Middle East conflict

We are aware that members of our University community have been affected in different and deeply personal ways by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The ongoing conflict and loss of life across the Middle East is deeply distressing, particularly for members of our community with connections to the area. We have been writing to staff and students directly impacted to offer support, and our thoughts are with all of those in our global community who are affected.

The University has a wide range of support and advice available, and we encourage those impacted to use these resources as needed.

Travel guidance

We are aware that some students and staff may be affected by travel restrictions throughout countries in the Middle East as well as wider travel disruption.  

If you are impacted, please keep an eye on travel updates from your airline or travel company and follow your country’s guidance on foreign travel.  

If you are currently in the Middle East, we advise you to follow local guidance on travel and on remaining safe.

If you are a University of Edinburgh staff member currently in the Middle East and unable to return to the UK, please keep in touch with your line manager. If staff have wider concerns about current or future travel plans, please discuss these with your line manager for further guidance.

Guidance for British nationals

If you are a British national, please check the latest travel updates issued by the UK Government:

Support for British nationals abroad - GOV.UK

If you're affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK

You can also receive updates directly from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) by registering your presence abroad if you are in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates.

Foreign Office travel advice updates - GOV.UK

Guidance for other nationalities  

Please monitor travel guidance and updates that are available through your national embassy or authorities.

Immigration and visas

For any concerns relating to UK visas, you can access support through our Student or Staff Immigration Services:

Student Immigration Service - Student Administration

Staff Immigration Service - Edinburgh Global

Students with concerns about studies

We realise that the Middle East conflict may impact your studies. If this is the case, please contact your Student Adviser, PGR Supervisor or Graduate School team if you have any challenges or concerns, as they will be best placed to support you.

If you need assistance with assessments, you can find more information on our Exceptional Circumstances Service pages:

Exceptional Circumstances Service - Registry Services

Dignity and respect

We are committed to ending discrimination on campus. Students and staff can use our Report + Support platform to report any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying.

Report + Support