The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to all Britons planning international trips, urging them to stay updated on travel advice.
FCDO urges travellers to check advice regularly
As the Government's foreign affairs department, the FCDO routinely issues guidance designed to keep UK travellers safe while abroad. Information is provided for over 220 countries and territories, and is refreshed regularly.
In a recent post on X, previously known as Twitter, the FCDO said: "Travel advice can change quickly. Check the latest advice before you travel and while you're away".
In a video attached to the warning, an FCDO spokesperson said: "Travel advice isn't something to check once and then forget about. Situations overseas can change quickly."
What the advice covers
FCDO travel advice covers safety and security, entry requirements, and other risks to consider ahead of travel. The department also offers email alerts for when advice changes and encourages travellers to follow its social media channels.
The spokesperson added: "For example, we recently updated our travel advice for Saudi Arabia as the security situation changed following increased Houthi aggression. And in Ecuador, severe weather from El Niño led to new advice for Santa Cruz Island after a state of emergency was declared by local government."
"Knowing the risks before you travel can help you make informed decisions about your trip. So before you go, check the latest advice for your destination and any countries you will transit through. And keep checking while you are away."
Passport and Schengen rules for Europe
Brits heading to Europe are reminded that, for travel to the Schengen Zone, your passport must be under 10 years old. It must also be valid for at least three months after your planned return date, and those travelling on a UK passport can now only stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any six-month period.
Countries within the Schengen Zone are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
