Kuwait Airways to NY security stopover
Kuwait Airways announced on Friday that its weekly flight to the US John F Kennedy airport in New York will include a stopover at Ireland's Shannon Airport as part of extraordinary security precautions.
The flight programme has been changed as part of coordination between Kuwaiti and American authorities, aimed at providing maximum security and safety for passengers, reported the Kuwait News Agency (Kuna).
According to Kuwait Airways, the stopover at the Irish airport will not exceed two-and-a-half hours, added Kuna.
USA: White House enhances security of the Visa Waiver Program
The White House announced a plan on Monday to further enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks. The new security measures are intended to thwart similar attacks in the United States by increasing intelligence sharing between VWP countries and information collection about travellers’ past visits to countries considered terrorist safe havens. Though the Obama Administration has taken a series of steps over the past year to improve the security of the VWP, Monday’s announcement is expected to accelerate these changes and add additional safeguards.
Venezuela: Travel update
In 2015 there have been frequent protests in Caracas and other towns and cities across the country. Some have been in response to economic issues such as the high rate of inflation and shortages of goods in the shops. Others have been political protests. Protests about the political and economic situation are likely to continue, particularly in the run up to parliamentary elections on 6 December.
Belgium: Travel update
The Belgian government has confirmed the continuation of the increase in its national threat level to its highest level, very serious, for the Brussels region, indicating that the threat of a terrorist attack is serious and imminent. The Belgian government will review the threat level and the security measures regularly.
Kosovo: Travel update
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica.
The last few weeks have seen an increasing number of protests in the centre of Pristina, some of which have turned violent. Protests are expected to continue. You should exercise caution and avoid large crowds or demonstrations.
The security situation in Kosovo remains calm but tense. There have been violent clashes in the north and incidents involving grenades and vehicle explosions in northern Mitrovica. Incidents in the south are rarer, but violent demonstrations have occurred in Pristina.
If you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia using the border crossing Gates 1 and 31 (Leposavic and Zubin Potok) you should consider alternative routes.
Residual landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain in Kosovo, although all roads and tracks have been cleared.
Remember to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
France: Restrictive border controls implemented
Due to the recent terror attacks and related state of emergency, France has put strict border controls into place until at least December 13, 2015, at train stations, air and seaports. Travellers should expect increased security at entry checkpoints. Issuance of visas and immigration documents could be delayed or suspended at the discretion of the French government.
Egypt: Travel update
Regular flights to and from the UK to Sharm el Sheikh were suspended on 4 November. Special security measures are now in place to allow travellers already in Sharm el Sheikh to return to the UK by air safely. These extra measures will be in place up to and including Tuesday 17 November.
If you’re visiting Sharm el Sheikh now, you should contact your airline or travel company and make arrangements to leave by Tuesday 17 November at the latest.
If you choose to remain in Sharm el Sheikh after Tuesday 17 November, you’ll need to make your own arrangements for returning to the UK. This may involve having to travel with an airline to which extra security measures eg separate baggage flights, don’t apply. You should make your own decisions about the risk based on the information in our travel advice.
Lebanon: Travel update
On 12 November 2015, there were explosions in Burj-al-Barajneh, in the southern suburb area of Beirut. Reports indicate that many people have been killed and injured. The FCO advises against all travel to the southern suburbs of Beirut. Avoid this area and monitor local media for updates.
Frequent demonstrations continue across Lebanon due to the ongoing rubbish collection crisis. Some protests have turned violent. Security forces sometimes use roadblocks, water cannon and tear gas to manage protests. Further demonstrations could occur at short notice. You should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.
Guatemala: Travel update
France: Travel update
On Friday 13 November, a number of terrorist incidents took place in Paris resulting in widespread casualties. British nationals are advised to exercise caution in public places and follow the advice of the local authorities. French authorities have heightened security measures due to a risk of further attacks. The advice of the Paris Police is currently to keep movement around town to a minimum. Systematic border control checks have been implemented at all entry points into France. A national state of emergency and a three-day period of mourning have been declared (14-16 November). Public gatherings, the flying of drones and use of fireworks in the Ile de France region (Paris and surrounding area) have been prohibited.
