Countries

New Foreign Office alert over ‘fatal’ virus soaring in 42 countries – full list

A high number of cases were reported in the last 12 months – with a 5-fold increase in some areas – and 143 deaths

Travellers have been warned about the resurgence of a disease spread by mosquitos with ‘high risk’ in 42 countries. The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro website this week issued an alert over the virus spreading in parts of Africa, Central and South America, and in Trinidad in the Caribbean.

Yellow Fever can cause a serious haemorrhagic illness that can be fatal for humans. Yellow fever vaccination and mosquito bite avoidance are important preventive measures against the disease, officials said. Yellow fevefr virus can cause an illness that results in jaundice , yellowing of the skin and eyes, and bleeding with severe damage to the major organs such as liver, kidneys and heart. The mortality rate is high in those who develop severe disease.

Travel Health Pro said yellow fever is a risk in areas of 13 countries and territories in South and Central America. A high number of cases were reported from this region in 2025, with 346 confirmed human cases (including 143 deaths) from seven countries.

This represents a 5.6-fold increase in cases compared to 2024. Since the beginning of 2026, a total of 41 confirmed cases (including 18 deaths) have been reported from four countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.

In 2024, most yellow fever cases were reported from the Amazon region. Officials said: “While YF cases continue to be reported in this area, cases have since been reported in a wider geographic area, outside the Amazon region. This includes in Sao Paulo State in Brazil and Tolima Department in Colombia. In addition, reports suggest recent human YF cases in Venezuela have occurred in an area that had not previously been considered a risk for YF disease.

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“Risk of YF outbreaks in South America remains high. An outbreak in Colombia has been ongoing since mid-2024, with 153 confirmed cases (including 62 deaths) reported. The confirmed reporting of YF cases in a wider geographic area, including cases related to jungle transmission near to urban centres, increases the risk of urban outbreaks [1]. While YF vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions to prevent YF disease, the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors, has led to a reduction of YF vaccine cover in the local population.”

It added that yell;ow fever risk countries in Africa continue to report probable and confirmed cases. During 2024, confirmed cases of YF were reported in countries with no recent history of transmission and suboptimal vaccination coverage.

WHO also advise that in some African countries, there may be under-reporting of YF due to surveillance and data collection issues. The risk of YF transmission remains high in endemic areas of Africa. The mosquitoes (Aedes spp.) that transmit YF are common in many urban areas in Africa. This significantly increases the risk of YF spreading, especially in heavily populated areas, which could lead to the rapid onset of YF outbreaks.

Countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission as defined by the World Health Organization

Africa

  • Angola
  • Benin
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad*
  • Congo
  • Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Ethiopia*
  • Gabon
  • The Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya*
  • Liberia
  • Mali*
  • Mauritania*
  • Niger*
  • Nigeria
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan*
  • Togo
  • Uganda

Central and South America

  • Argentina*
  • Bolivia*
  • Brazil*
  • Colombia*
  • Ecuador*
  • French Guiana
  • Guyana
  • Panama*
  • Paraguay*
  • Peru*
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago*
  • Venezuela*

*Only some parts of this country have a risk of yellow fever disease. Remaining areas either have low potential for yellow fever transmission or no risk.

Signs and symptoms

YF varies in severity. The infection has an incubation period (time from infected mosquito feeding to symptoms developing) of three to six days. Initial symptoms include myalgia (muscle pain), pyrexia (high temperature), headache, anorexia (lack of appetite), nausea, and vomiting. In many patients there will be improvement in symptoms and gradual recovery three to four days after the onset of symptoms.

Within 24 hours of an apparent recovery, 15 to 25 percent of patients progress to a more serious illness. This takes the form of an acute haemorrhagic fever, in which there may be bleeding from the mouth, eyes, ears, and stomach, pronounced jaundice (yellowing of the skin, from which the disease gets its name), and renal (kidney) damage. The patient develops shock and there is deterioration of major organ function; 20 to 50 percent of patients who develop this form of the disease do not survive [22]. Infection results in lifelong immunity in those who recover.

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The only bridge in the world that shows 4 countries at once

For those who love to travel and want to tick off as many destinations as possible, there is one remarkable spot that serves as the ultimate shortcut

This extraordinary location lets you set eyes on four countries simultaneously – without moving a single step. The Kazungula Quadripoint sits along the Zambezi River, a rare geographical marvel where four nations lie within just a few hundred metres of one another.

