Avoid all non-essential travel abroad for 30 days, Britons advised
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BRITONS have today been advised against all non-essential travel overseas for the next 30 days.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has changed its advice as other countries close borders and impose lockdowns in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
It is the first time ever the FCO has advised against travel anywhere in the world.
Local travel agents face a headache trying to get people home.
Today UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab warned Britons that travellers now run the risk of being unable to get home.
In a statement, Mr Raab said: "British people who decide that they still need to travel abroad should be fully aware of the increased risks of doing so. That includes the risk that they may not be able to get home if travel restrictions are put in place.
"Anyone still considering travel needs to be realistic about the level of disruption they are willing and able to endure, and to make decisions in light of the unprecedented conditions we face."
He added: "We are not currently advising British people to immediately return to the UK if they are overseas, except for a few countries detailed in our travel advice. However, British people should keep in mind that flights may be cancelled at short notice or other travel restrictions may be put in place by foreign governments.
"If people do want to return to the UK soon, then they need to take account of the fast-moving situation and plan accordingly, while flights remain available in many places."
The 30-day figure could be extended as the situation unfolds.
Ryanair, Virgin and EasyJet have cut flights by 80% already this month.
In the last week alone 430 changes have been made to official UK Government travel advice.
For the latest UK Government travel advice, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus.
