For intrepid travellers, the list of destinations is pretty expansive. There are, after all, close to 200 countries and territories around the world. While most destinations are open to tourists — that is, if you can get there — there are places in the world where travel is ill-advised or dangerous. It’s important to check Foreign Office travel warnings before you go abroad. Remember that your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against Foreign Office advice and in some cases there may be a lack of consular support. Here are some of the places Brits shouldn’t visit.

Main photo: the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Israel (Alamy)

What is the official Foreign Office advice on travelling to Israel?

Due to the conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, the Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to both destinations. Additionally, the Foreign Office is advising against all travel to specific regions including but not limited to Gaza, the West Bank, and areas that border Syria and Lebanon. You can see the full updated list on the Foreign Office advice pages.

If you are currently in the country, you are advised to register your presence with the Foreign Office. This will allow you to receive information that will help you leave the country.

Which other countries have been affected by the conflict? 

The Foreign Office is currently advising against all travel to Lebanon, where there are ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges in the south of the country. In addition, those in the country should consider leaving while there are still commercial flights available.

Which other countries do the Foreign Office advise against travel to?

These are the nations and territories that have a Foreign Office travel warning in place for the entire country. Even if a country isn’t on this list, there may still be restrictions in place, for example at contentious borders or in a particular region. So before you plan a trip, check the Foreign Office website for the latest travel warnings and restrictions.

Europe

• Belarus FCDO travel warning in place
• Russia FCDO travel warning in place
• Ukraine FCDO travel warning in place

Middle East

• Iraq FCDO travel warning in place
• Iran FCDO travel warning in place
• Israel FCDO all but essential travel warning
• Lebanon FCDO travel warning in place
• Occupied Palestinian territories FCDO all but essential travel warning
• Syria FCDO travel warning in place
• Yemen FCDO travel warning in place

Africa

• Burkina Faso FCDO travel warning in place, except capital Ouagadougou
• Chad FCDO travel warning in place for most of the country
• Central African Republic FCDO travel warning in place
• Ethiopia FCDO travel warning in place for significant parts of the country
• Libya FCDO travel warning in place
• Mali FCDO travel warning in place, except capital Bamako
• Mauritania FCDO travel warning in place for significant parts of the country
• Niger FCDO travel warning in place
• Somalia FCDO travel warning in place
• South Sudan FCDO travel warning in place
• Sudan FCDO travel warning in place
• Western Sahara FCDO all but essential travel warning in place for significant parts of the country

Americas

• Haiti FCDO travel warning in place
• Venezuela FCDO all but essential travel warning

Asia

• Afghanistan FCDO travel warning in place
• Myanmar FCDO travel warning in place for significant parts of the country
• North Korea FCDO all but essential travel warning
• Turkmenistan no commercial flights and only citizens permitted entry

Australasia

• Nauru only essential travel recommended (imposed by local government)