The advice applies to all Brits travelling to these destinations (Image: Getty)
Travellers should keep these destinations firmly on their radar before heading off on their holidays this year, as fresh guidance has been issued to reflect the ever-shifting political climates across the globe.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly issues updates on travel advice to ensure Brits are taking the appropriate precautions when venturing abroad.
This can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from ongoing or recent conflict and health risks through to natural disasters.
Over recent months, a number of incidents have resulted in changes to travel guidance for those departing the UK. Twelve countries have had their travel advice revised over the past seven days, amongst them some of Brits’ most beloved holiday hotspots, including Greece.
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Eritrea
Updated information has been released regarding local security measures for those visiting Eritrea, East Africa, following heightened tensions with Ethiopia.
As a result, the security situation could alter at any moment. The UK government recommends steering clear of areas in close proximity to security or military installations or activity. While these locations are subject to change, seeking local advice wherever possible is strongly recommended.
Heightened security measures are to be anticipated around Asmara and other parts of Eritrea, though obtaining guidance from local travel operators, your host or accommodation is advisable.
Mali
All travel to Mali is strongly advised against, as numerous terrorist groups are active throughout the country.
A succession of coordinated strikes across several locations has further heightened these dangers. On April 25, multiple attacks took place in Kidal, Gao, Kati, Sevare, and in the area surrounding Bamako International Airport. While the airport has since reopened, some flights are experiencing delays or cancellations.
Updates to the UK Foreign Office advice could impact your travel plans (Image: Getty Images)
Authorities in Bamako have enforced a curfew running from 9pm until 6am through to April 28. Travellers must comply with the curfew, restrict their movements and heed the guidance of local authorities.
For those currently in Mali, crowded areas should be avoided, as should any locations with a military or police presence. This includes steering clear of any road blockades established by police and security forces.
Maldives
At least eight weeks before your trip to the Maldives, you should check the latest vaccine recommendations and find out where to obtain them or how to cover the cost via the NHS travel vaccinations page.
British visitors to the Maldives face a number of health risks, including dengue fever. As of 15 April 2026, cases of the fever have risen significantly, surpassing figures recorded during the same period in previous years.
The most current Foreign Office guidance will direct you to an official website containing details of all potential health risks at present and the vaccinations you ought to consider.
Mexico
Following a shooting which took place on April 20, 2026 at the Teotihuacán pyramids in Estado de México, the UK Foreign Office has removed travel advice surrounding that area in the days that followed the event, now that the situation has been brought under control.
The FCDO still advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Mexico, so it is advisable to check the most up-to-date version of this list.
St Vincent and the Grenadines
While visits are often trouble-free, a series of serious crimes have been recorded in the area, with a notable rise in gang-related activity. Murder, armed robbery and assault have all been reported, some occurring in public and heavily populated areas where tourists may find themselves.
The UK Foreign Office recommends taking several precautions when travelling to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Visitors are urged to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or jewellery, and to leave valuables, including travel documents, secured in a hotel safe or safety deposit box.
Other precautions listed include:
- avoiding isolated areas, including beaches, after dark
- take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season
- keeping valuables secure and out of sight
- making sure your accommodation is secure, including if you’re staying on a yacht
- take care when walking alone off main roads and taking money from ATMs
- only use licensed taxis
Holidaymakers should ensure they have checked any vaccination requirements ahead of their trip (Image: Getty)
China
Right up until the final day of the year, 31 December 2026, UK tourists are permitted to enter China visa-free and remain for up to 30 days, whether for business, tourism, family or friend visits, or transit purposes. However, should you visit China for any other reason — such as paid work, long-term assignments, journalism or study — a visa must be obtained prior to travel.
This also applies to anyone intending to stay beyond 30 days. If you are planning to travel to China and do not hold the appropriate visa or visa-free access, you will be denied entry.
The Foreign Office advice also states that holders of emergency travel documents are not permitted to enter China without a visa. It is worth bearing in mind that visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.
Kuwait
The UK Foreign Office has updated its warnings and insurance advice regarding Brits crossing the Saudi-Kuwait border. Updated guidance states that British nationals wishing to cross the border into Kuwait who do not hold residency there, and intend to use the visa-on-arrival facility, should contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours prior to their arrival.
This is a requirement for all Brits, and the British Embassy will share names and passport details with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will then determine whether you are permitted to enter or not.
Laos
All foreign nationals entering Laos are required to complete the Lao Digital Immigration Form (LDIF) within three days before their arrival in Laos and three days before their departure.
The airports to which this form applies include: Wattay International Airport (Vientiane), Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport and Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I. At these checkpoints, the LDIF replaces paper arrival and departure cards, but does not replace visa requirements.
Japan
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck northeastern and northern Japan on 20 April 2026, prompting alterations to travel guidance for Brits. The Japanese Meteorological Agency has now issued an alert warning of a heightened risk of powerful earthquakes occurring over the coming week.
Tourists in the following areas should stay alert and heed guidance from local authorities: Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Chiba.
Greece
Greek authorities have announced they will begin gathering biometric data from travellers throughout the Schengen area as part of their new Entry/Exit System. However, they have confirmed that this will not apply to UK travellers.
Upon arrival, it’s advisable to follow instructions from authorities on site, and if you’re a Greek resident, ensure you present your residence documentation at passport control to avoid being registered in EES.
Vietnam
While adherence to road laws is poor in Vietnam, the UK Foreign Office has issued extensive advice for maintaining safety. It recommends against using your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles and reminds tourists that drink-driving is a serious offence in Vietnam.
Should you find yourself involved in a road accident, you could face criminal charges or be made to pay compensation, with the added possibility of a travel ban while the investigation is carried out.
The government website also states: “From 15 April 2026, all foreign nationals entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City, are encouraged by the Vietnamese government to complete a digital arrival card online before arrival.”
Bolivia
The FCDO had previously issued guidance highlighting elections scheduled to take place in Bolivia on April 19, 2026. These have now concluded, meaning the event and any potential impact on visitors is no longer a concern.
It is worth bearing in mind, however, that there remain certain areas within Bolivia where all but essential travel is still strongly advised against.
