Significant International Travel Alerts & Terrorist Warnings For The Countries Outside The EU Europe Russia & Scandinavia
1: Egypt 2: Syria 3: Thailand 4: Japan 5: Libya 6: Bahrain 7: Tunisia
The international travel alerts below recognise the risk of terrorism and civil unrest exists in many parts the world along with need for information following accidents and natural disasters such as floods earhquakes bush fires and disease. Euromost posts these reports for places particulary frequented by tourists - however the postings are not definitive.
Personal Safety & Crime In European Cities
Listed below on this page are 'significant' travel warnings
1: Egypt
22nd November The UK Government has issued a statement on the situation in Egypt
There are ongoing violent confrontations between security forces and demonstrators in Tahrir Square and the Downtown area of Cairo. We strongly advise that British nationals stay away from Tahrir Square, including the Egyptian Museum and the Downtown area of Cairo including Maspero and the Interior Ministry.
In Alexandria there are reports of demonstrations outside the Ibrahim Mosque in the city centre, around the Northern Military HQ, the Security Directorate in Smouha and at Alexandria University.
British nationals should avoid all crowds and demonstrations. The situation is changing rapidly and we recommend that you follow events on local and international news and seek advice from tour operators.
Since the Embassy is located in Garden City, which is near Tahrir and Downtown Cairo, if you need to visit the Embassy please call beforehand to check on security. The number to call is 02 2791 6000.
From 18 - 21 November there were large demonstrations in Tahrir Square, Cairo and the surrounding downtown area. Demonstrations also occurred in Alexandria, Suez, Qena, Fayoum, Damietta, Minya, Assiut, Zaqaziq and Port Said. Violent clashes occurred during and after these demonstrations in which over 20 people were killed, mainly in Cairo, but 1 in Alexandria and over 1500 were injured. Tahrir Square is still occupied by protestors and is not passable to traffic. In Alexandria the streets around the Northern Military HQ are closed.
The first phase of elections are due to take place on 28 November. Voting for the People’s Assembly will take place in the following Governorates on this date: Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Fayoum, Damietta, Kafr El Sheikh, Assyut, Red Sea (including Hurghada) and Luxor (See Safety and Security - Political Situation) . We advise British nationals to stay away from polling stations on these dates.
There have been reports of sexual assaults on women during some demonstrations in Tahrir Square. There have also been a number of arrests during demonstrations, including British and other foreign nationals. You should carry ID at all times .
:Latest information & live updates / Brititish Embassy Cairo Egypt Contact Details
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2: Syria
22nd Novem,ber 2011 The UK Government has issued a statement due to the ongoing difficulties Syria
We advise against all travel to the Syrian Arab Republic. British nationals in Syria should leave now by commercial means whilst these are still available. Those who choose to remain in Syria, or to visit against our advice should be aware that it is highly unlikely that the British Embassy would be able to provide a normal consular service in the event of a further breakdown in law and order and increased violent civil disorder. Evacuation options would be limited, or non-existent, because of likely communication and travel restrictions. If, despite our clear advice to leave you choose to remain, please make sure you and your family have a valid exit stamp on your travel documents if you need one to leave Syria.
This advice to leave Syria is because of continued violent disturbances across the country, including the capital Damascus. Military operations and clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in a significant number of deaths. There have also been a number of attacks on regime-affiliated targets in different parts of the country using gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Violent protests have taken place outside a number of Embassies and Consulates in Damascus, Aleppo and Latakia; in some cases the buildings were physically attacked and damaged. Should you choose to remain in Syria against our advice, you are advised to remain vigilant and avoid crowds, particularly around these locations.
It is likely that road networks may be blocked during disturbances or demonstrations. Several major highways including Tartous-Latakia, Tartous-Homs, Latakia-Aleppo, Homs-Hama, Homs-Damascus and Damascus-Jordan have been temporarily closed because of demonstrations or disturbances. There has also been an increase in the number of security force checkpoints on major road routes. There is an increased likelihood of large gatherings on public holidays and at weekends, particularly in the hours following Friday prayers.
Disturbances and road closures have affected access to some land border crossing points. This may happen at short notice, and it may not be possible to guarantee security along the route. You should check the status of the border crossing and access routes before travelling. The main Nasib/Jaber border crossing is currently open, but at times it has also been affected, with limited access due to numerous road blocks along the route. You should avoid the Ar Ramtha border crossing to Jordan and the Tal Kalakh/Hdaideh crossing in to north-east Lebanon. You should not attempt to enter Iraq via the Syrian border, which is subject to restrictions on both sides.
Latest information & live updates British Embassy Damascus Contact Details
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3: Bangkok & Thailand 29th October 2011
22nd November 2011 The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued the following advice in respect of travel to Thailand
Heavy rainfall across Thailand in September and October has caused widespread flooding resulting in disruption and over 590 deaths. We advise caution if travelling to any of the 18 provinces in Thailand (including Bangkok), which are affected by flooding, as identified by the Thai authorities. The affected provinces are: North; (Nakhon Sawan) Central; (Chai Nat, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathumthani, Nonthaburi, Samutsakhon, Samut Prakarn and Bangkok) Northeast; (Ubon Ratchathani, Roi-et and Kalasin) Eastern; (Chacheongsao and Nakhon Nayok).
There is still a large volume of flood water from the north passing through Bangkok, and to the east and west of the city, to reach the Gulf of Thailand. This flood water is being contained by a series of barriers, dykes and canals and has flooded outlying districts to the north (including Chatuchak), east and west of central Bangkok. Some of the flood defences have been breached and the authorities have put in place measures to deal with these breaches. We assess that the risk of floods affecting central Bangkok is reducing, though a small risk remains that some of the floodwater affecting the suburbs to the north, east and west of Bangkok could spread slowly towards the centre of the city. This risk is diminishing as more floodwater drains into the sea. We continue to monitor the situation and update this Travel Advice on a regular basis.
