Middle East (Hansard, 15 January 1991)

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As a precautionary measure against the risk of war and the possibility of civil disturbance and terrorist attack in some countries, the Foreign and470W Commonwealth Office has given the following advice to travellers and residents. The dangers to British nationals are being kept under constant review, and advice may change at any time.

Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon

Do not attempt to travel to these countries.

Bahrain, Qatar, Riyadh, Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Visitors: those with business in Bahrain, Qatar and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and the cities of Riyadh and Tabuk should not be deterred from making necessary visits. They should register their arrival with the nearest British diplomatic mission and should tell the mission how long they expect to stay. Tourists and others whose visits are a matter of choice should defer their visits.

British Community: dependants are advised to leave these areas before the deadline of 15 January which has been set by the Security Council for the withdrawal of Iraq from Kuwait.

Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates

Visitors: those with business to conduct should not be deterred from making necessary visits. Others whose visits are a matter of choice should defer their visits.

British Community: United Arab Emirates: dependants currently on leave or planning on taking leave should consider delaying their return until the situation becomes clearer.

Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia: no reason for dependants to leave provided this is not contrary to employers' policy.

Jordan, Yemen

Visitors: travellers are advised to defer visits to these countries if they can.

British Community: all British nationals whose continued presence is not essential should leave until the situation becomes clearer.

Israel and the Occupied Territories

Visitors: Travellers are advised to defer visits if they can.

British Community: British nationals should consider leaving if they have no essential reason for staying.

Algeria

Visitors: Travellers should defer their visit if they are able to do so.

British Community: British dependents are advised to leave Algeria until the situation becomes clearer; those who remain should keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the risk of civil disturbance.

Morocco, Tunisia

Visitors: Travellers to Morocco and Tunisia should be aware of the risk of disturbances, particularly in cities.

British Community: Should keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the possibility of civil disturbances.

Syria

Visitors: Travellers should keep in close touch with events and keep their plans under review. They should notify the British embassy in Damascus of their arrival.

British Community: Residents should maintain a low profile and avoid disturbances and public demonstrations.

Iran

Visitors: In the light of developments in the middle east 471W and the proximity of Iran to the area of possible conflict, visitors should keep their plans under review and stay in close touch with events. They should tell the British embassy in Tehran of their arrival. Travellers should consider postponing visits to south western parts of Iran.

British Community: British nationals resident in the area close to the Iraqi border and the Gulf should consider moving themselves, or their dependants, to safer parts of Iran.

Turkey

Visitors: There is no reason not to travel to Turkey. Travellers should be aware that the situation in the south-east of the country might be affected if there were to be hostilities in the Gulf. Visitors planning to travel to the area are advised to inform the British embassy in Ankara. Travellers should also be aware that there have been recent terrorist incidents in the provinces of Diyarbakir, Elazig, Mardin, Hakkari, Siirt and Simok.

British Community: British nationals resident in southeast Turkey are being advised to keep in close touch with the British embassy. Those who are particularly worried about the situation should consider moving away for the time being.

Karachi

Visitors: travellers should not be deterred from making necessary visits but should register their arrival with the deputy high commission.

British Community: no change to the advice, which is to keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the possibility of civil disorder.

Bangladesh

Visitors: given the uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Gulf intending travellers should consider postponing their journey unless they have substantive business to undertake. Any visitors to Bangladesh should keep in close touch with the British high commission.

British Community: British citizens should continue to take special care particularly during the period 15 and 16 January. Those working for organisations with known British or American connections should also consider what additional precautions they should take both for themselves and their companies.

Kaduna

Visitors: travellers should not be deterred from making necessary visits but should inform the deputy high commission of their arrival. Overland travellers through Kano should maintain a low profile for the time being.

British Community: are advised to keep a low profile and take sensible precautions against the possibility of civil unrest.

Sudan

Visitors: In the light of recent developments in Sudan travellers should visit the country only if their journey is essential.

472W

British Community: All British nationals resident in the Khartoum area whose continuing presence is not essential are advised to leave.

Egypt, Greece, Oman, Libya, Cyprus

Visitors: no reason for travellers to change their plans in the light of recent developments.