The UK Foreign Office has issued a stark warning to British travellers, advising against all travel to 55 locations in 2026 due to serious safety, security, and political risks. Visiting any of these destinations could invalidate travel insurance and leave Britons with little or no access to consular assistance if things go wrong.
The updated guidance highlights growing global instability and reinforces the government’s position that personal safety cannot be guaranteed in several regions around the world.
What the warning means for British travellers
The advice has been issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which publishes official travel guidance for UK nationals.
A “do not travel” warning is the strongest level of advice issued by the UK government. It means:
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Travel insurance is usually invalid
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Emergency consular help may be extremely limited or unavailable
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The risk to personal safety is considered severe
The Foreign Office stresses that no foreign travel is ever completely risk free, but these destinations present dangers well beyond what most travellers can reasonably mitigate.
Why these destinations are considered unsafe
The locations on the list have been flagged due to a combination of factors, including armed conflict, terrorism, political unrest, high crime levels, kidnapping risks, and breakdowns in law and order.
In many cases, violence is unpredictable and infrastructure such as hospitals, airports, and roads may be damaged or unreliable. The Foreign Office also warns that evacuation during a crisis may not be possible.
Officials say the list is regularly reviewed and reflects current intelligence, security assessments, and on the ground conditions.
Full list of 55 locations Brits are warned not to travel to in 2026
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to the following destinations or territories:
| Region | Locations |
|---|---|
| Middle East | Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Gaza |
| Africa | Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Central African Republic, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger |
| Eastern Europe and Eurasia | Ukraine, parts of Russia, Belarus |
| Asia | Myanmar, North Korea |
| Americas | Haiti, parts of Venezuela |
| Other regions | Multiple conflict affected territories and restricted zones |
The full list includes fifty five locations worldwide, covering entire countries or specific high risk regions within them.
Travellers are urged to check the exact wording of advice, as some warnings apply to entire nations while others apply only to certain areas.
Insurance and legal risks often overlooked
One of the most significant consequences of ignoring Foreign Office advice is the impact on insurance. Most standard travel insurance policies become invalid if a traveller visits a destination against official guidance.
This means medical bills, emergency flights, legal costs, or evacuation expenses may not be covered. In extreme cases, individuals could face bills running into tens of thousands of pounds.
Legal differences are another concern. In some of the listed locations, UK nationals may face harsh penalties for actions that are legal at home, with limited ability for British officials to intervene.
Consular support may be limited or unavailable
The Foreign Office warns that in many of the listed destinations, the UK has little or no diplomatic presence. Even where embassies exist, access may be restricted or staff may not be able to travel safely.
In conflict zones, communication networks may be unreliable, making it difficult for British nationals to seek help during emergencies.
Advice for travellers planning 2026 trips
UK authorities urge travellers to plan carefully and consult official guidance before booking any overseas trip.
Key recommendations include:
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Always check Foreign Office travel advice before booking
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Avoid destinations under “do not travel” warnings
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Ensure insurance remains valid for your chosen location
Those already in affected areas are advised to consider leaving if it is safe to do so and to follow local security guidance closely.
Safety guidance will continue to evolve
The Foreign Office notes that travel advice can change rapidly in response to global events. Destinations may be added or removed from the list as conditions improve or deteriorate.
Britons are encouraged to stay informed and avoid assuming that previously safe destinations will remain so.
Are you planning international travel in 2026? Share your thoughts on how government travel warnings affect your decisions and help others stay informed.
