People stranded in Qatar due to the ongoing Middle East crisis have been given guidance on staying safe and new information on potential return dates to their home countries. The exact number of British nationals stranded in Qatar is not known. The Foreign Office said: 'Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption [in Qatar].
Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. ' British citizens have been encouraged to register online to inform the UK government of their presence in Qatar. Following registration, people will receive important updates about safety measures and repatriation efforts.
Based on the most recent Foreign Office guidance, which remains valid as of March 6, people were told to follow several straightforward measures to ensure their well-being. Both Qatar residents and tourists in the country were issued a shelter-in-place directive from February 28, when Iranian strikes commenced in response to the initial round of coordinated attacks carried out by the US and Israel. People are advised to 'follow the instructions of the local authorities', as such directives may continue to be enforced.
The Foreign Office further added: 'If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. ' At the time of publication (March 6), the Foreign Office recommends against 'all but essential travel' to and from Qatar. Essential travel isn't rigidly defined by the UK Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office said: 'We sometimes advise against all but essential travel. You must decide whether your travel is essential. For example, you may have urgent family or business commitments.
' The Foreign Office suggests the safety of trying to leave Qatar comes down to your own judgement. ' Travel within or out of Qatar is at your own risk. The specific potential return dates for stranded British nationals have not been disclosed.
What commercial travel options are currently available for departure from Qatar remains unclear. The current status of border crossings and any restrictions affecting travel out of Qatar is also unknown. The Foreign Office guidance emphasizes that individuals must assess their own situations when considering travel.