Foreign Office updates travel advice for 48 countries as UK teen faces prison
Foreign Office updates travel advice for 48 countries as UK teen faces prison
People have been warned to expect harsh penalties if they don't follow the advice
Travellers near a security checkpoint
(Image: Getty )
The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning for UK travellers headed to 48 countries, advising them to be prepared for severe punishments for possession of illegal drugs. The updated travel guidance on gov.uk websites comes after a series of high-profile detentions of Brits abroad on drug-related charges.
The guidance cautions travellers about the increased risk of detection due to advanced airport scanning technologies in several nations. Individuals caught with substances, such as cannabis, are warned they could face lengthy jail terms under harsh conditions.
This follows the arrest of 18-year-old Bella Culley, from Teesside, who faces the possibility of life in prison due to drug charges. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
She is charged with the illegal purchase, possession, and importation of significant quantities of narcotics, which include cannabis.
Culley reportedly went missing in Thailand, only to be detained at Tbilisi International Airport in Georgia, approximately 3,700 miles away, on these allegations.
According to reports, she was intercepted while allegedly trying to smuggle 14kg of cannabis into the country.
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On Wednesday, June 4, a tweet from the official @FCDOtravelGovUK account read: "Don't smuggle illegal drugs. There are severe penalties for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including cannabis.
"Airports have excellent technology to detect items, including in the baggage of transiting passengers.", reports Bristol Live.
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You can find the most recent guidance for international journeys on the gov.uk website. This page explains: "Obtain advice and warnings regarding international travel, covering entry requirements, safety and security, health risks, and legal variations."
The 48 countries Foreign Office has updated its Safety and Security advice:
Albania Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Latvia Bosnia and Hertzegovena Bulgaria Burundi Croatia Cyprus, Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Hungar Iceland Ireland Italy Kazakhstan Kosovo Lichtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Montenegro Netherlands Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Rwanda Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey USA
The latest advice itself for the majority of countries reads: "Updated information on the risks of being involved with illegal drugs, including cannabis.
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"This includes the risk of arrest if you are found carrying drugs when transiting through the airport.
"Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports."
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