British tourists in Morocco have been issued a warning by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) about “ongoing hostilities” between Israel and Lebanon that “could escalate quickly” and pose risks for the wider region.
“Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast,” the FCDO warned.
“Follow and contact FCDO Travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.”
This guidance includes information on how the office defines a crisis, who and how the FCDO can help, what to do and how to prepare for a potential crisis as well as support in the UK after an event and terrorist attacks abroad.
Brits planning on travelling to Morocco have been advised to read the FCDO’s up-to-date advice, including information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
Indeed, regarding a warning in place in Lebanon, in which the FCDO told all tourists to leave the country, they also warned that their travel insurance could be invalidated if they travel against the published advice.
The UK Government has issued targeted advice for specific parts of Morocco including Western Sahara and the Morocco-Algeria border.
The FCDO said: “Western Sahara is a disputed territory. If you’re in Western Sahara and need emergency help from the UK Government, contact the British Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, who provide consular assistance for Western Sahara”.
Regarding the border, they said: “The authorities have closed land and sea borders between Morocco and Algeria. They patrol and closely monitor them.
“Do not attempt to cross the border – it is illegal to cross without authorisation.
“If you are in a boat or jet ski, make sure you know where the border is, stay within Moroccan waters and have enough fuel to return to shore.
“People entering Algerian waters illegally are likely to be intercepted and investigated.”
As of September 29, more than 17 nations now have a warning in place, following Israel’s bombing of Lebanon in response to missile attacks. These include Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar and Oman.
As a result of the incident, airlines are diverting their routes to avoid flying over the Middle East. And both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are now flying over Egypt to avoid flying over Israel.
To check if a specific country is affected by the FCDO’s warnings visit gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.