People who are trapped in Qatar due to the ongoing Middle East conflict have been given advice about how to stay safe, and when it might be possible to return home again. Thousands have remained stranded in the country since last weekend.

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. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.”

British nationals have also been advised to register online here to let the UK government know that they are in Qatar. Once registered, people will be sent any important updates on safety and efforts to get them back home.

What is the latest advice for people in Qatar?

According to the latest Foreign Office update, still current as of March 6, people were urged to take a few simple steps to ensure their safety. Citizens and tourists in the country were given a shelter-in-place order from February 28, when attacks from Iran began in retaliation for the first wave of joint attacks launched by the US and Israel.

People should “follow the instructions of the local authorities” as these orders may remain in place. The Foreign Office added: “If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.”

What is classed as ‘essential travel’?

At the time of writing (March 6), the Foreign Office advises against “all but essential travel” to and from Qatar. One person’s idea of an ‘essential’ reason to travel might differ from another’s.

In the eyes of the UK Foreign Office, essential travel is loosely defined. On its website, a spokesperson explained what exceptions might be made for the current advice around safe travel.

They 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. Only you can make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances and the risks.”

Is it safe to leave Qatar?

The Foreign Office claims that this question down to a matter of personal opinion. A spokesperson said: “If you judge it is safe to do so and plan to use commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.

“Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Qatar is at your own risk. Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.”

Qatar Airways recently issued an update on services flying out of the Middle East as the conflict continues. The airline confirmed it will be organising a “limited number of relief” flights to help passengers who have been stranded following the outbreak of war between the US and Israel, and Iran on Saturday.

The update comes as more than 130,000 British nationals registered interest in being helped to leave the region after the conflict broke out. Since the outbreak, airspace restrictions have led to the cancellation of thousands of flights.