Those four countries are Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. While it may not be a perfectly precise four-corners crossing, the nations are close enough that visitors can stand in one country and stride into another, while gazing across the river at two more.

At the heart of this unique experience is the Kazungula Bridge, a 923-metre structure connecting Zambia and Botswana across the Zambezi River.

The bridge was meticulously designed to honour complex border boundaries, meaning it directly links only two countries – yet crucially, it sits within touching distance of both Namibia and Zimbabwe, reports the Express.

The remarkable result is that you can stand on the bridge joining the two nations.

Zimbabwe is just metres away on one side and Namibia clearly visible across the river – a truly breathtaking experience.

Prior to the bridge’s construction, travellers crossing between Zambia and Botswana were reliant on a ferry service notorious for its delays, which severely restricted movement between the neighbouring countries.

Nearer to home, there is another spectacular chance to take in multiple countries from a single vantage point – though you won’t be quite as close as the Kazungula Bridge allows.

Nestled in the Swiss Alps lies a mountain known as Hoher Kasten, which on a clear day boasts breathtaking panoramic views across the alps of Germany, Austria, Italy and France.

The best part is that you don’t even need to trek to the summit to soak up this stunning vista. Instead, a cable car whisks you up from the town of Brülisau, scaling the mountainside in just eight minutes.

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‘Made in Europe’ law should be limited to geographically close countries, leading MEP says

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French liberal MEP Christophe Grudler told Euronews the Commission’s proposed European preference, once adopted, covering public procurement in strategic sectors such as clean tech, cars and energy-intensive industries (aluminium and steel) should be limited to a core group of non-EU countries.


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The “Made in Europe” provisions of the so-called “Industrial Accelerator Act” have triggered a fierce political battle between supporters, led by Germany and Nordic countries, of a broad definition including “like-minded” partners, and those, led by France, pushing for a narrower approach.

In its proposal unveiled on 4 March, the Commission leaned towards the broader interpretation.

“The Commission’s option is very poor. It reflects a completely outdated view of trade policy,” Grudler said, adding, “When the Americans introduced the Buy American Act, they didn’t worry about whether it would strain ties with Europe. At some point, we need to stop being naive.”

The MEP is set to be one of the lead negotiators on the proposed new rulesin the European Parliament as talks begin shortly.

The European preference aims to counter foreign competition, notably from the US and China. The Commission proposes excluding non-EU countries depending on how open they are to the EU taking part in their procurement markets as well as existing trade agreements.

Geography should prevail, Grudler said

But Grudler argues geography should be the guiding principle, limiting “Made in Europe” to countries closest to the EU — first and foremost the European Economic Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Switzerland could also be “a good candidate”, he said.

“Switzerland has had a public procurement agreement since 1989. It is a bilateral agreement stating that all European companies have access to the Swiss public procurement market, and that all Swiss companies have access to the European public procurement market. It is therefore a rather good candidate.”

The UK could also be considered to some extent, but “conditions will need to be examined” following Brexit, he added. “There is also a point where Europe has to make sure it comes out financially ahead.”

He wants the law to send “a strong signal” to investors backing key EU industries, “particularly energy-intensive sectors and clean technologies.”

“It is another step in Europe’s resilience against unfair competition from other continents.”

However China has voiced strong opposition to the Commission proposal, seen in Beijing as restricting its access to EU procurement and investment.

“This legislation is Europe standing firm for its strategic industries,” Grudler said.

“China has overcapacities in cars or in steel. They are relying on the naivety of Europeans to do business, to generate double-digit growth again, and then to invest in research and development and get ahead on everything, all the while cheating through direct subsidies to destroy our industries.”

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One of Europe’s barely visited countries reveals plans for huge £871million airport makeover

A SMALL European country without the crowds has revealed huge plans to overhaul its airport.

Luxembourg Airport is getting a huge £871million makeover that will eventually accommodate 10million passengers a year.

Luxembourg Airport has revealed plans for a £871million upgrade Credit: lux-Airport
Terminal A will be expanded and Terminal B will be rebuilt Credit: lux-Airport

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Works at Terminal A will focus on extending the current terminal to the airport’s tram stop and creating a new, modern security area with the latest technology by 2028.

