The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel alert to anyone planning to visit any of a huge 226 countries or territories. The government department provides frequent updates about international travel in a bid to keep those going overseas informed – and more importantly, safe.
FCDO guidance changes often, with warnings around extreme weather and other risks commonplace, depending on your destination. A new update on X, formerly Twitter, from the official FCDO account is urging people to act “before you pack your passport”.
The post reads: “Heading overseas? Before you pack your passport, check the latest Travel Advice for your destination. You’ll find all the key info from entry requirements to laws and cultural differences”.
A link to the Foreign Office’s travel advice page is included within the update, which encourages people to “get advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.” Anyone travelling abroad should “Keep a copy of your passport, visa, and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling. Keep copies at home and on your phone.”
An update issued by the FCDO earlier this week also reminds travellers that is it hurricane season. It adds: “You should closely monitor local and international weather updates and follow advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including any evacuation orders.”
And passengers continue to be reminded that new rules for travel to the Schengen Area come into force next month. From November the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), will mean anyone travelling on a UK passport will need to have their fingerprints and photo taken when entering the Schengen area.
If you enter the Schengen area through Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or St Pancras International, your fingerprints and photo will be taken before you leave the UK.