Martin Lewis' MSE sends Foreign Office travel warning to Brits in Middle East

The conflict in the Middle East is still causing major disruption to international travel with hundreds of passengers facing cancellations and delays.

And so Martin Lewis has urged Brits to pay close attention to guidance by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The government has issued warnings covering a number of countries in the Middle East region.

It currently advises against all travel to countries including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, while advising against all but essential travel to places such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Lewis' Money Saving Expert reports that these warnings are particularly important for travellers because ignoring FCDO advice could invalidate travel insurance policies.

Most insurers will not cover travellers who choose to visit a destination where the UK government has advised against all travel.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded in Heathrow and Gatwick airport yesterday (Getty Stock Images)

For those who booked package holidays, the guidance could also affect refund rights.

According to travel industry body ABTA, if the FCDO issues a warning against travel after a holiday has been booked, providers should offer customers a suitable alternative or a full refund if a replacement holiday cannot be arranged.

Still, Lewis said on his BBC Sounds podcast: "Make sure you get your travel insurance ASAB, as soon as you've booked.

Martin Lewis has recommended not to go against the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's travel advice (Joseph Okpako/Getty Images)

"Because half the point of travel insurance is covering you for things that may happen before you go that stop you from going."

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA, added: “Foreign Office travel advice is the most important guidance for travellers.

“If the FCDO advises against travel to a destination, people should take that advice seriously and speak to their travel provider about their options.”

Under normal circumstances, airlines usually provide hotels, meals and transport if travellers become stranded (Getty Stock Images)

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director of travel agent Barrhead Travel, also told the MEN that 'when it comes to cancellations, when a person purchases a holiday they are bound to the terms and conditions of the supplier or the airline'.

"Every tour operator is different, but most customers we are dealing with are keeping their summer plans," Tempest-Mitchell said.

“The summer is too far away to be covered by the current Foreign Office guidance, which covers travel right now, so it’s far too early to rely on that.

“I would encourage anyone who is concerned to contact their travel agent, but to also be mindful that they are dealing with people who are immediately impacted by the situation.”

Further guidance on what to do should the situation escalate is listed on the FCDO's 'If you're affected by a crisis abroad' page.