All Brits currently travelling abroad have been urged to return to the UK while flights are still running.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told tourists and short-stay travellers to take the opportunity to come home while they still could.
It follows unprecedented government advice last week against all but essential international travel, initially for a period of 30 days.
Government has changed its advice in response to the closure of borders, airlines suspending flights, airports closing, exit bans and further restrictions being introduced daily.
Further closures to air routes are expected in the next 48 hours, possibly without notice.
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.”
Some British tourists are already experiencing difficulties due to travel restrictions and domestic policies around the globe, the FCO said, but added it was working "around the clock" to support those stranded abroad.
This advice applies to British people travelling abroad, rather than those who live overseas.
The Government said it is working with airlines to keep routes open and is calling for international action for enough time to enable international travellers to return on commercial flights.
The UK Government says it 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.
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.
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.
