Avoid the Middle East completely. That is the message from the UK Foreign Office.
The Brits have issued travel warnings for more than a dozen countries across the region.
Civil unrest continues in Iran, particularly in the capital Tehran (above) with possible strikes by the US and/or Israel a possibility. The UK this week temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran.
“There is a heightened risk of regional tension," the FCDO said in the updated advisory. "Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts.
"If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.
"British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you."
It cautions travellers in, or going to, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Turkey, Israel and Palestine, news hub Travel Mole reports.
“British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.”
Iran has closed its airspace to all flights, while several airlines have suspended scheduled services to Tehran and other cities.
Australia's official SmartTraveller website advises against travel to Iran, Syria, Iraq and Yemen and to "exercise a high degree of caution" in the rest of the Middle East.
"We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel overall due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism," the website says.
"We continue to advise do not travel to border areas with Gaza (Palestine) or Lebanon."
And if you are flying with Emirates, Etihad or other carriers to the UAE: "Exercise a high degree of caution in the UAE due to the threat of terrorism."
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