These are the 14 countries subject to the UK Foreign Office's strictest travel warnings — and they are by no means limited to those linked to the Iran war which is currently leading people to speculate on whether World War Three or even nuclear conflict could break out.
The Foreign Office, also called the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), says no one should travel to these countries and that the UK Government's ability to help you if you do go there will be severely limited.
The reasons for avoiding these countries at all costs range from the risk of armed violence to volatile security situations to the risk of being arrested and detained as a British citizen. The Foreign Office broadly categorises its travel warnings into three categories:
- The Foreign Office advises against all travel to a country: this is its highest warning level
- The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to a country or parts of a country
- The Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of a country.
There are currently 14 countries in the top category and the FCDO is clear that you should not travel there as a British citizen.
Afghanistan
The Foreign Office says: "You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions. Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open.
"There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan."
Belarus
The Foreign Office says: "You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus."
Burkina Faso
The Foreign Office says: "This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country. There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso and all consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They cannot provide in-person assistance.
"If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely. Do not rely on the British government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so."
Haiti
The Foreign Office says: "FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti. If you choose to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions."
Iran is in conflict with the USA and Israel which is causing instability and conflict in the wider Middle East region. The FCDO warns: "If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you."
There is a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles falling across Israel and Palestine, and possible disruption at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. Political tension can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events."
Mali
The Foreign Office warns against travel to Mali "due to the unpredictable security conditions". It adds: "If you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so. The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.
"Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time. There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government."
Niger
The Foreign Office says: "This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey. The political situation remains unstable following the military coup in July 2023. Further instability is possible."
Palestine
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has destroyed many parts of Palestine. The Foreign Office says: "Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities." It also gives extensive advice on how to leave the country or shelter in place if you are there.
Russia
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:
- security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity
- lack of flights to return to the UK
- limited ability for the UK government to provide support
The Foreign Office says: "There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia. Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited. There is also a high likelihood terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities."
South Sudan
The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to the risk of armed violence and criminality. It adds: "The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably. If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.
"Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily. Consular assistance to British nationals is severely limited in South Sudan. In person consular assistance is not available."
Syria
Syria has long been one of the world's most unstable countries. The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks.
It adds that "regional escalation poses significant security risks" and that "consular support is not available from the British government from within Syria".
Yemen
Yemen has been ravaged by a long civil war between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi rebels and humanitarian crises, including millions on the brink of famine. The UN Refugee Agency says over 80% of the population live below the poverty line and 18.2 million people in Yemen are now in need of humanitarian assistance and protection services.
The Foreign Office says: "If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately. "Support for British people is severely limited in Yemen. British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. The UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place."
