Sunday, November 17, 2024

Latest travel warnings for Morocco, Egypt, and Mexico issued by Foreign Office

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Millions of Brits are planning to jet off to destinations around the world this summer to soak up the sun and make memories with their loved ones.

Most will be headed for locations in Europe, whether it be a city break or a relaxing week by the beach.

Others will be headed further afield to destinations outside of Europe.

Often, trips to other continents require a bit more research, and the Foreign Office has released its latest information for three popular destinations.

Below is the latest advice for anyone traveling to Morocco, Egypt, or Mexico.

Morocco

Morocco is a popular destination for Brits, with most heading to the city of Marrakech to enjoy the beautiful markets and bask in the hot temperatures.

The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to any part of Morocco, but warns visitors that terrorist groups are likely to try and carry out attacks.

They warn specifically of the growing threat of ISIS in the country.

Tourists should stay vigilant if they are near crowded areas, government buildings, transport networks, businesses with Western interests, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather.

Those heading to Morocco are also told to stay weary of pickpockets bag snatching and drive-by motorcycle theft.

With knife crime and street attacks also a possible risk, tourists are advised to avoid quiet areas after dark and don’t carry all of their cash on them at any point.

Entry requirements for Morrocco are lenient. Brits can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 day.

Egypt

Egypt is another popular destination with Brits. Whether you are headed for a resort or the Pyramids of Giza, the government has issued advice to ensure you stay safe.

The country shares a land border with Israel and Gaza on one side, and Libya on the other.

The Foreign Office says: “FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).”

Brits are also told to stay clear of North Sinai, South Sinai, the Hala’ib Triangle, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, and various parts of the Western Desert west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions.

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. You should remain vigilant at all times. Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate.

“The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers at important sites, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites.”

“There is a heightened threat of terrorism in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas in January). Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends.”

On the threat of kidnappings and terrorist activity, they said: “British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.”

Mexico

Many Brits head to Mexico to sample its beautiful beaches and incredible surf swells. T

The Foreign Office says the following locations in Mexico should be avoided: Tijuana – except airside transit through Tijuana airport; Tecate; Within 40km of the Guatemalan border; Federal Highway 199; Chihuahua – except the city of Chihuahua; Colima – except the city of Manzanillo; Guanajuato – including all areas southwest of road 45D

Guerrero; Jalisco – including all areas south and southwest of Lake Chapala to the border with the state of Colima; Michoacán – except the city of Morelia and the town of Pátzcuaro; Sinaloa – except the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán; Tamaulipas; Zacatecas.

These northern municipalities should also he avoided for all but essential travel: Bolaños; Chimaltitán; Colotlán; Hostotipaquillo; Huejúcar; Huequilla el Alto; Mezquitic; San Martin de Bolaños; Santa Maria de los Ángeles; Totatiche; Villa Guerrero.

The Foreign Office says that 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.”

They list other potential risks such as violent political demonstrations, street crime in tourist areas, extortion from police, sexual assault drink spiking, and car theft.

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