Flooding has caused some transport, electricity and water supply disruption. If you are in a flood affected area, you should exercise caution, follow the advice of the local authorities and take sensible precautions with food and water, including boiling tap water before drinking.
The National Travel Health Network and Centre has issued advice and information about the possible increased risk from illness and disease in the flood affected areas. Contact your GP for further advice and information before travelling. The Food Standards Agency has issued advice on how to prepare food safely in flooded areas.
Updated weather forecasts for Thailand are available on the Thailand Meteorological Department website . UK Office Advice Update.
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4: Japan
29th Octobe4 2011 The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued the following advice in respect of tracel to Japan
We advise against all but essential travel to those areas in north-east Japan most affected by the 11 March earthquake and tsunami. This includes those coastal areas of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures which suffered extensive damage. These areas continue to experience disruptions to residential, business and transport infrastructure. There is also a continuing risk of aftershocks. If your travel is essential, you should consult local contacts before travelling.
We advise against all travel within a 30km radius of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, as well as against all travel to the deliberate exclusion zones outside this 30km radius identified by the Japanese authorities as shown on this map. This advice is based on guidance from UK Government scientists. For areas outside those subject to restrictions, out to 60 km from the facility, we advise that you exercise a high degree.
The situation in Japan outside of these specific areas has largely returned to normal and most visits are trouble free.There may however still be some further disruptions to transport, power, communications and water and food supplies. For up to date transport news, please refer to JR East's English site.
There is a continuous risk of earthquakes and tsunamis throughout Japan. Latest warnings and advisories are published on the Japan Meteorological Agency website
Latest information & live updates / British Embassy Tokoyo Japan Contact Details
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5: Libya
29th October 2011 The UK Government has issued a statement on the situation in Libya:
Since 3 March, we have advised against all travel to Libya. However in the light of the improving security situation on the ground the FCO has decided to change our Travel Advice to advise against all but essential travel to Zuwara, Az Zawiya, Tripoli, al Khums, Zlitan and Misrata, and the coastal towns from Ras Lanuf to the Egyptian Border, including Benghazi. We still advise against all travel to all other areas of Libya.
Our Travel Advice is kept under constant review and the safety of British Nationals remains our priority. Any British national thinking of travelling to Libya should take care and check our Travel Advice regularly. It is also important to note that the British Embassy in Tripoli is only able to provide limited consular assistance at present, but we do plan to deploy additional staff when the situation allows. Tripoli International Airport is closed and the No Fly Zone remains in place until midnight on 31 October. Thereafter, the Libyans will be responsible for managing their own airspace.
If you are planning on travelling to Libya in the near future, you should either register with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office via our LOCATE system or by email on consularenquiries.tripoli@fco.gov.uk. But be aware that the UK Embassy in Tripoli and office in Benghazi are only able to provide very limited consular assistance at this time. They cannot issue passports or visas, although in a genuine emergency, a single page/single journey travel document can be provided. In an emergency, British nationals in Libya requiring consular assistance should call +44 (0)20 7008 1500.
Latest information & live updates / British Embassy Tripoli Libya Contact Details
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6: Bahrain
29th October 2011 The pol;itical situation is Bahrain is fluid with sponteanous demonstrations and the threat of violence. Against this background the The UK Government has issued this travel advice:
We advise British nationals in Bahrain to maintain a high level of security awareness and to exercise caution, particularly in public places and on the roads, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. There have been a number of security incidents, some of which have been violent, in various locations around Bahrain. The risk of outbreaks of violence is ongoing and the security situation remains uncertain.
Our assessment remains that travel on the main routes on the island during daylight hours is orderly and has returned to normal levels. However, there are occasional calls for traffic disruption, particularly during morning rush hours. Police checkpoints remain but have been reduced around the main highways. You should exercise caution, in particular on any routes you use to get to these main routes, and consider carefully the situation in your local vicinity.
The Government of Bahrain has imposed a curfew on the waterways around Bahrain between 18:00 and 04:00. You are strongly advised to respect the curfew.
Latest information & live updates British Embassy Manama Bahrain Contact Details
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7: Tunisia
29th October 2011 The UK Government has issued a statement for visitors to Tunisia:
Most visits to Tunisia are trouble free, but all travellers should be aware of the current political and security situation, restrictions imposed, and the impact of the unrest in neighbouring Libya.
Tunisia is no longer experiencing the widespread unrest that occurred during the “Jasmine Revolution” in January 2011 and public order is maintained in most places, including the main tourist coastal areas. But a State of Emergency still exists and curfews or other temporary movement restrictions may be imposed or changed with little or no notice. You should observe instructions given by local security authorities and/or your tour operator. You are advised to carry a copy of your passport, or other form of photo ID, at all times as proof of nationality and identity.
The first democratic elections in Tunisia were held on 23 October and passed peacefully. However, the potential for political demonstrations and industrial protests remains. Some demonstrations have affected key public services, such as police and customs, which can cause serious disruption. While most forms of protest pass without incident, we recommend that British nationals in Tunisia avoid all forms of demonstration. Foreigners have not been targeted but there is a risk of incidental violence if you are caught up in a demonstration that does not pass peacefully. The centre of Tunis, (in particular the Khasbah, Place du Governement and Avenue Bourgiba) and the centres of other large towns and cities, are the focus for most protests but you should be aware that demonstrations can happen anywhere at any time.
Latest information & live updates / British Embassy Tunis Tunisia Contact Details
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Related Pages
Free Emergency European Health Insurance Scheme
European Embassies & Consulates In London England
Information & Advice For American Tourists & Local US Embassiies