Irish citizens issued updated advice for travelling to the Middle East

Advice has been issued

The DFA upgraded its advice for countries in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to 'Avoid Non-Essential Travel'.

Advice for Israel and Iran is that all travel should be avoided, amid missile attacks that have left hundreds dead.

The Irish Travel Agents Association issued advice to those who are currently travelling in, or had plans to travel to, the Gulf States.

They urged people to follow the advice of the DFA, and to contact their ITAA travel agent.

"I would strongly recommend that anyone thinking of traveling to the Middle East should read the Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice and check with their ITAA travel agent before making any bookings," Tom Randles, President of the Irish Travel Agents Association, told the Irish Mirror.

"The ITAA advice to any prospective Irish travellers who may have already booked a holiday to any destination in the Middle East is to immediately check with both your travel agent and your travel insurance.

"When the DFA advise to ‘Avoid Essential Travel’ to a particular country, UAE in this instance, it usually means that the travel insurance policy will not cover travel to that country."

He continued: "Our advice to anyone in any of the Gulf States is to maintain contact with the airline you travelled on, maintain contact with your travel agent or tour operator, keep your mobile phone charged, and follow closely local media reports and advice.

"It is also strongly recommended that you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs online at https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/. You can also contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000."