September is the second busiest month for international travel
The UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance for anyone planning to travel to a number of countries. The FCDO provides regular updates for international travel to any of 226 nations and territories in a bid to help people stay safe and make informed decisions.
Earlier this week travel guidance for Portugal was amended, with a new Gov.uk alert reading: “Forest fires. There are currently a significant number of forest fires burning in several parts of Portugal.
“The Portuguese government has declared a state of alert until 11:59pm on Thursday 19 September. Access to forests and activities in rural areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed due to smoke and ash.
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“The situation is fast-moving and could change rapidly. Keep up-to-date with developments and follow the advice of the Civil Protection Authority.”
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Elsewhere travel advice for Poland, Austria, Romania and the Czech Republic were changed due to “heavy rain and flooding”. “Severe disruption” has been caused in the Lower Silesia (Dolnośląskie), Silesian (Śląskie) and Opolskie Voivodeships in southwest Poland, while in the Czech Republic it is “especially southern and eastern parts of the country” that are affected.
The eastern parts of Austria and Romania are also heavily impacted by the weather conditions. A new update for travel to Ecuador was issued on Tuesday, though is still current at present, with government officials warning of nationwide power outages, curfews and water shortages.
Gov.uk guidance reads: “There will be nationwide power outages [in Ecuador] on Wednesday 18 September and from Monday 23 to Thursday 26 September inclusive, from 10pm until 6am the following day. On Wednesday 18 September there will also be a curfew at the same time in the following provinces: Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, Satna Elena, El Oro, and Azuay (district of Camilo Ponce Enriquez).
“We anticipate the curfew to be repeated for the period 23-26 September in the same areas but await confirmation. There will be heightened presence of police and armed forces to guarantee public security. If you need to travel to the airport during curfew hours, please have a copy of your flight itinerary to hand.
“Water rationing. There will be water cuts as result of rationing in several areas part of the country (principally in the provinces of Guayas and Pichincha). Please check with your local water supplier for the hours and dates of these water cuts.”
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Mali, except to Bamako, “due to the risk of terrorist attacks and kidnaps.” A new Gov.uk alert issued earlier this week reads: “There were reports of terrorist attacks on Tuesday 17 September in Gendarmerie School in Faladié district and near Modibo Keita International Airport in Bamako.
“Avoid the immediate area of the incidents, consider travel movements within Bamako and follow the advice of the local authorities. Inbound and outbound flights, including international flights, can be cancelled at short notice or diverted to an alternative location. Monitor messages from your carrier, and be prepared to make arrangements to stay overnight in a safe location.”
And while the FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon, a new alert issued on Tuesday reads: “On 17 September, a number of pagers, allegedly held by members of Lebanese Hizballah, exploded simultaneously in locations across Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry have reported thousands of injuries and several killed.
“Hospitals may be very busy as a result, and you should expect an increased presence of Lebanese Armed Forces in affected areas. British Nationals should exercise caution and monitor local and international media, which may be a useful source of information on developments.”