Latest news with #FCDO
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Foreign Office warns against 'all but essential' travel to part of popular destination
Tourists are being told to stay away from certain areas over safety concerns. The Foreign Office has issued guidance advising against "all but essential" travel to a popular holiday spot. Tunisia is popular among British tourists for its beaches, history and affordability. It offers experiences including beach resorts such as Hammamet and Sousse, and the opportunity to explore ancient Roman ruins and vibrant medinas. However, as of Wednesday, July 16, the official travel advice has been changed over serious safety concerns, listing no-go areas visitors should steer clear of, WalesOnline reports. The Foreign Office said: 'FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates, south of the town of Jendouba. FCDO no longer advises against travel to the archaeological site of Chemtou.' Safety fears continue to affect tourism in the country. In 2023, several terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals, potentially influenced by organisations. A National Guard officer was stabbed in the capital city Tunis, and a police officer died after being stabbed outside an embassy building. On the island of Djerba, a gunman opened fire at a Jewish pilgrimage site, killing three security staff and two civilians and injuring 10 people. The Foreign Office added: 'There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Areas where FCDO advises against travel Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border FCDO advises against all travel to: the Chaambi Mountains National Park the designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces. In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate within 10km of Mount Mghila Mount Orbata Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border FCDO advises against all travel to: the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya. In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
The World Health Organization (WHO) Strengthens Tanzania's Recovery from Marburg Outbreak with Critical Medical Equipment
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reinforced its support to Tanzania's post-Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) recovery by handing over essential medical equipment worth over TZS 112 million to health authorities in Biharamulo District, one of the areas most affected by the outbreak. The equipment package includes personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic tools, hospital beds, and emergency medical kits, critical to restoring routine health services and enhancing outbreak preparedness at the district level. Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Dr. Galbert Fedjo, acting WHO Representative in Tanzania, reaffirmed WHO's long-term support: 'This handover is part of a broader commitment to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities in Tanzania. We are proud to stand with the Government and the people of Tanzania on the road from recovery to resilience.' The donation is part of a larger post-Marburg support package made possible through funding from the Government of the United Kingdom via the Foreign, Commonwealth&Development Office (FCDO). Beyond medical supplies, the support has also contributed to risk communication, psychosocial recovery, and training of health workers across affected regions. Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Government, The Director of Emergency at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Erasto Sylvanus, expressed appreciation to WHO and partners: 'This support comes at a critical time as we continue to strengthen our health systems and ensure our frontline workers are equipped to handle future health emergencies. We thank WHO and the UK Government for standing with us.' The Marburg Virus Disease outbreak was officially declared in March and successfully contained through rapid response efforts led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners. Today's handover marks a significant step in the recovery phase and in enhancing Tanzania's long-term public health emergency preparedness. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - United Republic of Tanzania.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office tells Brits to keep copies of essential travel documents at home
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has shared advice to those travelling abroad, as millions of Brits get ready to jet off on their summer holidays The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is offering advice to Brits travelling overseas to help them keep their travel documents secure. In a bid to ensure that the millions of holidaymakers each year have a hassle-free journey, the FCDO has taken to social media platform X, as Twitter is now known, with some vital guidance. The FCDO advises: "Heading abroad? Keep a copy of your passport, visa, and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling." They also recommend that travellers should "Keep copies at home and on your phone." A key piece of advice previously shared by the Foreign Office is to treasure your passport and protect it from damage, as a damaged passport is not valid for travel. Additional advice includes: Your passport is not always safer on you (e.g. lock your passport in a safe if you have access to one), unless the local law requires you to keep it with you. Make two photocopies of your passport – leave one with friends or family and take the second with you, or store it online using a secure data storage site Use this photocopy as alternative ID, for example when going out at night Make sure your passport is valid. For certain countries your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you travel – check the entry requirements before you go In instances where passports are lost or stolen, tens of thousands find themselves in need of an emergency travel document. In cases of urgent passport issues within the UK, citizens can opt for the 1 week Fast Track service or the even swifter 1 day Premium service, reports the Liverpool Echo. The Fast Track option assures you receive your new passport within a week from your appointment date, your earliest possibility for an appointment being just the following day post-application. Meanwhile, the Premium service boasts a turnaround of just 4 hours after your appointment, making it possible to collect your passport the same day. Misplacing your flight tickets can lead to a multitude of problems, including the need to buy a replacement ticket, potentially forfeiting the value of the original one, and navigating the often-complex processes of refunds or rebookings. In a separate piece of advice issued over the weekend, the Foreign Office cautioned holidaymakers about "keeping an eye on your drinks". Taking to social media, they urged people to "remember not to leave your drinks unattended", while also reminding travellers that drink measurements can vary significantly abroad. This guidance forms part of the government's Travel Aware initiative, which seeks to empower travellers with the knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable trip abroad, while also understanding the unique risks associated with different countries. As part of its commitment to providing unbiased information, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's travel advice aims to empower travellers to make more informed decisions about their international travel plans. In a specific warning to young travellers venturing abroad, the FCDO advises: "You should also get a travel insurance policy and make sure you know what cover it provides." The consequences of failing to secure adequate insurance before jetting off can be severe, leaving you liable for exorbitant emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which can rack up bills amounting to thousands of pounds.