Latest news with #FCDO
Daily Mirror
13 hours 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
2 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.
Metro
3 days ago
- Climate
- Metro
Latest Spain travel advice after holiday hotspots left underwater by floods
A number of Spanish holiday hotspots were hit with severe flooding this week, with some areas seeing 100mm of rain in just one hour. While the UK basks in sunshine, half of Spain's 50 provinces received weather warnings from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), causing chaos for locals and tourists alike. Urgent alerts were issued for the regions of Huesca, Teruel and Zaragoza, Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona, and Castellón yesterday, after flash floods led to disruption across the worst-hit areas on Friday. Shocking footage showed streets left underwater by the storms, and cars were seen floating away in floodwaters near the El Cardener river. Two people have also been reported missing in the area, while the Military Emergency Unit (UME) was deployed in Tarazona, Zaragoza to help deal with the resulting damage. One plane that took off from Barcelona was forced to turn back after sustaining damage to its nose in a hail storm, and roads were blocked throughout the city, with one hospital having to refuse patients after it flooded. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Extreme weather is also expected to hit the Cantabrian coast, the Balearic Islands and parts of central and eastern Spain in the coming days, bringing heavy showers, thunderstorms, and in some places, torrential downpours. The UK Foreign Office has not currently issued any new travel warnings for Spain after the flooding. However, it urged UK travellers: 'Check weather warnings from Spain's meteorological office (AEMET) before travel and follow the advice of the local authorities.' And, like with any country, the Foreign Office advises British nationals to stay vigilant when abroad. On X, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on people to exercise 'great caution' in flood-hit areas, which include destinations popular with tourists including Catalonia and Valencia. Before or during a flood, the UK government says you should turn off gas, electricity and water supplies, if it's safe to do so. They also advise to move to higher ground, and to use flood protection products if those are available to you. It is also recommended to follow the advice of local officials or emergency services. The FCDO states that British travellers are responsible for their own personal safety while abroad, adding 'we do not have a general duty of care to British nationals abroad'. However, the FCDO may set up a specific response to help British nationals in a crisis abroad, which can include natural disasters such as flooding. This can include a dedicated hotline or online registration where you can apply for assistance. If you've taken out your travel insurance and you'd now like to cancel your holiday due to the floods, you may be entitled to some money back. Flooding should be included under the natural disasters coverage (although it varies between insurers so check your policy) but this comes with a catch. Travel insurance will only pay out for holiday cancellations if the FCDO advises against anything but essential travel to your holiday destination – and there are currently no such warnings for Spain. More Trending Some providers also require the local or national authorities to state it's unsafe to travel there. If your holiday provider or airline is operating there as normal and there are no advisories, you won't get any cancellation cover. According to you should look at the 'cancellation and curtailment' section of your policy, as this can help with cancelling or cutting a trip short due to extreme weather. There's another reason your travel insurance may not cover you, too. If extreme weather was forecast for the area before you booked your holiday and before you took out your insurance policy, you won't be covered for 'anticipated' events. Basically, if you knew the weather was going to be bad but booked it anyway, you won't get your refund. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: In the forgotten Faroe Islands, life still feels real MORE: Elderly British tourist mugged and robbed in Majorca MORE: My holiday breakfast buffet hack is controversial but it's a money saver
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office 'remember not to' alert to all UK holidaymakers
The FCDO wants Brits heading on holiday to 'be aware' The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to any Brits who may be counting down to a "big holiday". The government body, which protects UK citizens while abroad among many other tasks, regularly issues updates online. And in a new post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, the FCDO issued a warning to anyone planning to consume alcohol while abroad. The full post reads: "Heading for a big holiday abroad soon? Before you hit the bar: Remember not to leave your drinks unattended [and that] drinks abroad can have different alcohol measures." Text over an accompanying graphic adds: "Stick with your mates. Keep an eye on your drinks." Travellers are also pointed towards the FCDO's Travel Aware campaign, which is aimed at making sure holidaymakers "have the best possible travel abroad, help you stay safe and understand risks in different countries". Further advice found here adds: "Drinking abroad can be different to back in the UK. The quality of alcohol can vary, measures can be more generous, and tempting deals may lead to quicker intoxication than anticipated. Be aware that drink spiking can occur while on holiday. "Spiking is adding alcohol or drugs to someone's drink without them knowing. Spiking is commonly used to distract you from theft or impair you before an assault. Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers. This is the best strategy to prevent the possibility of your drink being spiked. "Consume water in-between alcoholic drinks. This will help pace you throughout the night and help keep you hydrated. Drink at your own pace. Everyone's tolerance to alcohol is different. Consider avoiding rounds or having a break from drinking alcohol if you are feeling uneasy."
