Full list of 36 countries UK Foreign Office has ‘do not travel’ warning for

There are warnings in place for a number of reasons, including wars or tensions in some areas

The UK Foreign Office regularly issues travel advice for countries across the world. Currently, it is warning against all travel to a number of places.

The Government department lists all the information on its website and has “do not travel” warnings either for whole countries or parts of it. In some cases, the advice is against “all but essential travel”.

The website says: “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).” It also explains why the alerts are in place.

Here we have listed the countries that have travel warnings in place. More information can be found here.

1. Belarus

FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. It says: “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. In the unlikely event that conflict starts, FCDO’s ability to support British nationals will be severely limited.”

2. Russia

FCDO 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, lack of flights to return to the UK, limited ability for the UK government to provide support. The advice adds: “There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia.

“Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited. There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities.”

3. Ukraine

The Government department advises against all travel to some parts of Ukraine and “all but essential travel” to other parts of the country. The areas where FCDO advises against all travel include Crimea, within 50km of the border with Belarus in the Volyn, Rivne and Zhytomyr regions, and all other regions of Ukraine with the exception of some Western regions.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the some regions in western Ukraine – Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, Lviv and parts further than 50km from the border with Belarus. This advice is in place due to the war with Russia.

4. Egypt

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where the advice is against all but essential travel. There is a warning against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate, all but essential travel to the northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula, against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal and against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the Faiyum Governorate
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
• the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
• the White Desert and Black Desert
• the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
• the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley:
• the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
• the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
• the road between Kharga and Baris
• the road between Baris and Luxor

5. Iraq

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• The parts of Anbar province which are west of, but not including Ramadi City
• Diyala province except for Baqubah City
• Kirkuk province
• Ninawa province
• Salah al-Din province
• Jurf al-Sakr town in Babil province
• Sadr City, part of Baghdad province
• Within 5km of areas that border Iran in Wasit, Maysan and Basra provinces
• Within 5km of Iraq’s borders with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• The remainder of Al-Muthanna province
• Al-Qadasiyah province
• The remainder of Anbar province
• Babil province (except Jurf al-Sakr town)
• Baghdad province (except Sadr City)
• The remainder of Basra province, including Highways 1 and 8 and the Safwan-Kuwait border crossing
• Dhi Qar Province
• Karbala Province
• The remainder of Maysan province
• The remainder of Najaf province
• The remainder of Wasit province
• Baqubah City in Diyala province
• The road sections of Highway 34 between Baghdad and Baqubah, and Highway 2 between Baqubah and Erbil

FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

6. Iran

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, the website says.

It adds: “British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”

7. Israel

FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza, against all travel within 500m of the border with Gaza, against all travel to Tulkarm Governorate, Jenin Governorate, and Tubas Governorate except Route 90, against all travel to areas north of Route 89 between Nahariyya and Dalton; north of a straight eastward line from Dalton to Route 91; and north of Route 91 across the Golan Heights, excluding routes 89 and 91 themselves, within 500m of the Area of Separation in the occupied Golan Heights (the ‘Alpha line’), Sheba’a Farms and Ghajja.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the West Bank, except for: East Jerusalem, Bethlehem Governate, Ramallah Municipality, Jericho municipality and all areas which lie south of it (this includes the Allenby crossing). Highway 1 that links Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the areas that lie to the south and west of the Highway (this includes Highway 3), and Route 443 and Highway 45 which link Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

8. Jordan

The UK Government advises against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria, and against all but essential travel to Aqaba international airport and seaport.

9. Lebanon

FCDO advises against all travel to the following areas of Beirut and its southern suburbs, excluding Route 51 from central Beirut to Rafic Hariri International Airport:

• Tariq el Jdideh and the area east of Tariq el Jdideh, south of Jalloul Street, west of Hourch and the war cemetery (not including the war cemetery), and south of the Soulieman Bastani
• Ghobeiry and the area north of Ghobeiry but south of Yarmouk street, the war cemetery and Horsh park (not including Horsh park and the cemetery and Yarmouk street)
• Chiyah (south and west of the Rizkallah Semaan road)
• Haret Hraik
• Burj Al Barajneh
• Mraije
• Laylaki
• Jnah, south of El Imam Mousa El Sader street
• The Golf Club of Lebanon
• all other areas west of the Camil Chamoun Boulevard (south of Forn el Chebbak) that becomes the Old Saida Road through Hadath to Beirut airport

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: the area of Mount Lebanon Governorate south of (but excluding) the road from Wadi El Zayni in the west (and extending to the Mediterranean Sea), which travels through the villages of Aanout, Gharifeh, Ainbal, Boqaata, Moukhtara, Maaser El Chouf to the Mount Lebanon-Beqaa Governorate boundary in the east.

