Britain and Canada have issued travel warnings following the US strike in Baghdad on 3 January that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
While the border regions of Turkey have been flagged as no go zones and visitors to the country are urged to avoid the southeastern provinces, people are not being warned against travel to the rest of Turkey or the UAE (Dubai), however, they have been encouraged to exercise ‘increased caution’.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Image credit: Junhan Foong.
The British Foreign Office posted the following on its website:
‘Around 1.5 million British nationals visit the UAE every year. Most visits are trouble-free.
Following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on 3 January, the incident has led to increased tensions in the region. There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests and the security situation could worsen with little warning. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.’
The Canadian government has cautioned travellers to ‘remain extremely cautious if you are in the affected area.’
It also stated that terrorists have threatened to attack the UAE (it’s not clear if this is an ongoing threat or as a result of the recent drone strike) and has said that visitors should be particularly vigilant ‘in commercial and tourist areas popular with foreigners. Be particularly vigilant during sporting events, religious holidays and other public celebrations.’
The United States has not issued any additional travel advisory for travel to the UAE and advises its citizens to take ‘normal precautions’. It has also not updated its advisory for Turkey, however in Septemeber it also cautioned visitors not to travel ‘near the Syrian and Iraqi borders due to terrorism’ and to avoid the southeastern provinces.
