Tag: TRAVEL ADVISORY

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Terror Threat Prompts UK Travel Warning for UAE

Around 1.5 million British nationals visit the UAE every year. Most visits are trouble-free…reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory to its citizens travelling to the UAE amid likely risk of terrorist attacks there.

“Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for the UAE’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider,” the advisory said.

A number of missiles and unmanned aerial systems (drones) were launched into the UAE from Yemen in early 2022, targetting infrastructure and high profile locations, some of which were in populated areas.

The vast majority of these missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed but there were a small number of casualties.

On January 17, 2022, the UAE authorities confirmed a Houthi attack on civilian facilities in Abu Dhabi, which caused the death of three civilians. On January 24, 2022, the UAE authorities announced that their air defence forces had intercepted and destroyed two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting the UAE and that there were no casualties. On January 31, 2022, the UAE authorities announced their air defence forces had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile targeting the UAE and that there were no casualties,” it said.

“Further attacks are likely. If an incident does occur, you should monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities. There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice,” the advisory said.

“Around 1.5 million British nationals visit the UAE every year. Most visits are trouble-free. Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE…The UAE is a Muslim country. Laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK,” it added.

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-Top News Arab News USA

US Raises Travel Advisory for Israel as Conflict Continues

Passengers are seen at the departure hall of Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on Nov. 28, 2021. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua/IANS)

The spokesperson added that American citizens were encouraged to take advantage of commercial flights “that involve transiting a third country if they are unable to book a direct flight to the US…reports Asian Lite News

The US State Department said that it was exploring alternative options “by air, land, and sea to nearby countries” as there were only limited commercial flights available to American citizens wanting to leave Israel amid the ongoing conflict.

“The State Department has teams communicating 24/7 with US citizens and providing them assistance through phone calls, an online form and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program,” CNN quoted a Department spokesperson as saying late Wednesday.

“Our goal is to assist US citizens who want to leave Israel with a safe means of doing so.”  

The spokesperson added that American citizens were encouraged to take advantage of commercial flights “that involve transiting a third country if they are unable to book a direct flight to the US”. 

In order to meet high demand for flights, the spokesperson said “we are also exploring other contract options by air, land and sea to nearby countries”, adding that the Department “will continue to provide updates to US citizens who have registered via our online form as information becomes available”.

The spokesperson’s remarks after the Department raised its travel advisory level on Wednesday to ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’ because of the civil unrest and terrorism, advising that “the situation in Israel remains dynamic; mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning”, CNN reported.

“Individuals should follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials,” an updated travel advisory said.

“While Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, we are aware that several major airlines have announced that they have suspended flights.

“Please check with the airlines on the availability of flights and flight status. US citizens in Gaza who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to check the status of the Rafah Crossing into Egypt,” it added.

Meanwhile, the travel advisory for the West Bank has also been raised to ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’, while the advisory for Gaza remains at the most severe — ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’, as the enclave remains under heavy bombardment from Israeli airstrikes.

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-Top News UK News

UK lifts travel advisory against ‘all but essential travel’ for 32 countries

British nationals entering India are subjected to the same rules, as part of retaliatory measures that came into force from Monday…reports Asian Lite News.

The government’s travel advisory warning against “all but essential travel” on public health grounds was updated on Wednesday to lift COVID-19 related restrictions for 32 countries, including Bangladesh and Malaysia.

India was not among the countries covered by this complete travel ban, which impacts travellers’ ability to access travel insurance. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the change means people will be able to travel to a larger number of destinations with greater ease.

“These rule tweaks will make travelling more straightforward, supporting businesses and families right across Britain – and allow more of us to see friends and loved ones with greater peace of mind,” said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

“We’re striking the right balance between keeping people safe which remains our priority and giving them the freedom to exercise personal responsibility, while supporting the travel sector as it continues to recover,” she said.

The update comes as part of what the British government has described as a “simplified system” for international travel, which has seen the replacement of the traffic light system with a single red list, and reduced testing requirements for eligible fully vaccinated travellers.

However, vaccinated Indians are yet to benefit from this new system as talks to include India on a list of vaccine eligible countries remain ongoing.

UK government sources have said that the extension of vaccine certification to additional countries will be reviewed approximately every three weeks, with the first three-week review mark expected this week.

Meanwhile, Indians entering the UK – irrespective of vaccination status – are required to undertake three PCR tests and self-isolate at a declared address.

British nationals entering India are subjected to the same rules, as part of retaliatory measures that came into force from Monday.

The FCDO said it will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all “red list” countries and territories where the risk to British travellers is “unacceptably high”. It said that it plans to remove advisories for more countries and territories in the coming days.

Wednesday’s FCDO travel advisory update covers: Algeria; Armenia; Bangladesh; Belarus; Benin; Comoros; Tokelau & Niue; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Fiji; Gambia; Guinea; Kazakhstan; Kiribati; Kosovo; Liberia; Madagascar; Malaysia; Marshall Islands; Micronesia; Nauru; São Tom233; and Príncipe; Senegal; Solomon Islands; Togo; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Congo; America Samoa; French Polynesia; and Ghana.

Many travel insurance companies use FCDO travel advice as a reference point in their policies – typically excluding cover for places where government advises against essential travel, however people will now be able to purchase travel insurance for a wider range of destinations across the globe.

The FCDO said the advice for the 32 countries has been lifted in light of the improved public health in these countries and territories, better understanding of the virus and the decreased risk to British nationals as a result of the vaccine roll out.

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