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Foreign Office advises against 'all but essential' travel to part of popular tourist hotspot
British holidaymakers planning a trip to a North African holiday hotspot this summer have been urged by the Foreign Office to reconsider their travel plans. Updated guidance warns against 'all but essential' travel to part of Tunisia due to serious safety concerns. Tunisia has long been a popular destination for British tourists, known for its golden beaches, turquoise Mediterranean coastline, bustling medinas and affordable luxury. But despite its appeal, the nation continues to battle security challenges that have overshadowed its tourism sector for years. In its latest update, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) highlighted areas of western and southern Tunisia as no-go zones due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and cross-border violence. A spokesperson said: 'FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates, south of the town of Jendouba.' However, the ministerial department has since removed its warning for the archaeological site of Chemtou, which had previously been off-limits. The travel warning comes as Tunisia continues to grapple with sporadic terrorist attacks, some carried out by individuals reportedly influenced by extremist ideologies. In 2023, the country witnessed several high-profile incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a National Guard officer in Tunis and a deadly shooting at a Jewish pilgrimage site on the island of Djerba, which claimed the lives of five people. The Foreign Office warned: 'There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.' Tunisia's tourism sector, which has slowly recovered from the devastating 2015 terrorist attacks that killed dozens of foreign tourists, could face renewed setbacks. Tour operators and airlines may now review their summer schedules, while travellers are advised to check the latest government guidance before departure. While major tourist hubs like Hammamet, Sousse, and the capital Tunis are not currently included in the FCDO's red zones, British nationals are encouraged to remain vigilant, monitor local media, and follow advice from local authorities. For the most up-to-date information on travel advice, British nationals are urged to check the FCDO's official travel guidance. It comes as a savvy traveller has revealed how he bagged a trip to Morocco for just £186 - including flights. Rob Adcock, a BBC TV presenter and travel aficionado who posts to Instagram using the handle @robadcock, found himself 'skimming through Skyscanner looking for cheap deals.' Areas in Tunisia where FCDO advises against travel Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border: the Chaambi Mountains National Park the designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate within 10km of Mount Mghila Mount Orbata Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border: the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area He then found a 'good value flight' with Ryanair to Agadir in Morocco that piqued his interest. The travel content creator decided to look at hotels in the North African city and found what he calls 'an absolute bargain' with an overnight stay, three spa treatments and breakfast included for £270 for two people. Speaking to MailOnline Travel, Rob says: 'I'm a pretty sad individual, and whenever I'm bored, I just find myself skimming through Skyscanner looking for cheap deals. 'So when Morocco came up and Agadir seemed like a good value flight, I did some digging.'
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
Foreign Office advises Brits against 'all but essential' travel to parts of popular holiday destination
The Foreign Office has issued guidance against 'all but essential' travel to sections of a favoured UK holiday destination. Tunisia remains a sought-after getaway for British holidaymakers thanks to its stunning coastlines, fascinating heritage, and budget-friendly appeal. The country provides varied attractions, from lively seaside resorts such as Hammamet and Sousse to discovering ancient Roman remains and colourful medinas, reports WalesOnline. Nevertheless, owing to grave safety worries, officials have revised their travel guidance, identifying restricted zones that visitors should steer clear of. The Foreign Office stated: "FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to within 20km of the Tunisia-Algerian border in El Kef and Jendouba Governorates, south of the town of Jendouba. FCDO no longer advises against travel to the archaeological site of Chemtou." Safety fears have long subdued tourism in Tunisia. In 2023 a number of terrorist attacks were planned and carried out by self-initiated individuals possibly influenced by terrorist organisations including a National Guard officer stabbed in the Goulette area of Tunis, a police officer was stabbed and killed outside the Brazilian Embassy and a fatal shooting took place on the island of Djerba, at a Jewish pilgrimage site, with 3 security personnel and 2 civilians killed, and 10 injured. In terms of terrorism the Foreign Office says: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times." Areas where FCDO advises against travel Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border FCDO advises against all travel to: the Chaambi Mountains National Park the designated military operations zones: Mount Salloum Mount Sammamma Mount Mghila This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces. In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park within 20km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate within 10km of Mount Mghila Mount Orbata Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border FCDO advises against all travel to: the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya. In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada and El Borma.
