• All British travellers abroad who are
usually based in the UK advised to return now.
• International travel is becoming
highly limited with the further closure of air routes, land borders and
domestic restrictions introduced daily.
• British travellers should contact
their tour operator or airline now. Commercial flight options are still
available at present.
All
British tourists and short-stay travellers currently abroad should return to
the UK where and while commercial flight options are still available, the
Foreign Secretary announced today.
Last
week, the FCO announced an unprecedented change in travel advice to advise
against all but essential international travel, initially for a period of 30
days. Today’s update reflects the pace at which international travel is
becoming more difficult with the closure of borders, airlines suspending
flights, airports closing, exit bans and further restrictions being introduced
daily. Further closures to air routes may come in the next 48 hours, possibly
without notice.
Some
British tourists abroad are already finding difficulties returning to the UK
because of international travel restrictions and domestic policies around the
world. The FCO is working around the clock to support all British travelers in
this situation come back to the UK.
The
UK Government is working with airlines to keep routes open and is calling for
international action to keep air routes open for a sufficient period of time to
enable international travellers to return on commercial flights.
The
Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said:
“We
are strongly urging UK travellers overseas to return home now where and while
there are still commercial routes to do so. Around the world, more airlines are
suspending flights and more airports are closing, some without any notice.
Where commercial routes don’t exist, our staff are working round the clock to
give advice and support to UK nationals. If you are on holiday abroad the time
to come home is now while you still can.”
Transport
Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“This
is a very difficult time for British Citizens travelling overseas, or those
with families and loved ones abroad. We’re in close contact with airlines, who
are working tirelessly to ensure British citizens travelling overseas can
safely return to the UK. We are also working closely with other government
departments, including the FCO to ensure airlines are able to operate to bring
people back home.”
British
travellers should contact their tour operator or airline now to arrange a
commercial flight if they want to leave. There is an unprecedented demand on
the FCO’s consular services so all British tourists abroad should go online for
the latest in-country advice.
This
advice is aimed at British people travelling abroad rather than those who are
permanent resident overseas who are urged to follow the advice of the local
authorities in their host country.