There will also be an improved check-in area and bag drop-off area by 2028, to help passengers to move through the airport quicker.

By 2032, the disused underground station at the airport will be transformed into a baggage sorting area too.

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On the other hand, Terminal B will be completely redeveloped.

It will be transformed into a two-storey building with six new boarding gates, which passengers will have to hop on shuttle buses to get to.

The airport as a whole will get a number of other upgrades as well, such as the air traffic control tower as well as a new business aviation centre and VIP lounge set to open in 2029.

Aircraft parking across the airport will also increase from 27 spaces to 53, with additional boarding bridges too.

The airport hopes that the development will help the airport to handle up to double the amount of passengers it currently does (5.2million) to 10million passengers a year, by 2050.

A huge project is also going on around the airport that will see over 44 acres transformed into new offices, shops, restaurants and even a VIP terminal.

Dubbed the ‘Airport City’, travellers will be able to shop and dine at places including Starbucks and Oberweis restaurant in an area with a “unique metropolitan feel”.

The Airport City will even have a new hotel with the Skypark Business Centre North Hotel having over 200 rooms.

Then at Skypark Business Centre South, there will be a shopping centre and direct access to the terminal.

There is also another project at the airport to create an ‘Airport City’ with shops and restaurants Credit: lux-Airport

Luxembourg is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany and tends to be a lesser-visited country in Europe.

In total, around one million people visit the country each year, whereas around 19million visit Belgium, over 100million visit France and over 37million visit Germany.

If heading to the capital, Luxembourg City, you will find a UNESCO listed medieval old town sat at the edge of steep cliffs.

The country as a whole is a great destination for keen hikers too with over 3,000 miles of trails through Ardennes forests and vineyards.

A major plus of visiting the country is that public transport is free across Luxembourg for everyone.

Luxembourg was also named one of the best places in the world for quality of life, last year.

Despite being home to just under 700,000 people, the Numbeo Quality of Life index placed the country top across a number of categories including the cost of living and house price to income ratio.

The country was also named among the happiest countries in the world last year, according to the World Happiness Report 2025.

The report recognised the country’s strong economy, as well as its social support network, with residents claiming that they have a good personal freedom.

You can fly direct to Luxembourg from the UK from London City, London Heathrow and London Stansted airports.

A one-way flight from these airports in May costs from £15 per person and only takes an hour.

In other airport news, Ryanair threatens to axe all flights to European country due to ‘massive passport queues’.

Plus, flights are now costing families hundreds extra due to ongoing Iran war – with even more airlines hiking prices.

Projects are set to finish between 2028 and 2032 Credit: lux-Airport



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Popular countries like Spain and Italy will ‘pay Brits thousands’ to move abroad

Destinations loved by Brits are actually paying people to move there. If you fancy a life in the sun, you could make some extra cash while topping up your tan in Spain or Italy

Many people may dream of moving abroad, but you might not realise that some countries will actually pay you to do so. If you fancy living in the glorious sunshine, and making some money in the process, you could actually embark on the travel adventure of a lifetime by packing your bags for good.

Countries like Spain, Italy and Greece will actually pay Brits “thousands” to relocate and start a new life abroad. If you’re fed up of the weather, fancy starting a fresh chapter or simply want to move to somewhere totally different, it may be something worth considering to liven things up.

Schemes people can use were recently highlighted on TikTok by History On A Map to tell people what they need to know. It’s incredible to think you can be paid to relocate to these beautiful countries.

Italy

Italy is one country that pays people to relocate. If you fancy tucking into pasta, enjoying gorgeous wine and immersing yourself in history a little more, you can actually be paid to move here. It explained: “Regions like Calabria, Molise and Sardinia are suffering from massive depopulation.

“To revive these ghost towns, the local governments are offering between €10,000 (£8,705.50) to €30,000 (£26,116.50) to people under 40 who are willing to settle there.”

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It turns out Italian regions such as Calabria, Molise and Sardinia offer financial incentives to boost declining populations in rural areas. There are reported to be schemes that offer up to €30,000 to people willing to move to towns with fewer than 2,000 to 3,000 residents.

