Foreign Office travel warnings: Do not travel alert issued for 19 countries amid 'conflict' - and advice updated for popular destinations

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
The Foreign Office has issued a do no travel warning for 19 countries - and updated its advice for popular destinations.

This week, the Foreign Office has updated its no travel warning for 19 destinations amid “volatile” security situations and “ongoing conflict”. Political conflicts, natural disasters and safety concerns are among the reasons the UK Foreign Office will recommend British nationals steer clear of certain destinations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Foreign Office has also issued updated advice for popular destinations including Spain and Dominica in the Caribbean. Spain has been hit with catastrophic floods with the death toll currently standing at 158. Rescue teams are working to try and locate missing people, and a red weather alert has been issued for hard-hit areas today (Friday 1 November).

Brits are advised to check the latest travel advice before visiting any of the countries with warnings in place. Should the travel advice escalate to advising against all travel, holidaymakers with booked trips will receive full refunds from their tour operators. However, if you decide to cancel your trip without an official travel warning, it's unlikely you'll see any of your money returned.

The Foreign Office has issued a do no travel warning for 19 countries - and updated its advice for popular destinations. (Photo: NationalWorld/Kim Mogg)The Foreign Office has issued a do no travel warning for 19 countries - and updated its advice for popular destinations. (Photo: NationalWorld/Kim Mogg)
The Foreign Office has issued a do no travel warning for 19 countries - and updated its advice for popular destinations. (Photo: NationalWorld/Kim Mogg) | NationalWorld/Kim Mogg

Listed below are the new travel warnings.

FCDO advises against all travel

Recently, travel advice has been updated for Middle Eastern countries to reflect ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon that could escalate quickly and pose risks for regional escalation. “On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October, Israel carried out military action against Iran. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast,” says the FCDO.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you choose to make the journey against FCDO advice, travel insurance will be invalidated, and there may be a lack of consular support in the event of an emergency overseas. Listed below are all of the countries that have a do not travel warning.

  1. Afghanistan - “The security situation is volatile”
  2. Belarus -  “You face a significant risk of arrest”
  3. Burkina Faso - except to the capital, Ouagadougou
  4. Central African Republic - except to the capital, Bangui
  5. Haiti - “Due to the volatile security situation”
  6. Iran -  “British nationals are at significant risk of arrest”
  7. Iraq - except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
  8. Israel - against all travel to Gaza, The West Bank and Northern Israel. All but essential travel to the rest of Israel
  9. Lebanon - “Due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hezballah and other non-state actors”
  10. Libya - “The local security situation is fragile”
  11. Mali - except to Bamako
  12. Niger - except to the capital city of Niamey
  13. Russia - “Due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine”
  14. South Sudan - “Due to the risk of armed violence and criminality”
  15. Sudan - “Ongoing military conflict in Khartoum”
  16. Syria - “Ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions”
  17. The Occupied Palestinian Territories - against all travel to Gaza, The West Bank and Northern Israel. All but essential travel to the rest of the OPTs
  18. Ukraine - “Ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine”
  19. Yemen - “Unpredictable security conditions”

Spain

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to UK tourists heading to Spain as catastrophic floods have hit popular cities. The Foreign Office warned: "Severe weather and flooding is affecting many areas of Southern and Eastern Spain, particularly the Valencia region and Castilla La Mancha. Journeys may be affected. Check the latest weather warnings from Spain’s meteorological office before you travel and follow instructions from local authorities."

Dominica

The Foreign Office has issued a new warning for Dominica in the Caribbean. It has warned UK tourists to know where their paper work is and keep their accommodation locked. It says: “Take care when walking alone off main roads. Take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Only use licensed taxis. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Leave valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box. Keep car doors locked when driving and do not stop if pedestrians try to flag down your vehicle."

Bosses from the FCO added: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. It is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing. There are severe penalties for drug offences.

"Pack all your luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal. LGBT+ travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Laos

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice with new information about visa extension and outdoor activities and adventure tourism. It warns that risks include:

  • remote areas that are difficult for rescue services to reach
  • flooding, swollen rivers and landslides, especially during the rainy season
  • lower standards than in the UK

It also warns tourists to be aware that equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards. Make sure:

  • you use reputable properly insured operators and insist on training 
  • adequate safety precautions are in place 
  • your travel insurance covers all the activities you want to undertake 
  • you read the contract you are offered and be clear about who is responsible for all parts of the venture.
  • if you choose an organisation that prepares properly, you are more likely to stay safe

Mozambique

Travel advice has been updated with information about disruption and ongoing protests. It warns: “There remains a high risk of protests and demonstrations occurring at short notice across Mozambique. In Mozambique, demonstrations and protests can be unpredictable, and even peaceful protests may turn violent.”

Cuba

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Foreign Office updated information on power outages in this destination. It says: “Cuba experienced a nationwide electrical grid shutdown from 18-21 October following the failure of a major power plant.

“The power supply has been restored in many areas, but a schedule of outages remains in place to restrict electricity usage. In the wake of Hurricane Oscar, basic services are still affected in the East of the country. You should take precautions including conserving water, food, and mobile phone charge, and monitor local media for updates, including on power cut schedules.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.