Latest news with #UKForeignOffice
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Travel expert's verdict on if it's safe to fly Greece right now amid wildfires
Greece is among the countries in southern Europe battling wildfires this summer as firefighters continue to tackle blazes on both the mainland and on several of its islands Greece is currently grappling with wildfires, as blazes rage across both the mainland and several of its islands. Over the weekend, areas near Athens were evacuated due to more than 50 wildfires breaking out, with residents in the suburb of Kryoneri being advised to leave their homes. Firefighters are also tackling fires on the islands of Crete, Kythira and Euboea, while numerous smaller fires have erupted locally. These fires have been fuelled by scorching temperatures and dry conditions across southern Europe, with neighbouring countries Turkey and Montenegro also dealing with wildfires this summer. A heatwave in Greece, which saw temperatures soar to 44C in Athens last week, has increased the country's fire risk. These wildfires coincide with the peak travel period, causing concern for many British holidaymakers heading to Greece for the school holidays. If you're wondering whether it's safe to visit Greece, here's what you need to know. It's worth noting that large parts of Greece remain unaffected by the wildfires. What the UK Foreign Office says The UK Foreign Office, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, hasn't issued any further guidance on specific wildfires since its last update on July 4, which remains current on July 28. It advises there is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. It recommends reading the wildfires section on its Safety and security page which states that travellers "Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location." The advice page for Greece state the following "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location. "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. To avoid starting wildfires: leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires. make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished. do not light barbecues. "Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112. Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires: follow @112Greece for official updates. follow the guidance of the emergency services. call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger. contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK. Always check the Foreign Office page for the latest advice before you travel. Refunds for cancelled flights and travel insurance Whether you're covered for wildfires by your insurance hinges on the specifics of your policy and the breadth of your coverage; wildfires typically fall under "unforeseen circumstances". This implies that you might be covered for medical evacuations, cancellations, or delays brought about by severe weather conditions, as per Travel and Tour World. When it comes to flights and hotel reservations, most airlines or travel insurance providers won't offer a refund or compensation if you decide to cancel your journey due to worries about wildfires - unless there's an official travel advisory in place. It's crucial to touch base with your holiday provider for the most recent information before you set off.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Time Out
Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia right now? Latest advice after border closes
Thailand and Cambodia attract millions of visitors every year respectively, but the two countries have had border disputes bubbling under the service for more than 100 years. While historically conflict has been intermittent, relations deteriorated severely this week with gunfire being exchanged in a handful of disputed areas, and multiple civilian deaths have been reported as a result. It seems that the border regions are the only ones affected right now, but this is evidently worrying news if you have plans to travel to either country soon. So, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia as it continues to unfold, and how it might affect your travel plans. What's happening between Thailand and Cambodia? Relations between two countries have been tense since a soldier was killed during gunfire over a disputed area in late May, but things deteriorated severely yesterday (Thursday July 24) with more fire exchanged over several different border zones after Thailand accused Cambodia of laying landmines in disputed areas. The affected areas reported are: along Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey (near the ancient Prasat Ta Moan Thom temple) and near Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province (which is close to the Prasat Ta Krabey site). The Independent reports that according to the Thai health ministry, 14 civilians and a soldier have been killed and 46 people have been injured. Is it safe to travel? Since the exchange of fire began, Thailand has ordered the closure of its entire 817km border with Cambodia, and several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, the US, and the UK, have warned against travelling to the areas nearby. However, travel to the rest of each country seems unaffected, and it is exclusively the border area which is advised against travelling to. Are flights still running to Thailand and Cambodia? At the time of writing, flights to both Thailand and Cambodia from major destinations such as Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are operating normally, but if you plan to travel keep a keen eye on your flights status. What's the latest UK Foreign Office travel advice? Updated advice on the travel pages for both Thailand and Cambodia read: 'There are reports of fighting including rocket and artillery fire on 24 July between Thailand and Cambodia at several locations along the border. Casualties have been reported, as well as evacuations of areas close to the border. Land borders/crossings between Thailand and Cambodia have been suspended. Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are currently closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all but essential travel to the affected border areas.' Specifically, travellers are told to avoid all but essential travel to within 50km of the border, and reminded that ignoring this advice will invalidate their travel insurance. Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of the conflict? Because the FCDO has not warned against all travel to Thailand and Cambodia (only against essential travel to within 50km of the border areas) it's unlikely you will be able to cancel your trip for a refund. The conditions for cancelling will depend on your provider, so the best thing to do if you're keen to avoid travelling is contact them directly. When was the last conflict between Thailand and Cambodia? The roots of this conflict technically date back more than a century, when the borders of each country were drawn after the French occupation of Cambodia. Back in 2008, things got heated when Cambodia tried to register an eleventh century temple, which is located within a disputed zone, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There have been intermittent clashes over the years since, but it was in May that a Cambodian soldier was killed that tensions resurfaced.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office's summer 2025 rules for Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal
People should be aware of the latest developments before they jet off on a summer getaway With the school holidays now in full swing for most families, people will be looking forward to some summer sunshine to break up the time spent at home in the UK. But with the unpredictable British weather, the best solution for some guaranteed sunshine is often to head abroad. Some popular European destinations—such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Portugal — are often packed with holidaymakers in the next few weeks. Most of these countries are a few hours away from the UK by plane, making it manageable for those travelling with little ones. But, it's worth getting up to date with the latest rules and regulations before setting off to a new country. The UK Foreign Office provides most of the information you need, covering updates on every country worldwide. We've picked out some of the more popular destinations to help people be fully aware of any risks or new rules they might not have had to deal with on their last holiday. For example, the latest updates suggest people travelling to Portugal will be affected by strikes. The website reads: "Industrial action by baggage handlers at Portuguese airports from Friday to Monday during July and August may cause delays." This advice was correct at the time of writing (July 25, 2025). However, these are always subject to change, so the best place to check for new updates would be directly with the Foreign Office on the website, selecting the relevant country. This guide offers general advice on some of the significant things travellers need to know in advance, with more details available online. Passport requirements: For all of the above destinations, passport rules are essentially the same. Before you are allowed to jet off, your passport must be: issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the 'date of issue'). valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the 'expiry date'). Check that your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before October 1, 2018, then extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This advice reflects the UK government's understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full 'British Citizen' passport from the UK for the most common types of travel. The authorities in the country you are visiting set and enforce entry rules. If you're unsure how these requirements apply to you, contact the local embassy or consulate in the UK. Check with your travel provider to ensure that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. If necessary, renew your passport. Do I need a visa? You can typically travel without a visa from the UK to Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Greece. These countries are part of the Schengen area of the EU, which grants travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. The area covers 29 European countries and 4 non-European countries, all listed on the website. The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is not currently operating but is expected to start in October 2025. This new digital border system will change requirements for British nationals travelling to the Schengen area. The European Union will provide more updates about the specific start date before its launch. Vaccination requirements and medical care: Travellers should be updated with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Under the International Health Regulations, there are no certificate requirements. This applies to all of the countries mentioned in this article. All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance. If visiting European Union (EU) countries, carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as this will allow access to state-provided healthcare in some countries at a reduced cost.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Son of British couple imprisoned by Taliban says his parents ‘need out now'
The son of an elderly couple imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan almost six months ago has said they 'need out now' as their health is 'deteriorating fast'. Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, were arrested as they travelled to their home in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan, in February. They have been held for five-and-a-half months without charge and, up until eight weeks ago, had been separated and detained in a maximum security prison. Their four adult children, who live in the US and UK, said they had written privately to the Taliban leadership twice and made public appeals for the release of their parents, who have run school training programmes for 18 years in the country, remaining after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Jonathan Reynolds said the last phone call the family had from the couple was on June 15, and in the last week officials from the UK Foreign Office saw them. But Mr Reynolds said generally, it has been 'pretty frustrating'. He said he understands the Foreign Office is 'working very very hard', but added 'yet my parents are still in there'. He said: 'To be able to sit in the same room as them and have that kind of communication and not be able to walk out with them, is very frustrating. 