The Mauritian authorities have lifted the cyclone warning for Mauritius but have advised that a cyclone warning Class 3 is in force for the island of Rodrigues.

8 Feb 2019 

Changes to advice to travel; the FCO now advise against all but essential travel to Limbe in Fako division (South West region) and against all travel to North West region and the rest of South West region; the town of Garoua in North region now falls within the area where the FCO advise against all but essential travel.

Safety and security section and summary – addition of information about extended general strike in the Anglophone regions.

Change to advice against travel; the FCO no longer advise against all but essential travel to Nicaragua.

Safety and security section (Political situation) and summary – updated information on political unrest.

A number of trade unions have called for a national strike in all sectors starting at 10pm on Tuesday 12 February and ending at 10pm on Wednesday 13 February.

The strike is likely to cause disruption to public services and transport; you should check with your transport operator before travel, and follow local news providers for further information

Summary and Terrorism section – updated information and advice about the threat from terrorism in Oman, reflecting a reduced threat.

Safety and security section (Road travel) – revised information on re-registering a British-registered car in Italy.

Change to advice against travel; the FCO no longer advise against all but essential travel to South Cebu.

Safety and security section (Demonstrations) – There have been calls for unauthorised protests, starting on 7 February in unspecified locations across the country; follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which may trigger public disturbances.

Safety and security section (Political situation) – Opposition parties have announced their intention to hold a major demonstration in central Tirana on 16 February 2019; you should check the local media for the latest information, remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations.

India &

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Airlines; we are aware that some services to and from the UK have been restored, as flights will be operated by the Spanish licensed charter carrier Wamos Air; passengers are advised to contact Turkmenistan Airlines for further information.

Natural disasters section (Flooding and landslides) – revised information on travel during the rainy season.

Revised information on fuel; fuel is now dual priced at some petrol stations, with a lower price available when payment is made with an international payment card.

There are currently a number of serious bush fires in Tasmania and Victoria, causing extensive damage and risk to life, and which are also reducing air quality in certain locations which could provoke respiratory conditions.

Follow the latest warnings and advice from the Tasmania Fire Service and Victoria Emergency – @TasFireService and @vicemergency on Twitter.

Due to an ongoing serious fire in the Nelson-Tasman region on 6 February 2019, a local civil defence emergency has been declared by the National Crisis Management Centre. If you’re in the affected area, you should follow the advice of the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence.

Entry requirements section (Departure tax) – there is a £25 departure tax on leaving the Islands.

Entry requirements section (UK Emergency Travel Documents) – Holders of an ETD entering or leaving Pakistan will need to have either a valid visa or a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) / Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP)

Presidential elections will take place in Nigeria on 16 February; in the run up to the elections, protests in Abuja and other Nigerian cities including: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Rivers are becoming increasingly frequent; public gatherings and demonstrations may take place at short notice and have the potential to turn violent; you should avoid rallies, public gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local media.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from the EU pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards; this means that Turkmenistan Airlines flights between the UK (London Heathrow and Birmingham) and Turkmenistan (Ashgabat), do not have permission to travel to and from the UK; affected passengers are advised to contact Turkmenistan Airlines to seek advice.

The European Aviation Safety Agency has suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from the EU pending confirmation that it meets international air safety standards. This means Turkmenistan Airlines flights from Amritsar to Birmingham and Heathrow, and New Delhi to Heathrow, which fly via Ashgabat, do not have permission to continue their route from Ashgabat to Birmingham and Heathrow; affected passengers are advised to contact Turkmenistan Airlines for advice.

On 3 February 2019, an Emergency Alert message was issued to residents of the city of Townsville, Queensland due to the risk of flash flooding in a number of areas. This follows the flood warning issued for the city on 1 February 2019. If you’re in the affected area you should follow the advice of the Queensland Fire & Emergency Services.

In a life threatening emergency always dial 000, or for flood and storm emergencies dial 132 500. You can also seek assistance from the State Emergency Service.

Flooding and landslides in in San Pedro de Atacama, Calama and the surrounding area.

Change to advice against travel; the FCO now advise against all but essential travel to the city of Goma in North Kivu province; the city of Bukavu in South Kivu province; and the districts of N’dijili and Kimbanseke in Kinshasa; areas where the FCO already advise against all travel remain unchanged

Health section – addition of information and advice on access to healthcare after the UK leaves the EU.

Summary and Health section – revised information on air quality; urban areas across Thailand, especially in Bangkok, are currently experiencing poor air quality and high PM 2.5 levels.

Revised information on political protests;

Natural disasters section – addition of information on flooding;

Health section – revised guidance on sources of health information before travel.

Entry requirements section (Visas) – addition of information; EU exit visa requirements.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in the Central Division. There have been 4 deaths in the Central Division from the outbreak.

Please exercise caution should you be travelling to the Central Division and visit the nearest hospital or healthcare facility if suffering from the symptoms of leptospirosis. See link: https://www.health.gov.fj/?p=7516

Entry requirements (Passport validity) – You will need to obtain a visa transfer or a new visa when travelling to Russia with a new passport.