Whether you’ve booked a holiday to a destination affected by the current Middle East conflict – or you’re already there – it’s understandable to feel anxious about what happens next.
So, let’s go through every possible scenario – from package holidays to flight only bookings – to work out what your rights are and who you should talk to activate them.
With the issue continuously developing, it can be difficult to know what’s the best thing to do. This is why we’re going to strip every scenario back to:
- What protections apply
- What this actually means for you
- Who you should speak to
- Where travel insurance may help
We’re also going to split this advice into whether you’re waiting to travel or if you’re already there, since that can hugely impact what you should do.
Before we begin
The following advice is only for destinations that the government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised against travelling to which currently includes Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.
For all other destinations, please check the latest information on the FCDO website.
Coming up in this guide
If You Haven’t Travelled Yet
- You booked a package holiday
- You booked a flight only departing the UK or Europe
- You booked accommodation only
If You’re Already in the Destination
If You Haven't Travelled Yet
If you’re due to travel to a destination which the FCDO now advises against travelling to, what happens next depends on how you booked your trip.
You booked a package holiday
For example, you booked your flights and accommodation with the same company.
What are your rights:
The Package Travel Regulations
What does that mean:
If the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, your tour operator/travel agent must offer you:
- a full refund
- or an alternative holiday.
In addition, if the company you booked with cancels your trip, you are also entitled to a refund or rebooking. You do not need to accept a voucher.
However, if you cancel before your operator, this may impact your rights so always speak to them first.
Who should you contact:
The company you booked your package holiday with. To confirm, that’s not your airline and not your hotel. Start with your operator or travel agent.
What your travel insurance could cover:
Only travel insurance that was purchased before the FCDO advice changed is likely to help, though the details will depend on your policy. If you are covered, it won’t usually cover costs that fall under Package Travel Regulations. However it may help with:
- Prebooked extras that aren’t refundable (such as activities or transfers)
- Additional costs not covered by your tour operator
- Cancellation if your policy covers FCDO travel advice
Please check with your insurance first to understand what may be included, and keep all receipts if you incur additional costs.
You booked a flight only departing the UK or Europe
For example, you booked flights separately, and not part of a package.
What are your rights:
Air Passenger Rights (UK261 / EU261)
This applies to:
Any flight departing from the UK or EU (regardless of airline), or
Flights arriving into the UK/EU on a UK/EU airline.
What does that mean:
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either:
- a full refund
- or an alternative flight
Importantly, it’s up to you which you choose and an alternative flight does not need to be on the airline that you booked with.
In addition, if your flight is significantly delayed or you are stranded, your airline has a duty of care which means they must provide:
- Meals and refreshments
- Accommodation if an overnight stay is required
- Transport between the hotel and airport
- Access to communication
If your flight is not cancelled but the FCDO advises against travel, your airline is not automatically required to refund you. Instead, you’ll need to check with your airline policy and then your travel insurance policy.
Who should I contact:
If you booked direct with your airline, contact your airline.
If you booked with a third party, such as a travel agent, contact them first as they control your ticket.
What your travel insurance could cover:
Only travel insurance that was purchased before the FCDO advice changed is likely to help, though the details will depend on your policy. If you are covered, travel insurance may help with:
- Additional costs not covered by the airline
- Alternative flights you choose to book yourself
- Accommodation beyond what the airline provides
- Cancellation if your policy includes cover for FCDO travel advice
Please check with your insurance first to understand what may be included, and keep all receipts if you incur additional costs.
You booked accommodation only
For example, you booked accommodation that was not part of a package holiday
What are your rights:
There are no legal protections for an accommodation only booking. Your rights are based on:
- The cancellation terms of your booking
- The hotel or booking platforms terms
- In some specific cases, consumer law if the service cannot be provided
What does that mean:
If you booked a flexible rate:
- Cancel within the required time frame and receive a refund
If you booked a non-refundable rate:
- You are generally bound by that contract
- Hotels are not automatically required to refund you
However, some hotels and accommodation booking platforms may offer flexibility as a goodwill gesture, though this may be in the form of vouchers or a change of date.
If your hotel or accommodation closes:
- You would usually be entitled to a refund because the service cannot be delivered.
Who should I contact:
If you booked directly with a hotel, speak to them.
If you booked through a third party – such as Booking.com or Expedia – you will need to speak to them.
Basically, you must speak to the company you booked through.
What your travel insurance could cover:
Only travel insurance that was purchased before the FCDO advice changed is likely to help, though the details will depend on your policy. If you are covered, travel insurance may help with:
- Cancellation if your policy includes cover for FCDO travel advice
Please check with your insurance first to understand what may be included, and keep all receipts if you incur additional costs.
If You're Already in the Destination
If you’re currently in a destination that the FCDO has advised against travelling to, your rights and support again depend on how you booked your trip.
However, before we move onto this, make sure you have told the UK government where you are and whilst you’re at it, sign up for travel alerts for the country you’re stuck in.
You booked a package holiday
For example, you booked your flights and accommodation with the same company.
What are your rights:
The Package Travel Regulations
What does that mean:
These place a legal duty of care on your tour operator while you are on your trip.
This means that if your return flight is cancelled or significantly disrupted, the company you booked with must:
- Provide assistance
- Arrange alternative travel home
- Provide accommodation if you are stranded (within reasonable limits)
Basically, they are responsible for the overall trip, not just the flight.
In addition, if it becomes unsafe to remain in the destination, the company you booked with is responsible for assisting with arrangements to bring you home.
