The Foreign Office has cautioned against travelling to 31 global destinations putting them under a ‘do not travel’ list due to safety and security risks. Of the nearly 200 nations and territories around the globe British holidaymakers have been told to steer clear of these locations where they could face threats from militant acts and ongoing warfare to extreme climates.
The Foreign Office has also warned that ignoring their travel advice will render any standard travel insurance invalid leaving tourists without cover. Their guidance also provides information on entry requirements, health risks, and distinctive legalities within these territories. The official warnings stem from ongoing conflicts, political turmoil, and the threat of terrorist attacks.
Natural disasters like wildfires, tsunamis, and tornadoes have informed the guidance. For instance, the Foreign Office strongly discourages journeys to large parts of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories due to the ongoing war.
Europe A “do not travel” notice has been issued for Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. For Kosovo, the Foreign Office advises against “all but essential travel” for significant parts of the country.
Middle East A “do not travel” warning is in place for the entirety of Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. The warning is also in place for most of the occupied Palestinian territories (the West Bank and Gaza Strip) and most of Iraq with “all but essential travel” discouraged for the rest of those regions. For Israel, the Foreign Office advises against all travel for parts of northern Israel and the area close to the border with Gaza and against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel.
Africa The government has issued both “do not travel” and “all but essential travel” warnings for the following regions of Africa: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia, and Western Sahara. Meanwhile, they have issued “do not travel” warnings for the entirety of Niger, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Americas All travel is discouraged for Haiti while there is also a “do not travel” warning for Venezuela in the regions around its borders with Brazil and Colombia. For the rest of Venezuela, a warning against “all but essential travel” is in place.
Asia A “do not travel” warning is in place for the entirety of Afghanistan. For Myanmar and Pakistan, “do not travel” and “all but essential travel” warnings are in place for significant parts of the countries. Meanwhile, there is a warning against all but essential travel to North Korea whose borders are currently closed.