Following the launch of air strikes by the US and Britain against Afghanistan, the Foreign Office has advised strongly that in view of the heightened tension, British nationals should avoid travelling to Afghanistan under any circumstances. Any British nationals currently in Afghanistan should leave the country "with immediate effect".
Travel to Pakistan, unless with compelling reason, is also discouraged, and British nationals in Pakistan are recommended to consider whether it is necessary for them to remain there. All British nationals in the north-west frontier province of Baluchistan should leave the area immediately. Anyone with concerns about friends or relatives in Pakistan can call 0870 121 5151.
The list of countries where "holiday and non-essential travel" is advised against also includes Indonesia, due to the street protests which have been taking place there since October 7. Although the British Embassy has not considered it necessary to ask British citizens to leave the country, visitors are nevertheless cautioned to "stay in touch with British Community wardens or hotel management", and to remain in their hotels or homes if they have any concerns about their safety. The only exception in Indonesia is the island of Bali, which remains trouble free: those planning to holiday on Bali are not at present advised to defer their travel
The Foreign Office says that it is not aware of any specific threat to British nationals overseas elsewhere, but recommends that travellers "keep a low profile, maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid situations where there might be tension and stay in touch with fast moving events until the situation clarifies."
Meanwhile, commercial flights continue to run as normal today despite the military strikes in Afghanistan. Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports reported no further flight cancellations, although all said that they would be monitoring the situation and responding to any new developments as and when they occur. British Airways reported no changes to its schedule, although its flights to Islamabad, along with Lufthansa and KLM flights to Amman and Beirut and Alitalia flights to Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Iran, remain cancelled.
Further information: useful links
Foreign Office travel advice
BAA
Association of British Travel Agents
