UK and Australia Lift Gulf Travel Warnings, But European Airlines Await Clearance

The UK government Thursday lifted its travel warning for travel to the UAE, Qatar and parts of Saudi Arabia following an agreement signed between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending months of war. Australia on Wednesday also relaxed its travel advice for several Middle Eastern countries.

The advisories matter because they open the door to travel insurance for travelers — a key hurdle to the full recovery of travel in the region.

The war, which broke out on February 28, had disrupted Gulf tourism, closed airports temporarily, and led to drone strikes on hotels, stranding travelers.

The issue has