FCDO Warns Against High-Risk Destinations

What to do if you already have a trip booked

If you have already booked travel to a destination affected by FCDO advice, your first step should be to check whether the warning applies to your exact destination and route. Contact your airline, tour operator, accommodation provider and insurer to ask what options are available, including rerouting, postponement, credit, refund or cancellation. Package holiday travellers may have stronger protections if the trip can no longer be delivered safely, while independent travellers may need to negotiate separately with each supplier. Keep screenshots and written records of the FCDO advice in force at the time you make decisions, as this may help with insurance or supplier discussions.

If you are already in a high-risk country

Travellers already in a country covered by severe FCDO advice should prioritise safety over sightseeing or onward plans. Monitor the FCDO country page, local authorities, trusted news sources and your airline’s operational updates, especially if airports, borders or roads could close with little warning. Keep essential documents, medication, cash, power banks and communications equipment accessible in case you need to move quickly. If commercial departure routes are still available, consider leaving earlier rather than waiting for the situation to worsen.

Special risks for dual nationals and family visitors

Dual nationals and people visiting family can face additional complications in countries with strained diplomatic relations or internal security concerns. Some governments do not recognise dual nationality, which can limit the UK government’s ability to provide consular support if a traveller is detained or prevented from leaving. Family visits can also involve travel to smaller towns, rural areas or border regions where risks may be higher than in major cities. Before travelling, dual nationals should read the nationality and consular-support sections of the FCDO page especially carefully and consider whether the trip is essential.

Adventure, overland and regional travel plans

Travellers planning overland routes need to pay particular attention to regional warnings rather than only country names. A route that looks straightforward on a map may cross areas affected by conflict, terrorism, mines, criminal checkpoints, closed borders or military restrictions. This is especially important for backpackers, motorcycle travellers, expedition groups and people using long-distance buses or trains across multiple countries. Always check each border crossing separately and have a realistic alternative route that avoids areas where the FCDO advises against travel.

Flights, refunds and compensation

FCDO advice does not automatically mean every flight will be cancelled, and airlines may continue operating to some destinations even where travel warnings exist. If an airline cancels your flight, you may be entitled to a refund or rerouting under applicable passenger rights rules, depending on the route and circumstances. However, if the flight still operates and you decide not to travel because of FCDO advice, your refund options may depend on the fare rules, airline flexibility policy, travel insurance and whether you booked as part of a package. Contact the airline before missing the flight, because failing to show up can sometimes cancel onward or return sectors.

The safest approach now

The safest approach is to treat FCDO advice as an essential pre-travel check, not a last-minute formality. Look up the official country page before booking, again before paying final balances, and once more shortly before departure. If a warning is in place, do not assume that previous experience, family connections or local contacts remove the risk. For most leisure travellers, choosing a lower-risk alternative destination will be simpler, safer and far less costly than trying to travel against official advice.