With close to 200 countries and territories around the world, there are plenty of destinations for intrepid travellers to explore. But due to a mix of conflict and other safety concerns, a number of these are currently on the UK Foreign Office’s do not travel list. Travelling against Foreign Office advice means any normal travel insurance will be immediately invalidated — and also that, should you need consular assistance on the ground, it will likely be challenging. For some countries, the Foreign Office also advises all but essential travel, which means you should rethink any holiday plans. Here are the destinations on the do not travel list.
What is the official Foreign Office advice on travelling to Israel?
Due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Foreign Office is advising against all travel to large parts of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, and all but essential travel to the rest of the country. The ‘do not travel’ regions include Gaza, the West Bank, and areas that border Syria and Lebanon. You can see the full updated list on the Foreign Office advice pages.
If you are currently in the country for non-essential reasons, you are advised to leave if it is safe to do so.
• Is it safe to travel to Israel right now?
Which other countries have been affected by the conflict?
The Foreign Office is currently advising against all travel to Lebanon. In addition, those in the country should consider leaving while there are still commercial flights available.
• Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Dubai right now?
• Is it safe to travel to Morocco right now?
Which other countries does the Foreign Office advise against travel to?
Below are the nations and territories that have a Foreign Office travel warning in place for all or most of the country. Even if a country isn’t on this list, there may still be restrictions in place, for example at contentious borders or in a particular region. So before you plan a trip, check the Foreign Office website for the latest travel warnings and restrictions.
Europe
• Belarus do not travel
• Kosovo all but essential travel warning for significant parts of the country
• Russia do not travel
• Ukraine do not travel
Middle East
• Iraq do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Iran do not travel
• Israel do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Lebanon do not travel
• Occupied Palestinian territories do not travel
• Syria do not travel
• Yemen do not travel
The River Niger in Mali
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Africa
• Burkina Faso do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Cameroon do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Chad do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Central African Republic do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Ethiopia do not travel and all but essential travel warning for significant parts of the country
• Libya do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Mali do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• Mauritania do not travel and all but essential travel warning for significant parts of the country
• Niger do not travel
• Nigeria do not travel and all but essential travel warning for significant parts of the country
• Somalia do not travel and all but essential travel warning
• South Sudan do not travel
• Sudan do not travel
• Western Sahara do not travel warning for significant parts of the country
Morrocoy National Park in Venezuela
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Americas
• Haiti do not travel
• Venezuela do not travel and all but essential travel warning
A woman flashes a peace sign as she cycles across U Bein Bridge in Myanmar
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Asia
• Afghanistan do not travel
• Myanmar do not travel and all but essential travel warning for significant parts of the country
• North Korea all but essential travel warning; borders have not reopened since Covid
• Pakistan do not travel and all but essential travel warning for significant parts of the country
• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know
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