The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a strong advisory against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, reflecting the deteriorating security situation
The government has announced plans to organise a chartered flight next week for British nationals wishing to leave Israel, as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate. Britons are urged to register their interest in the flight through online forms but are advised not to travel to the airport unless explicitly instructed to do so.
In recent days, the government has been in close coordination with Israeli authorities to arrange flights out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This latest move follows the US’s overnight strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which have further heightened regional tensions. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a strong advisory against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, reflecting the deteriorating security situation.
Israeli airspace was closed on 13 June after Israel launched its operation against Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes. The FCDO has indicated that further flights will be considered based on demand and the evolving security situation. However, the volatility of the situation means that the ability to run flights “could change at short notice,” according to the FCDO.
British nationals and non-British immediate family members travelling with them are eligible for a seat on the flight, which will depart from Tel Aviv. Allocation of places will be based on need, with priority given to “vulnerable British nationals and their dependents.” Passengers will need to ensure they have the necessary travel documents and visas.
A spokesperson for the FCDO said, “The safety of British Nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that’s why the UK government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave.”
On June 15, the FCDO updated its travel advice to warn against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, a change from its previous guidance advising Britons to avoid “all travel to parts of Israel.” This shift followed an escalation in military activity in the region after Israel launched attacks on Iranian military infrastructure and nuclear sites.
The US has confirmed that it launched strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran on Saturday night, although the UK stated that it did not participate in the operation. Government minister Jonathan Reynolds revealed that the UK had been informed in advance about the plan.
Other countries have also been taking steps to evacuate their citizens from the region. India announced on Thursday that it planned to evacuate all Indian nationals who wished to leave, initially by land and then by air. The US ambassador to Israel confirmed on Saturday that America had begun assisted departure flights.
China’s ambassador to Israel reported in a media interview that approximately 400 Chinese citizens, including students, had been evacuated as of Saturday. China has also been evacuating its citizens from Iran. Austria’s foreign ministry stated that around 120 people, including citizens of partner countries, have been evacuated from Iran and Israel.
In an effort to repatriate its own citizens stranded abroad, Israel announced it would temporarily reopen its airspace for six hours on Sunday under its “Operation Safe Return” scheme. Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv was scheduled to be open for landings from 14:00 to 20:00 local time (10:00 BST to 18:00 BST).
The government’s decision to organise a chartered flight underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need to ensure the safety of British nationals in the region. As tensions continue to rise, the government remains vigilant and prepared to take further measures to protect its citizens.