FCDO advises against all travel to South and Nabatiyeh Governorates, the area of Beqaa Governorate to the east of (but not including) the Masnaa-Rachaiya Road from Masnaa, Dahr El Ahmar to the Beqaa-Nabatiyeh boundary in the south. More detailed information about other areas where there are travel warnings in place is available here.

10. Palestine

There are warnings against all travel to parts of Palestine, and alerts against all but essential travel to some parts. FCDO advises against all travel to Gaza, within 500m of the border with Gaza, Tulkarm Governorate, Jenin Governorate, and Tubas Governorate except Route 90, areas north of Route 89 between Nahariyya and Dalton; north of a straight eastward line from Dalton to Route 91; and north of Route 91 across the Golan Heights, excluding routes 89 and 91 themselves, within 500m of the Area of Separation in the occupied Golan Heights (the ‘Alpha line’), Sheba’a Farms and Ghajja.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the West Bank, except for: East Jerusalem, Bethlehem Governate, Ramallah Municipality, Jericho municipality and all areas which lie south of it (this includes the Allenby crossing). Highway 1 that links Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the areas that lie to the south and west of the Highway (this includes Highway 3), and Route 443 and Highway 45 which link Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

11. Saudi Arabia

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen, and all but essential travel to areas between 10km and 80km from the border with Yemen.

12. Syria

FCDO advises against all travel to Syria “due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks”. Consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria.

13. Yemen

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Yemen “due to the unpredictable security conditions”. The department says: “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”

14. Burkina Faso

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”.

15. Burundi

FCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group in the Kibira National Park and possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

It also warns against all travel to parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura towards Cibitoke and west of the Rusizi river towards the border with DRC, including Rusizi National Park (also known as Rusizi Delta Nature Reserve). This is due to possible armed incursions from DRC.

And it advises against all travel on the main RN6 and RN10 roads running west from Kayanza through the Kibira National Park towards Cibitoke, due to the risk of the presence of a rebel group and possible armed incursions from DRC.

16. Cameroon

FCDO advises against all travel to Bakassi Peninsula, within 40km of the border with Central African Republic, within 40km of the border with Chad, within 40km of the border with Nigeria, except for Garoua in the North Region, to the Far-North Region (except for a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua), to the North-West Region, to the South-West Region, including the towns of Buea, Muyuka and Tiko in Fako Division (Except for Limbé and the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division).

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Limbé and the 35km stretch of the N3 road connecting Limbé to the Littoral Region in Fako Division, South-West Region, the North Region, including Garoua,, and a 20km radius to the north, east and west of Maroua, and 30km south of Maroua, in Far-North Region, and within 20km of the border with the North region of Cameroon. FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km of the Central African Republic (CAR) and Nigeria borders.

17. Chad

FCDO advises against all travel to the northern provinces of Chad )Borkou Province, Ennedi Ouest Province, Ennedi Est Province, Tibesti Province), the western part of Kanem Province, including the town of Nokou, the Lake Chad region, within 30km of all of Chad’s other borders. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Chad, including the capital, N’Djamena.

18. Central African Republic

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Central African Republic, including the areas of Bimbo, Begoua and Coline, except to the capital, Bangui. The advice is against all but essential travel to Bangui, including Bangui M’Poko International Airport.

19. Democratic Republic of the Congo

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the districts of N’djili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa city south of the main access road to N’djili airport, in Nsele commune, the N1 road in Kinshasa Province, between and including Menkao to the west, Kenge to the east, the border of Mai-Ndombe province to the north, and 10km to the south.

There is an alert against all travel to within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic, to the provinces of Haut-Uélé and Ituri, including the entire DRC-South Sudan border, North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema, Tanganyika and Haut-Lomami. More areas are also affected by travel warnings. Further details are here.

20. Ethiopia

FCDO advises against all travel to within:

• 20km of the border with Sudan
• 10km of the border with South Sudan
• 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale
• 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns
• 10km of the border with Eritrea

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas between 10-15km from the border with Eritrea. Many more areas are covered by warnings, which can be found here.

