If you’re affected by the situation in the Middle East

We know this may be a worrying time if you’ve been affected by recent events in the Middle East. Here’s some information to help you, whether you’re the region now or have plans to travel there.

Stay alert for fraud

Fraudsters often use global events as an opportunity to prey on others. They might use these situations as a cover story to get you to divulge personal details, move money out of your account, or ask for donations.

  • Always use reputable travel companies when booking flights or hotels
  • Be cautious if you’re approached about refunds
  • If you get a message from friends or family asking for money, give them a call on a number you trust and speak to them before you make any payments
  • If you want to help others who are affected, check that you’re donating to an accredited, legitimate charity.

If you’re in the region now

British Nationals in the Middle East and UK expats should follow local authority and foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance.

You should also register your presence on the  Foreign Office website to receive direct updates.

If you need urgent medical help, you should contact local emergency services first. If you have a Barclays Travel Pack or Travel Plus Pack, and need further support, please call Barclays Travel Assistance:

  • 0044 1603 604 976 (from abroad)
  • 0800 158 2684 (from the UK)

We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week(1).

Please note that if you have travelled against Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office or medical advice then you may not be covered by our travel insurance policies.

For support with rearranging flights, refunds or alternative travel plans, contact your airline, travel provider or tour operator first. Most travel insurance policies, including our Travel Packs, only cover costs that couldn’t be recovered elsewhere.

If you have the Barclays Travel Pack or Travel Plus Pack, you can make a claim in the Barclays app or Online Banking, or contact our claims team on:

  • 0044 1603 604 964 (from abroad)
  • 0800 404 6856 (from the UK)

We’re here Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm(1).

If your flight is cancelled or delayed so you can’t return home before your Barclays Travel Pack or Travel Plus Pack trip limit ends, then your cover will extend automatically for up to 14 days.

If you are delayed beyond 14 days, please call us:

  • 0044 1603 604 964 (from abroad)
  • 0800 404 6856 (from the UK)

We’re here Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm(1).

If you have to extend your stay in an affected area, and costs can’t be recovered from the airline or travel provider, you may be able to claim for reasonable, unrecoverable expenses. Please get in touch with our claims team on the numbers above.

Any accommodation you book must be similar to the original standard, and you should keep receipts and evidence that you weren’t entitled to a refund from your travel provider.

  • Barclays Travel Pack and Travel Plus Pack customers can claim £50 per person for every 12-hour delay, up to £250 per person, for things like food, clothing and toiletries
  • Cover is also automatically extended for up to 14 days after the trip end date if your pre-booked transport is delayed or cancelled
  • If delays go beyond 14 days, we’d recommend that you get in touch with our claims teams on the numbers above to discuss your options.

Barclays debit cards and Barclaycard can be used worldwide where the Visa logo is shown. Payments may occasionally be checked for fraud protection. When this happens, we might sometimes decline a payment and send you a text message to check it’s you making it.

If you need more funds, the quickest way to apply for a new overdraft or an increase to an existing overdraft is through the Barclays app or Online Banking. Overdrafts are subject to application and financial status. Arranged overdrafts are repayable on demand. T&Cs apply. More information about overdraft charges .

If you have a Barclaycard, you may be eligible for a Credit Limit Increase (CLI). To do this in the app, go to ‘Your cards’, choose your Barclaycard, then select ‘Manage credit limit’. 

We can help you understand more around how this process works, and how this application could affect your financial situation before you apply for a change to your credit limit. Call us on:

  • 0333 200 9090 (from the UK) – we’re here Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm(1).
  • 0044 1604 230 230 (from abroad) – we’re here Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm(1).
     

If you are planning to travel to the region

You should speak to your airline, travel provider, tour operator or travel insurance provider. They can advise on rearranging flights, refunds, or alternative travel plans.

If your trip is not imminent, you should check regularly with your airline, tour operator or travel provider, and the latest FCDO advice. 

There is no cover and you will not be able to make a travel claim.

Events in the Middle East are fast moving and it’s difficult to predict how long airspace will be closed or impacted. Before travelling, please check the FCDO for any guidance and advice and contact your airline or travel provider for any updates or changes. 

If a flight is cancelled or the FCDO advises against travel within 31 days of departure, you should be able to recover costs from the airline or tour operator.

If you can’t recover these costs, you may be able to claim on travel insurance by contacting our claims team:

  • 0800 404 6856 (from the UK)
  • 0044 1603 604 964 (from abroad)

We’re here Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm(1).

There’s no cover if you decide not to travel when no warnings are in place. You should contact the airline or service provider to discuss your situation.

Please contact your airline or travel provider first.

If costs can’t be recovered and you hold a Barclays Travel or Travel Plus Pack, you may be able to claim with our claims team:

  • 0800 404 6856 (from the UK)
  • 0044 1603 604 964 (from abroad)

We’re here Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm(1).

As the booked trip is over the standard 31 days covered by the Pack, the trip upgrade will provide cover before your trip begins as well as while you’re away. We can’t offer refunds after the initial 14-day cancellation period. You may be able to make a claim for cancellation costs if you’re unable to travel.

Business Banking customers

We know this is a challenging time for businesses. If you need support, please contact your Relationship team directly or through the Call or Chat options in the Barclays app.

Join the 12 million Barclays app customers

Make money work for you by opening an account in a few simple steps. If the account’s just for you and you’re over 18, you can use our app.

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Important information

  1. Call charges. Calls from abroad usually cost more. Please check with your service provider for more information.(Return to reference)