Foreign Office issues ‘Do Not Travel’ Warnings for 55 Countries: Is your 2026 Holiday Destination on the list?
Foreign Office issues Warnings Against Travel to 55 Countries in 2026
The UK Foreign Office has issued fresh warnings advising British nationals not to travel to 55 countries and territories, citing armed conflict, terrorism, political instability, and serious safety risks. The guidance, published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), affects millions of holidaymakers planning trips in 2026 and carries major consequences for travel insurance, consular support, and personal safety.
According to the FCDO, travelling against official advice could invalidate travel insurance and significantly limit help from British embassies in the event of emergencies abroad.
Why the Foreign Office Issues ‘Do Not Travel’ Warnings
The FCDO regularly reviews security conditions worldwide and updates travel advice for 226 countries and territories. At present, 71 locations contain no-go zones, while 55 destinations fall under the strictest warnings.
Officials say advice against travel is issued only when the risk to British nationals is deemed unacceptably high, including situations involving:
- Armed conflict or war
- Terrorist threats or kidnappings
- Civil unrest or military coups
- Disease outbreaks
- Natural disasters
- High risk of arrest or detention
The Foreign Office stresses that no overseas travel is risk-free, but these destinations pose exceptional dangers.
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Countries Where the FCDO Advises Against All Travel
The UK government currently advises against all travel to the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Burkina Faso
- Haiti
- Iran
- Mali
- Niger
- Russia
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
In these destinations, risks include terrorism, conflict, arbitrary detention of foreign nationals, and total breakdown of law and order.
Countries With Partial ‘Do Not Travel’ Zones
In many countries, the FCDO warns against travel to specific regions rather than the entire country. These include parts of:
Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Middle East: Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon
Asia: Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia
Europe: Ukraine, Turkey, Moldova, Georgia
Americas: Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico
Travellers may legally visit other parts of these countries, but entering restricted zones can still invalidate insurance and place travellers at extreme risk.
‘All But Essential Travel’: What It Means
The Foreign Office also advises against all but essential travel to North Korea, warning that the security situation can change without notice.
For several other countries, including parts of Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Ghana, Bangladesh, and Peru, the advice applies only to specific high-risk regions.
The FCDO emphasises that “essential travel” is a personal decision, often involving urgent family or business matters.
Why Ignoring FCDO Advice Can Cost You Dearly
Travelling against FCDO guidance may result in:
- ❌ Invalid travel insurance
- ❌ Limited or no consular assistance
- ❌ Difficulty evacuating during crises
- ❌ Higher risk of arrest, violence, or kidnapping
The Foreign Office warns that British nationals who ignore advice travel at their own risk, particularly in conflict zones.
Who Faces Greater Risk Abroad
The FCDO notes that certain travellers may face additional dangers depending on:
- Gender
- Ethnic background
- Sexual orientation
- Health conditions
Special guidance is available for vulnerable travellers, including LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and those with medical needs.
How Travellers Can Stay Informed
UK travellers are advised to:
- Check FCDO travel advice before booking
- Sign up for email alerts for destination updates
- Review insurance terms carefully
- Monitor political and security developments
Travel advice can change rapidly, especially in regions affected by conflict or unrest.
FAQ: UK Foreign Office Travel Warnings
What are the 55 countries the Foreign Office warns against?
They include countries facing war, terrorism, political instability or extreme safety risks, such as Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Syria, Yemen and Mali, as well as restricted regions in dozens of others.
What happens if I travel against FCDO advice?
Your travel insurance is likely invalid, and the UK government may be unable to help you if something goes wrong.
Does ‘all but essential travel’ mean travel is banned?
No. It means travel should only occur for urgent personal or professional reasons, not tourism.
Can travel advice change suddenly?
Yes. The FCDO may update advice at any time, especially during conflicts or emergencies.
Does FCDO advice affect flights and holidays already booked?
It can. Airlines and tour operators may cancel trips, and insurance claims may be refused.
How often should I check travel advice?
Before booking, before departure, and regularly while abroad.