Who should I contact:
Your tour operator or travel agent. They may also have an emergency contact number or local representative.
The key thing here is to not book alternative flights yourself without speaking to them first if you are worried about getting your money back.
What your travel insurance could cover:
Only travel insurance that was purchased before the FCDO advice changed is likely to help, though the details will depend on your policy. If you are covered, it won’t usually cover costs that fall under Package Travel Regulations. However it may help with:
- Curtailment (coming home early if advised)
- Medical expenses
- Additional accommodation expenses beyond what your operator is required to provide
- Emergency assistance
Insurance does not replace your tour operator’s legal responsibilities, but it can provide additional support where needed.
Please check with your insurance first to understand what may be included, and keep all receipts if you incur additional costs.
You're flying home with a UK or EU airline
For example, your return flight home is with British Airways, Virgin or another airline that’s based in the UK or Europe
What are your rights:
Air Passenger Rights (UK261 / EU261)
This applies to:
Any flight to the UK on a UK airline
Any flight to the EU on an EU airline
What does that mean:
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to either:
- a full refund
- or an alternative flight
Importantly, it’s up to you which you choose and an alternative flight does not need to be on the airline that you booked with.
In addition, if your flight is significantly delayed or you are stranded, your airline has a duty of care which means they must provide:
- Meals and refreshments
- Accommodation if an overnight stay is required
- Transport between the hotel and airport
- Access to communication
If your flight is not cancelled but the FCDO advises against travel, your airline is not automatically required to refund you. Instead, you’ll need to check with your airline policy and then your travel insurance policy.
Who should I contact:
If you booked direct with your airline, contact your airline.
If you booked with a third party, such as a travel agent, contact them first as they control your ticket.
What your travel insurance could cover:
Only travel insurance that was purchased before the FCDO advice changed is likely to help, though the details will depend on your policy. If you are covered, travel insurance may help with:
- Additional costs not covered by the airline
- Alternative flights you choose to book yourself
- Accommodation beyond what the airline provides
- Cancellation if your policy includes cover for FCDO travel advice
Please check with your insurance first to understand what may be included, and keep all receipts if you incur additional costs.
You're flying home with a non-UK or non-EU airline
For example, your return flight home is with Qatar, Emirates, Etihad or another airline that’s based outside of the UK or EU.
What are your rights:
Unfortunately, Air Passenger Rights (UK261 / EU261) do not apply if:
You are flying on a non-UK airline into the UK
You are flying on a non-EU airline into the EU
Instead, your rights depend on:
- The airline’s own Conditions of Carriage
- The aviation laws of the country the airline is based in
- The country you are departing from
These rules vary significantly and may offer fewer automatic protections than UK/EU regulations.
What does that mean:
If your flight is cancelled:
- You are usually entitled to a refund or rerouting under the airline’s own policy
- The level of assistance (hotel, meals, transport) depends on that airline’s rules and local law
If your flight is delayed:
- Support may be offered, but it is governed by the airline’s own terms rather than UK/EU legislation
Who should I contact:
If you booked directly with the airline: contact the airline.
If you booked through a third party: Contact the company you booked with first, as they control your ticket.
However, if you are physically at the airport during disruption, the operating airline is responsible for managing the immediate situation.
What your travel insurance could cover:
Travel insurance becomes particularly important in this situation because statutory protections may be limited. However, only travel insurance that was purchased before the FCDO advice changed is likely to help.
Depending on your policy, travel insurance may help with:
- Emergency accommodation
- Replacement flights
- Additional travel expenses
- Curtailment
- Emergency medical assistance
However, insurers will expect you to pursue the airline first where possible.
Please check with your insurance first to understand what may be included, and keep all receipts if you incur additional costs.
You booked accommodation only and you want to leave early
For example, you booked accommodation that was not part of a package holiday
What are your rights:
There are no legal protections for an accommodation only booking. Your rights are based on:
- The cancellation terms of your booking
- The hotel or booking platforms terms
- In some specific cases, consumer law if the service cannot be provided
What does that mean:
If you choose to leave early:
- You are usually bound by the booking terms you agreed to
- Flexible bookings may allow changes or early departure depending on the rate conditions
- Non-refundable bookings may not be refunded
If the hotel closes or can no longer provide accommodation:
- You would normally be entitled to a refund for unused nights
- Any additional costs (such as moving to a different hotel) may need to be discussed directly with the provider
Who should I contact:
If you booked directly with the hotel: contact the hotel directly.
If you booked through a third party: contact the third party.
What your travel insurance could cover:
Only travel insurance that was purchased before the FCDO advice changed is likely to help, though the details will depend on your policy. If you are covered, travel insurance may help with:
- Curtailment (cutting your trip short)
- Additional accommodation if you are stranded
- Unused, non-refundable nights
- Emergency relocation in certain circumstances
Please check with your insurance first to understand what may be included, and keep all receipts if you incur additional costs.
What Should I Do If My Holiday is Affected By The Middle East Conflict?
If your holiday has been affected by the Middle East conflict, it’s important to understand your travel rights. Whether you’ve booked a package holiday, flight-only ticket or hotel stay, different rules apply. This guide explains UK261 and EU261 flight compensation rules, Package Travel Regulations, refunds, cancellations, duty of care, and how travel insurance may help.
If you’re travelling soon or already abroad, find out who to contact, what you’re entitled to, and the practical steps to take if your trip is disrupted.