Burundi: Travel update
If you don’t have an essential reason to stay in Burundi, you should leave if the opportunity arises to do so safely by commercial means.
On 2 November President Nkurunziza issued a public warning to Burundian citizens who had weapons illegally to surrender them within 5 days or they would be ‘punished in accordance with the anti terrorist law and fought like enemies of the nations.’ Security forces have authorisation from 9 November to use all means at their disposal to find weapons and re-establish security.
Egypt: Travel update
The FCO has decided, in consultation with the airlines, that flights from Sharm el Sheikh to the UK will resume on 6 November 2015. British nationals affected by this should contact their tour operators or carriers on their travel plans. The additional security measures will include permitting passengers to carry hand baggage only and transporting hold luggage separately. The FCO is working with the airlines to ensure there are suitable arrangements in place to reunite passengers with their belongings as soon as possible.
The FCO is not raising the threat level in the resort. The above advice applies only to air travel to and from Sharm el Sheikh.
The FCO has deployed consular staff to Sharm el Sheikh, who will be on hand at the airport and the resort, to assist British nationals.
Indonesia: Travel update
Volcanic activity from Mount Barujari, Lombok, is affecting flight schedules and the operation of regional airports including Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali) and Lombok International Airport. Disruption to flights could continue for some time. Contact your airline, tour operator and travel insurance provider for more information.
Bahrain: Travel update
There have been calls for unauthorised protests in A’ali, Diraz and Sitra on 5 & 6 November.
Demonstrations and protests take place regularly. These can be violent. You should be vigilant and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
An attack took place near Karranah village on the evening of 28 August 2015 against security personnel. One person was reportedly killed and several others injured.
Egypt: Travel update
On 31 October 2015, a flight from Sharm el Sheikh to St Petersburg crashed in North Sinai. Egyptian and Russian authorities are conducting an investigation.
There is a significant possibility that the crash was caused by an explosive device. As a precautionary measure, the FCO are now advising against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh. UK carriers will not take passengers directly to Sharm el Sheikh airport. The FCO are working with the Egyptian authorities and air carriers to put special security measures in place which will permit travellers in Sharm el Sheikh to return by air, whether as scheduled at the end of their stay or before that if they wish. British nationals affected by this should contact their tour operators or carriers to arrange an orderly departure.
Maldives: Travel update
There is a heightened risk of demonstrations taking place in Malé following the recent arrest and detention of Vice-President Adeeb. Sporadic political protests are also taking place following the arrest of former President Nasheed earlier this year. Previous demonstrations have led to violence and arrests. You should take appropriate security precautions and avoid large gatherings, protests and rallies.
There is no British Embassy or Consulate in Maldives. If you need consular assistance you should contact the British High Commission in Sri Lanka.
Remember to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Tanzania: Travel update
Presidential, parliamentary and local elections took place on 25 October. There may be heightened tension and unrest after the elections particularly in towns and cities on the mainland and Zanzibar.
Large crowds are gathering in Stone Town and tear gas has been used. If you’re in Stone Town, stay in a safe location (hotel or home) and avoid being out on the streets. Avoid travelling into the centre of Stone Town if possible.
Bangladesh: Travel advice
A bomb attack on a large gathering by the Shia community in the Old City of Dhaka occurred early in the morning of Saturday 24 October. One person is reported killed and many injured. In view of the current high threat of terrorism against Westerners in Bangladesh, current advice to keep a low profile in all public spaces, limit attendance at events where Westerners may gather and take particular care where there are large gatherings should be followed.
India: Travel advice
An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Srinagar from the evening of Thursday 22 October following protests in South Kashmir. Large numbers of security personnel have been deployed to the Srinagar – Jammu National Highway. Transport and other local infrastructure services are likely to be disrupted. If you are in Srinagar you should monitor the local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.