'It's horrific that they're still held in captivity without, to our understanding, for a period of time without any natural sunlight and not even allowed outside. So their health in so many areas is deteriorating, and it's deteriorating fast.' He added that they are 'not in good health' and 'they need out, and they need out now'. According to a remote medical assessment conducted by a cardiologist, their father may have suffered a stroke or a silent heart attack, the siblings said previously. They added that their father was suffering from a red, peeling, bleeding face, which could mean his skin cancer had returned. Their mother continued to struggle with numbness in her feet, which was linked to anaemia, possibly from insufficient food in the maximum security prison, her children said, while a medical assessment noted that this created additional strain which could lead to heart failure. The couple, who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary recently, were held up until eight weeks ago at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the capital, Kabul, their children said. They were then transferred to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), with the promise of release within two to three days, they said. But two further months have passed, with no sign of release. While in Pul-e-Charkhi prison, the couple were said to have had access to phones and called their children every day from the prison yard. The children said their parents had better conditions at the GDI but still had no bed or furniture and slept on a mattress on the floor. Their son said that since May 18 they have been held for 'weeks on end in a basement cell with no natural light'. He said any communication the siblings have had has been 'they'll be released in two to three days'. Mr Reynolds said the big question is who has the authority to release them. He added: 'I don't understand why an 80-year-old and a 76-year-old in failing health are being held without reason, without cause, without charges… 'We just want them home… we want to get them out of that country.' The family's focus is now on asking 'whoever has the ability to influence or turn that key and get them out of there to do it and do it now', he said, adding: 'I don't know how long my parents' health is going to last, and I think it would be a tragedy for them to die in a prison in a country where they have chosen to give their life in service.'
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Son of British couple imprisoned by Taliban says his parents ‘need out now'
Son of British couple imprisoned by Taliban says his parents 'need out now' The son of an elderly couple imprisoned by the Taliban in Afghanistan almost six months ago has said they 'need out now' as their health is 'deteriorating fast'. Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, were arrested as they travelled to their home in Bamyan province, central Afghanistan, in February. They have been held for five-and-a-half months without charge and, up until eight weeks ago, had been separated and detained in a maximum security prison. Their four adult children, who live in the US and UK, said they had written privately to the Taliban leadership twice and made public appeals for the release of their parents, who have run school training programmes for 18 years in the country, remaining after the Taliban takeover in 2021. ADVERTISEMENT Jonathan Reynolds said the last phone call the family had from the couple was on June 15, and in the last week officials from the UK Foreign Office saw them. But Mr Reynolds said generally, it has been 'pretty frustrating'. He said he understands the Foreign Office is 'working very very hard', but added 'yet my parents are still in there'. He said: 'To be able to sit in the same room as them and have that kind of communication and not be able to walk out with them, is very frustrating. 'It's horrific that they're still held in captivity without, to our understanding, for a period of time without any natural sunlight and not even allowed outside. So their health in so many areas is deteriorating, and it's deteriorating fast.' ADVERTISEMENT He added that they are 'not in good health' and 'they need out, and they need out now'. According to a remote medical assessment conducted by a cardiologist, their father may have suffered a stroke or a silent heart attack, the siblings said previously. They added that their father was suffering from a red, peeling, bleeding face, which could mean his skin cancer had returned. Their mother continued to struggle with numbness in her feet, which was linked to anaemia, possibly from insufficient food in the maximum security prison, her children said, while a medical assessment noted that this created additional strain which could lead to heart failure. The couple, who celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary recently, were held up until eight weeks ago at the Pul-e-Charkhi prison in the capital, Kabul, their children said. ADVERTISEMENT They were then transferred to the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), with the promise of release within two to three days, they said. But two further months have passed, with no sign of release. While in Pul-e-Charkhi prison, the couple were said to have had access to phones and called their children every day from the prison yard. The children said their parents had better conditions at the GDI but still had no bed or furniture and slept on a mattress on the floor. Their son said that since May 18 they have been held for 'weeks on end in a basement cell with no natural light'. He said any communication the siblings have had has been 'they'll be released in two to three days'. Mr Reynolds said the big question is who has the authority to release them. He added: 'I don't understand why an 80-year-old and a 76-year-old in failing health are being held without reason, without cause, without charges… ADVERTISEMENT 'We just want them home… we want to get them out of that country.' The family's focus is now on asking 'whoever has the ability to influence or turn that key and get them out of there to do it and do it now', he said, adding: 'I don't know how long my parents' health is going to last, and I think it would be a tragedy for them to die in a prison in a country where they have chosen to give their life in service.'
