities is clear: most of Turkey remains safe for tourists, but caution is paramount. Avoiding conflict zones, steering clear of demonstrations, and staying informed are essential steps for anyone planning to visit this historically rich and culturally vibrant country amid these challenging times.
