Latest news with #CommonwealthandDevelopmentOffice
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Daily Record
Brits in Iceland issued urgent Sundhnúkur volcano advice as more eruptions 'likely'
Magma was seen pouring out of the volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Wednesday morning. A warning has been issued to British holidaymakers after volcano Sundhnúkur erupted earlier this morning. Magma was seen pouring out of the volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the fishing town of Grindavík, in the early hours of Wednesday, July 16, forcing families and tourists to be be evacuated from the area. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has now updated its guidance on travel to the country. It warned travellers that more eruptions are 'likely' and advised them to closely follow local media for any further updates. This is the ninth time the volcano has erupted since December 2023. On Thursday, July 16, the FCDO said: "Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common in Iceland given the country's natural geography. In the event of an eruption or wider seismic activity follow the latest advice issued by the authorities. "Recently there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula in south-west Iceland, the latest on 16 July. These have affected the town of Grindavik and the area to the north of it. Keflavik International Airport and the road to it is unaffected and operating normally. The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland is not affected by these recent eruptions. "It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location. Monitor local media for updates and always follow the authorities' advice on travel to the area. "The Government of Iceland monitors any seismic and volcanic activity closely and infrastructure is robustly designed, but not all events can be anticipated and can pose risks to your travel plans including travel delays and cancellations due to rock falls and landslides, sudden flooding and poisonous volcanic gases near eruption sites." Following the eruption, the National Police Commissioner decided, in consultation with the Police Commissioner in Suðurnes, to raise the Civil Protection alert level to the highest level as the likelihood of an eruption at the Sundhnúk crater has increased. This was revealed in a statement from the Communications Director of Civil Protection. The earthquake cluster is located between Stóra-Skógfell and Sýlingarfell, and is in a similar area to the beginning of magma flows in previous events, like April this year. The Blue Lagoon Iceland - a five-star hotel resort popular with Brit holidaymakers - and a local campsite were evacuated, as was most of the town of Grindavík. Experts say the fissure is between 700 and 1000 metres wide and does not appear to be getting longer as the lava flow appears to be most concentrated to the southeast. Benedikt Ófeigsson, a geophysicist and head of deformation measurements at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, has moved to reassure communities - but said things could change quickly. He said: "This is not a major event at the moment. It's a small volume and we're not seeing any signs that the tremors are getting shallower, as things stand now. "There is always some seismic activity, but nothing extreme, it hasn't been particularly increasing."
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- Daily Record
Foreign Office warns holidaymakers common game kept in luggage could spell prison in Thailand
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to UK travellers regarding the strict gambling laws in Thailand - which could land Brits in prison for a seemingly innocent game The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Brits heading to Thailand, highlighting the severe penalties for seemingly innocuous activities such as carrying too many playing cards in their luggage. Placing bets on anything other than horse racing is entirely illegal in Thailand, with the only other form of legalised gambling in the popular destination being a national lottery. However, with illicit casinos and gambling dens long flouting the rules, the authorities take a dim view of anyone carrying more than two packs of cards. "Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment," the FCDO cautions in its latest guidance. This is not the only simple rule that can trip Brits up abroad, with Thailand also having an extremely strict ban on the possession and sale of all vapes or e-cigarettes. In addition to these regulations, there are new entry requirements that British travellers need to be aware of before jetting off to the Southeast Asian nation. "From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive," the FCDO advises on its website. While UK nationals can visit Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism, business meetings, and certain work commitments without issue, the FCDO warns against overstaying your visa, as this could result in serious repercussions, reports the Mirror. "If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh," warns the government body. Travellers visiting Thailand must also adhere to other strict entry rules. The passport must have an 'expiry date' of at least six months beyond the arrival date and contain at least one blank page. Entry will be refused if a valid travel document is lacking or an attempt is made to use a passport that has been declared lost or stolen. Dual nationals are advised to leave Thailand using the same passport used for entry to avoid complications at immigration. A multiple-entry visa can also be obtained in advance for stays of up to 60 days. Since May, Thailand has reintroduced the requirement for tourist visa applicants to provide financial evidence. This requirement, which was briefly waived in November 2023 to encourage post-pandemic tourism, requires all applicants to prove they can support themselves during their visit. According to Thailand's official e-Visa website, applicants must now provide financial documents showing a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Valid documents include bank statements from the previous three months or a sponsorship letter if someone else is funding the trip.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office warning Brits face prison for common game in holiday hotspot
