UK Foreign Office warns Brits towards travelling to 14 nations – see full checklist
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been updating travel guidance for nations worldwide as the Middle East conflict continues to create considerable upheaval. Apart from having a major impact on travel, the hostilities will also substantially influence inflation, interest rates and commodity prices.
British nationals have already been withdrawn from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and other affected regions, with the government arranging charter flights to safely bring citizens home. The most at-risk individuals will be prioritised for places on charter flights and the Foreign Office has stated it will reach out to those who have registered their whereabouts in the area, reports the Liverpool Echo.
In its recommendations for numerous Middle Eastern nations, the Foreign Office stated: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. 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.”
The guidance went on: “If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.
“Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.”, reports Bristol Live.
Political turmoil, natural disasters and security concerns are among the factors prompting the UK Foreign Office to warn British citizens against visiting particular countries.
Afghanistan
Travel to Afghanistan is strongly discouraged. The security climate remains unpredictable and hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously led to violent confrontations in frontier areas.
Movement across Afghanistan is exceptionally perilous and several border crossings remain closed. There is an elevated risk of British citizens being held in Afghanistan.
Should you be a British citizen and find yourself detained in Afghanistan, you may face months or years behind bars. The FCDO’s capacity to assist you is severely restricted and in-person support cannot be provided in Afghanistan.
Belarus
The FCDO recommends against all journeys to Belarus. You risk substantial danger of arrest if you have ever participated in any conduct now deemed unlawful by the Belarusian authorities.
There is additionally a slight possibility that direct warfare connected to the conflict in Ukraine could extend to Belarus.
Should hostilities commence, which is improbable, the FCDO’s capability to assist British citizens will be greatly constrained. Your travel cover may become void if you journey against Foreign Office guidance.
Burkina Faso
The FCDO recommends against all journeys to Burkina Faso. This stems from the danger of terrorist strikes and terrorist abductions, plus the volatile political circumstances within the nation.
There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso, with all consular support being provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They are unable to offer face-to-face assistance.
In the event of severe violence, civil unrest or a decline in the security situation, exiting safely could prove challenging.
Haiti
The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Haiti due to the unstable security situation. Currently, there are no British consular officials in Haiti and its capacity to provide consular assistance is severely restricted and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.
If you decide to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, endeavour to steer clear of all crowds and public events, and take suitable security measures.
Iran
The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, the Foreign Office stated: “carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying”.
British and British-Iranian dual nationals face a significant risk of arrest, interrogation or detention. Possessing a British passport or links to the UK can be sufficient grounds for the Iranian authorities to detain you.
Iraq
The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq due to recent intensification in regional conflict.
There remains substantial risk of further escalation, with developments occurring rapidly and unpredictably. The Foreign Office stated: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. The border crossing from Iraq into Kuwait is closed.
“British nationals wishing to cross into Kuwait must contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours in advance. The British Embassy will share names and passport details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will determine entry.”
Israel
The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. You should notify the UK government of your presence in Israel and register if you’re in the region for further updates.
The Foreign Office stated: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities.”
You should comply with instructions from local authorities and keep track of local and international media for the latest developments.
Mali
The FCDO advises against all travel to the entirety of Mali owing to volatile security conditions. If you’re currently in Mali, you should depart “immediately” via commercial flight if you deem it safe to do so.
The Foreign Office stated: “The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.”
There is a significant risk of kidnapping and criminal activity throughout Mali, including in the capital, Bamako.
“If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk,” the guidance stated. “You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.”
Niger
The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Niger. It stated: “This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.”
Support for British nationals is severely restricted in Niger. Assistance is provided remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.
In-person assistance is not available. If serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation occurs, it could be challenging to leave safely.
Palestine
The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. If you are a UK citizen in the area, inform the UK government you’re in Palestine, register your presence for further updates.
If you deem it 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.
The Foreign Office stated: “The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.”
Russia
The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the dangers and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity, absence of flights to return to the UK and restricted capacity for the UK government to provide assistance.
The Foreign Office stated: “There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia.”
South Sudan
The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality. Travel guidance stated: “The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.
“If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.”
Syria
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks. Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria.
The FCDO may become aware of support provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. If you need help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Yemen
The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to the entirety of Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions. The advice given was: “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”
Support for British citizens is severely limited in Yemen. Services at the British Embassy in Sana’a have been suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn.
The UK government cannot help British nationals in departing Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place.
If you choose to remain in Yemen, you should restrict your movement within the country and within cities and towns, monitor developments in the local security situation and follow other safety measures.
