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The Foreign Office has placed 14 countries on its « do not travel » list – advising UK tourists and nationals to « leave immediately ». Out of 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 76 currently have designated no-go zones.
This encompasses 14 countries which are entirely off-limits. The FCDO has issued various travel warnings, including advice against « all travel » and « all but essential travel » to whole countries or specific regions within countries.
The warnings span Europe, Africa, Asia and further afield. This comes as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to cause substantial disruption.
The Foreign Office said: « 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. »
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Afghanistan
The FCDO says: « You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions.
« Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open.
« There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment.
« FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan. »
Belarus
The FCDO states: « FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime.
« There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. « .
Burkina Faso
The FCDO states: « FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso. This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country. »
Haiti
The FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti owing to the unpredictable security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and our capacity to provide consular assistance is severely restricted and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.
Iran
The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.
British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Possessing a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.
Iraq
The FCDO advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This is due to recent escalation in regional conflict.
There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable.
Israel
The FCDO has also declared Israel off-limits. It states that before travelling within Israel or Palestine, you should verify the local measures in place, confirm that roads are accessible and, where relevant, that scheduled train and bus services are running.
Travel within or out of Israel or Palestine is undertaken at your own risk. You are urged to heed the guidance of local authorities, for instance on which routes are accessible or when to seek shelter.
Mali
The FCDO advises against all travel to the entirety of Mali owing to the volatile security situation. If you’re currently in Mali, you should depart immediately by commercial flight if you deem it safe to do so.
The international airport in Bamako remains operational, and commercial flights are accessible. Do not attempt to leave Mali via overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is extremely dangerous.
This is owing to terrorist attacks along national highways.
Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has established blockades on major routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them.
Attacks can occur at any time. There remains a significant threat of kidnapping and criminal activity throughout Mali, including within the capital city, Bamako.
Niger
This follows the increase in reported terrorist and criminal abductions of foreign nationals which have occurred this year in Niger.
There is a continuing risk of terrorist attacks across Niger including in the capital, Niamey.
The political situation remains volatile following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible.
Palestine
The FCDO says: « We have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel. Our Embassy continues to operate as normal.
« The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.
« There is a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles falling across Israel and Palestine, and possible disruption at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. »
Russia
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity.
It includes a lack of flights to return to the UK and limited ability for the UK government to provide support, too.
South Sudan
The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality. It says: « 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.
« Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily.
« Consular assistance to British nationals is severely limited in South Sudan. In person consular assistance is not available. »
Syria
The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.
Consular support is unavailable from the British government from within Syria. The FCDO may become aware of assistance provided by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals.
If you require help, call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Yemen
The FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions.
If you’re in Yemen, you should depart immediately. Support for British people is severely limited in Yemen.
British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. The UK government is unable to assist British nationals departing Yemen.
There are no evacuation procedures in place.
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