Brits have been issued an urgent travel warning for two countries amid “ongoing unrest”. The Foreign Office has cautioned against “all but essential travel” to Mozambique and has advised avoiding certain areas of South Africa.
In an update on December 30, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) explained: “Due to the ongoing unrest across Mozambique, FDCO currently advises against all but essential travel to Mozambique and continues to advise against all travel to parts of Mozambique.
“Essential travel may be disrupted, including delays or closures at the border at short notice.”
This warning also appeared as part of the travel advice for South Africa, for the South Africa – Mozambique border.
It comes as more than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison in Mozambique in December following ongoing political unrest triggered by disputed election results.
Police confirmed 33 people were killed and 15 injured in clashes with guards. Speaking at a press conference after the incident, police chief Bernardino Rafael said around 150 people had since been recaptured.
Protests erupted on Monday in response to Mozambique’s highest court confirming that the ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, had won October’s presidential elections.
The FDCO further explained: “There is significant unrest across Mozambique which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Protests can be violent and occur at short notice.
“Police have used live ammunition, leading to civilians being killed and injured. There are increased incidents of criminality including looting, break-ins, and robberies.
“If you are in Mozambique, seek local advice and monitor the local media. Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, pay attention to your surroundings and avoid travelling after dark. Roads, routes to airports and border crossings can quickly be restricted, blocked or closed, affecting services and transport nationwide.”
The “all but essential” travel warning applies to all of Mozambique. However, the FCDO has also advised against all travel to the following districts in Cabo Delgado Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.
The advice covers the districts of:
- Chiure
- Mueda
- Nangade
- Palma, except Palma town, where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
- Mocímboa da Praia
- Muidumbe
- Meluco
- Macomia
- Quissanga
- Ibo, including the islands off the coast
In reference to the impact of recent events on travel to South Africa, the FCDO said: “Unpredictable violence has occurred in the area around the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia land border with South Africa/Mozambique. Seek local advice, monitor the local media and FCDO’s travel advice for Mozambique before travel.”
You should always check FCDO advice for any country before travelling. Failing to do so could not only be unsafe but invalidate your travel insurance.