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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Travel
Zara Whelan

Foreign Office issues fresh warnings for those travelling to Portugal, France, Spain, and the USA

The Government has issued new advice for UK travellers heading to a number of popular destinations.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers a comprehensive and regularly updated guide for Brits heading abroad.

Covering 225 countries and territories, the online guide provides key information to help travellers prepare for possible dangers and difficulties while in another country.

The official advice and warnings cover a wide range of issues from crime and terrorism to health hazards and natural disasters - plus local culture and customs.

These are the most recent updates to the Foreign Office's travel advice.

Spain

A Catalan independence flag is waved as people hold up their phones with the torches switched on during a Catalan pro-independence protest in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. (AP)

 

The Foreign Office has warned that there have been political demonstrations taking place in Barcelona and several other areas of the Catalonia region. Further gatherings and demonstrations are likely to take place.

The Government body has warned: "You should exercise caution in the vicinity of demonstrations as they may occur with little or no warning. Demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate and turn confrontational.

"Demonstrations may cause disruptions to transport including access to airports, roads and the railway and metro systems."

Barcelona Tourism has launched a telephone line for those tourists that have missed their flight or couldn’t make it to their hotel: +34 93 285 3834.

Visitors can also check @emergenciescat for the latest updates on travel disruption.

France

Protesters gather at Place de l Opera during the 'yellow vests' demonstration (Getty Images)

 

There FCO has also warned of demonstrations that travellers need to be aware of happening in parts of France.

Some protests that are linked to the yellow vest (gilets jaunes) movement continue across the country, generally taking place on Saturdays.

If demonstrations do turn violent, a heavy police or gendarmerie presence is to be expected.

The Foreign Office has said: "Motorists travelling through France may continue to experience some delays or blockages caused by local demonstrators - you should drive with caution as protesters may be present on roads, motorways and toll booths.

"In all cases, you should avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities."

Those travelling by road are warned there remain some migrants around Calais, who may seek to enter the UK illegally. Visitors are advised there have been instances of migrants seeking to slow down traffic, including by placing obstacles on the Calais Port approach road.  The FCO said: "If this happens, to keep moving where it’s safe to do so, or stop and call 112 if isn’t safe to proceed (keeping car doors locked)."

Portugal

FC Porto fan (James Maloney/Liverpool Echo)

 

Many Brits will be heading to Portugal for the Rangers FC Europa League match against Porto FC on Thursday, October 24.

The Foreign Office has issued advice for fans travelling to Porto for the game, including how to get to the stadium, and a host of strict rules in place for attending the match.

Those travelling to the Estádio do Dragão in Porto should check out the Foreign Office's  dedicated advice page .

USA

Hurricane season in the USA (Getty Images)

 

Around 3.8 million British nationals visit the USA every year, with most visits trouble free. However the Foreign Office has warned travellers of the adverse weather that is typical for the USA at this time of year - usually tropical storms and hurricanes.

They said: "Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June 1 to November 30. The Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30."

For more information, see the dedicated natural disasters  page.

Indonesia

A view of the Mount Agung volcano erupting, in Karangasem, Bali island, Indonesia (AP)

 

Ongoing volcanic activity has forced the Foreign office to advise against all travel to:

  • within 4 km of the Mount Agung crater in east Bali
  • within 7 km of the Mount Sinabung crater in Kalo Regency, North Sumatra
Indonesia (FCO)

These are exclusion zones put in place by the local authorities due to ongoing volcanic activity. If you’re in either exclusion zone, you should leave immediately.

The FCO said: "There are many active volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt with little or no warning. This often results in the evacuation of villages within a 3 to 7 km radius and disruption to air travel in the wider region.

"In the past, repeated eruptions have caused destruction and fatalities. Check media reports before travelling to areas that are prone to volcanic activity."

Travellers are warned the local alert level may change at short notice. Take extra care and follow the advice of local authorities, including respecting any exclusion zones. For more information visit the FCO's dedicated Natural disasters page.

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