21. Eritrea

FCDO advises against all travel to within 25km of all of Eritrea’s land borders. The website says: “Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are high. If a crisis develops in Eritrea, the situation could change quickly, including your ability to travel within Eritrea or leave the country. Practical support from the British government such as face-to-face consular support or evacuation may be severely limited in a crisis.”

22. Libya

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the cities of Tripoli, Benghazi, Al-Bayda and Derna, and the surrounding area knows as Jebel Akhdar, either side of the coastal and desert roads between and including the towns of Al-Maqrun and Al-Tamimi, Misrata

23. Mali

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Mali “due to the unpredictable security conditions”. The department says: “If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so.

“Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.

“Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key 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 is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.”

24. Mauritania

FCDO advises against all travel to areas east of a line drawn between but excluding the towns of Kankossa, Akhreijit, Ghallaouia, Zouerat, Fderîck and onwards west to the border with Western Sahara, to areas within 25km of the Malian border in the south, including Khabou.

There are also areas covered by “all but essential travel” alerts. These can be found here.

25. Niger

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger. It says: “This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger.

“There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey. The political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible.”

26. Nigeria

FCDO advises against all travel to Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State and Gombe State and all but essential travel to Bauchi State. There is also an alert against all travel to Katsina State and Zamfara State. Several other parts are covered by warnings, which can be found here.

27. Somalia

FCDO advises against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland, except for the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil. The advice is against all but essential travel to the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh, and Sahil.

It says: “This is due to the threat from terrorist groups and continuing violence. If you choose to remain in Somalia, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. There has recently been an increase in fighting between al-Shabaab and the Somali Government close to the capital Mogadishu.”

28. South Sudan

FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality. Here are full details.

29. Sudan

FCDO advises against all travel to Sudan because of the ongoing military conflict in Khartoum and other parts of the country. This does not include the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

There have been several ceasefires, but these have been regularly broken. Monitor travel advice and other media reports for the latest information.

30. Western Sahara

FCDO advises against all travel to areas in Western Sahara within 40km North and West of ‘the Berm’ boundary line, including the city of Es Semara, and areas in Western Sahara the territory south and east of ‘the Berm’ boundary line. The website says: “Western Sahara is a disputed territory. The Berm is the militarised boundary between Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara and territory to the east controlled by the Polisario Front. Cross border rocket fire has occurred which cannot be ruled out in the future.”

31. Haiti

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and their ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.

The department says: “British nationals may get consular services assistance at our diplomatic mission in the Dominican Republic. If you choose to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.”

32. Venezuela

FCDO advises against all travel to within 80km (50 miles) of the border with Colombia, within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Brazil, within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Guyana, to the area to the south of the Orinoco river, to the Orinoco Mining Arc (‘Arco Minero’) region to the south of the Orinoco river, to Zulia state. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of Venezuela.

33. Afghanistan

FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan. It 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.”

34. Myanmar

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• Chin State
• Kachin State
• Kayah State
• Kayin Sate
• Mon State
• Rakhine State
• Sagaing and Magway regions
• Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township
• Shan State North
• North Mandalay Region; the townships north of Mandalay City and Pyin Oo Lwin
• East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• Shan State South and East
• Mandalay Region
• Tanintharyi Region south of Tanintharyi township
• the rest of Bago region
• the townships of Kyangin, Myanaung, Ingapu, Lemyethna, Yegyi, Thabaung and Pathein in Ayeyarwady region

The website adds: “The conflict is Myanmar is increasingly volatile. The security situation may deteriorate at short notice and the military regime can introduce travel restrictions at any time. Consider your travel plans carefully.”

35. North Korea

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea. It says: “The level of tension on the Korean Peninsula remains high. While daily life in the capital city, Pyongyang, may appear calm, the security situation in North Korea can change quickly with no advance warning about possible actions by the authorities. This poses significant risks to British visitors and residents.”

36. Pakistan

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan and to Balochistan Province. It also advises against all travel to these areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province:

• Bajaur
• Bannu
• Buner
• Chārsadda
• Dera Ismail Khan
• Hangu
• Karak
• Khyber
• Kohat
• Kurram
• Lakki Marwat
• Upper Dir
• Lower Dir
• Mohmand
• Orakzai
• Peshawar, including the city of Peshawar
• Swat
• Tank
• North Waziristan
• Upper South Waziristan
• Lower South Waziristan
• the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas via Battagram, Besham City, Dasu and Sazin up to the junction with the N15
• the N45 Highway, from the north of the Mardan ring road, to the edge of Chitral City, including Kalash valley

A number of areas are covered by a warning “against all but essential travel”. These can be found here.

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