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has warned Brits travelling to Thailand that they could be "held in detention" if they pack a common British game The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to British travellers about the trouble you could get in for packing a simple game. Thailand's strict gambling laws could see you get in serious trouble if you aren't prepared for how fastidious the Southeast Asian nation can be. "Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment," the FCDO warns in a new update on its website. There are other considerations to keep in mind when considering a visit to Thailand. As of the start of May this year, the country - which once welcomed one million Brits at its pre-pandemic height and now welcomes around 800,000 annually - has implemented a fresh visa system applicable to all non-Thai passport holders. "From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive," details the FCDO on its official website. British citizens are permitted to enter Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism, business meetings, and urgent or one-off work. This type of visa can be extended once for no more than an additional 30 days. However, the FCDO cautions that overstaying your visa could lead to severe consequences. "If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh," the government body warns. Travellers must also adhere to other specific entry regulations when visiting Thailand. Your passport must possess an 'expiry date' of no less than six months beyond your arrival date and contain at least one blank page. Entry will be refused if you lack a valid travel document or attempt to use a passport that has been declared lost or stolen. If you hold dual nationality, it's advisable to depart Thailand using the same passport you used for entry – this prevents complications at immigration. You may also seek a multiple-entry visa in advance for stays of up to 60 days. From May this year, Thailand has reintroduced the requirement for tourist visa candidates to furnish financial evidence. This stipulation, which was briefly waived in November 2023 to encourage post-pandemic tourism, mandates that all candidates prove their capacity to sustain themselves throughout their visit. According to Thailand's official e-Visa website, candidates must now present financial documentation displaying a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Valid documents encompass bank statements from the previous three months or a sponsorship letter if another party is funding the journey. Earlier this year, a British gentleman was detained in Thailand following a visa overstay of more than 25 years beyond his initial 30-day permit. The individual, now aged 60, entered Thailand on a brief tourist visa on 9 January 2000, subsequently avoiding Thai officials for 25 years. Thai police described it as a "record" visa breach, surpassing the former record held by a Pakistani gentleman who exceeded his visa by 10 years, according to AFP news agency.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow travellers heading to Italy this summer warned
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued advice for Brits heading to Italy and the Vatican City. Currently, the two countries are celebrating the Jubilee 2025, known as the Holy Year. The significant event, which occurs every 25 years, started on December 24, 2024, and ends on January 6, 2026. READ MORE: Glasgow travellers heading to popular country warned READ MORE: Glasgow travellers heading to South America warned of muggings However, the UK's Foreign Office said that Rome and the Vatican City, which is an independent city surrounded by Rome, will be 'very busy', particularly when bigger events take place as part of the Holy Year. One of the major events taking place this summer is the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 to August 3. A spokesperson said: "The Jubilee, known as the Holy Year, will take place in Rome from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026. "The city is expected to be very busy, particularly when the bigger events take place, including the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 to August 3, 2025. "If you are planning to travel to Rome during this time, see our Jubilee 2025 - Holy Year information."
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
Foreign Office warns Glaswegians against travelling here
The Foreign Office issued the travel warning for several popular holiday destinations, urging Glaswegian tourists and other UK travellers to exercise extreme caution due to life-threatening weather risks. In an update shared on the social media platform X, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised anyone planning to visit the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Pacific or the Far East to review its guidance on extreme weather. READ MORE: Glaswegian tourists warned after huge earthquake hits Spanish holiday hotspot The advice comes in response to the dangers posed by tropical storms during hurricane season. The FCDO stated: 'Hurricane season normally lasts from June to November in the Northern Hemisphere. "If you're planning to travel to the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Pacific or the Far East, check our extreme weather advice about how to prepare effectively.' READ MORE: Manhunt launched after attack and robbery on Glasgow street Hurricanes — also known as cyclones or typhoons, depending on the region — present a serious risk. According to the FCDO, these violent storms 'result in considerable loss of life every year, cause immense damage to property, and disrupt transport, electricity and communication infrastructure.' The agency added that tropical cyclones form when moist air rises and releases heat, with activity peaking when ocean temperatures are at their highest. High-risk regions include: June to November – Northern Hemisphere tropics (Caribbean, Atlantic, Southeast Asia, Pacific, Far East) November to April – Southern Hemisphere tropics (e.g. East African coast) The potential impacts of tropical cyclones include: Extremely strong winds Storm surges and coastal flooding Intense, prolonged rainfall READ MORE: Police investigating alleged sex attack at TRNSMT as number of arrests revealed The FCDO warned: 'Buildings can be damaged or destroyed; trees, power and telephone lines may fall; flying debris becomes dangerous. A hurricane can cause a temporary rise in sea level of several metres, which may flood coastal areas and damage shoreline buildings.' It also highlighted the risk of 'very heavy rainfall, which can cause localised or widespread flooding and mudslides.' Travellers are encouraged to monitor official advice and prepare appropriately. For full guidance, visit the UK Government website.
