Travel warning issued to Brits and Americans visiting popular holiday destinations over 'increased threat'

Guidance on travel to a number of holiday destinations that are famously popular with both Brits and Americans has drastically changed this week amid a series of increased political threats.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FDCO) in the UK listed five different countries as now being at risk of being affected by increasing tensions in the Middle East, and Americans have been advised to act just as cautiously in accordance.

Last weekend, Israel launched a full scale missile attack on Iran, after which the latter began firing its own missiles.

In the days that followed, US President Donald Trump - who previously leaned towards Israel's favour during the ongoing crisis in Gaza - had his say on the matter, publicly considering the possibility of assassinating the Supreme Leader of Tehran (an area of Iran) with a shock statement.

Israel launched a missile attack on Iran (Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

And just yesterday, the Republican was asked if he might side with Israel against Iran in an potential conflict, to which he admitted: "I may do it, I may not do it."

As we say, following Trump's unnerving statement, the FCDO in the UK have since changed their travel guidance for a total of five new countries - the UAE (including Dubai), Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, Egypt and Jordan - in a bid to protect both British and American holiday-makers.

Explaining the decision with regards to Jordan specifically, a representative for the office told press (as per the Liverpool Echo): "Following recent developments in Israel, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the security situation could change suddenly.

"At 09:30am on 13 June official sirens sounded in Jordan warning people to stay indoors due to the risk of falling debris in anticipation of further exchanges between Israel and Iran."

The department spokesperson went on to emphasise the new guidance: "At 12:00 official announcements said the immediate State of Alert was over, but advised people to remain alert.

Trump previously hinted at the possibility of World War III (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

"If missiles are intercepted in Jordanian airspace, this may result in falling fragments and debris. If you encounter any projectile debris or fragments you should move away from them immediately and contact local authorities."

Prior to recent years, an increasing amount of frequent fliers and history buffs, many hailing from both the UK and the US, have turned their attention to Jordan due to the country's rich past, varied landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In particular, tourists began flooding in to see iconic sites like Petra, the Dead Sea, and the ancient city of Jerash.

More recently, however, perceptions of instability in the region have kept many Western travellers away - a reality that will only severe as tensions in Jordan's surrounding countries continues to worsen.

The latest guidance also revealed that June Queen Alia (the central airport in Jordan's capital, Amman) has since closed, with flight cancellations and diversions occurring as a result.

The UK Government website also issued specific advice to Brits planning on leaving or visiting the country in the coming weeks.

Until recently, Jordan had become a popular tourist destination (Getty Stock Images)

"If you are in Jordan and have been affected, please contact your airline direct and follow the advice of the local authorities," the site explains.

"If you are not yet in country, you should check with airlines and travel insurers before making any travel plans. In addition, there are reports of closures of the King Hussein/Allenby bridge crossing between Jordan and the West Bank."

The British Government's site also issued a warning on the new risk of borders between Jordan and Israel suddenly closing, as well as roads in the country. "Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast," it added.

As we say, however, it isn't just travel to and from Jordan that has been affected by the latest Middle Eastern developments. Holidaymakers also travelling to and within the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Qatar and Oman have also received a caution.

"Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region," the fresh warning explained.

"You should monitor local and international media for the latest information [and] be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities."

The UAE has also come with a new risk (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

When it comes to the UAE, due to the colossal wave of tourism to cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in recent years, travel guidance from the US Department of State advised 'increased caution' 'due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks'.

Both cities have become vastly popular over the last decade due to their unique blend of luxury living and tax-free income opportunities.

"Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, but regional tensions have aggravated the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests," the American government site explains.

"Militant groups operating in Yemen have threatened neighbouring countries, including the UAE, with missile and drone attacks.

"Across the region, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, places of worship, and government facilities."