Usually, to benefit from the scheme, applicants need to be under 40, start a business or renovate a home. There are some guidelines people need to follow to be able to benefit.

Spain

Again, towns in rural areas are looking for people to move there, such as Ponga in Asturias. The video detailed: “As part of the empty Spain initiative, the town of Ponga is offering €3,100 per person just to move there.”

According to reports, this figure is actually claimed to be between €2,971 and €3,000 per person (often reported as roughly £2,600) to new residents. However, there are additional incentives for couples and families to boost its dwindling population.

If you fancy taking the leap, the scheme requires a five-year commitment to live in the area. In other words, you need to be sure before you apply to move.

Greece

You can also move to the tiny island of Antikythera in Greece. It’s said people can be paid up to €500 per month for the first three years.

The relocation package aims to repopulate the area, providing new residents with a house, a plot of land and the monthly payments. The initiative primarily targets families and skilled professionals such as bakers, builders and farmers to support the local community.

Other options

The video also highlights that people can be paid to move to Japan. The amounts people can be paid differ, as every scheme has its own set of guidelines, and may not be as much as detailed in the video.

While people can’t be paid for simply moving to Ireland, grants are available for people who move to renovate properties on its remote offshore islands. There are all sorts of schemes people can benefit from, but it’s not as easy as packing your bags.

There are rules people need to follow to benefit, and they vary depending on where you want to apply to move. Do your research to find out more.

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‘I’ve visited over 80 countries – I know how to find the perfect hotel in 60 seconds’

One man who knows the ins and outs of finding the ideal hotel is travel expert Mark Wolters, who outlined how you can spot top quality accommodation in 60 seconds

A seasoned traveller who has visited more than 80 countries has revealed how you can identify a quality hotel in just 60 seconds. As we’re all aware, a decent hotel can determine whether a holiday succeeds or fails; be it the standards of cleanliness, the facilities, the swimming pool, or any other factor, having a solid place to retreat to after an exhausting day helps you properly relax.

Not every hotel measures up – the web is awash with stories of dreadful experiences, ranging from the merely disappointing to the absolutely horrendous. So, as we begin mapping out our spring and summer escapes, any guidance on securing a good one will surely prove invaluable.

One person who knows the tricks of finding an ideal hotel is Mark Wolters, the instantly familiar face behind the Wolters World YouTube channel, which boasts 1.17 million subscribers.

As an experienced world traveller, Mark has journeyed everywhere from Uruguay to Albania. Now he’s revealing his top hotel tips to help others steer clear of a disastrous booking.

Check the most recent reviews

His first suggestion was examining online reviews of the accommodation. Importantly, you should focus on the latest reviews, since a hotel that enjoyed five-star status a decade ago might have deteriorated – or improved considerably.

Mark explained: “Are they still getting that nine out of 10 or eight out of 10? Or have they fallen to a six or a seven? Because you want to look for that consistency.

“Because if they’re consistently getting nines and tens today and five years ago, that shows that that hotel continuously cares about their guests and their hotel, which means boom, probably going to be a good hotel.”

Actually read the reviews

Mark advised people to scrutinise the reviews and look out for specific keywords and phrases, such as “clean”, “safe”, “comfortable, “, “good location” or “attentive staff”, for example.

He added that you should, for the same reason as above, remember to sort these reviews by date and check whether the hotel has responded to guests online, paying close attention to whether their replies were courteous and professional.

Check that the price makes sense

Mark said: “I know we all want to find that great hotel for a super low price, but a lot of times, (if) they have to have heavy discounts, it’s for a reason.

“So, what you want to see is if you’re looking in an area like here in Lille, you’ll see that, oh, similar hotels have similar prices, and does that hotel fit in that same similar price range. That makes sense.

“I mean, they can have a deal every so often, but a good hotel doesn’t have to have a deal because they’re a good hotel.”

Check photos posted by guests

Mark highlighted the importance of not only looking at the photos posted by the hotel, which could be old, but also at those shared by guests online. Check if these line up with the originals.

Cancellation policy

He went on to advise that you should review your hotel’s cancellation policy because good hotels “know that life happens”, and that our plans can change. Mark noted that desirable hotels “don’t punish guests”.

Location, location, location

It’s well worth pinpointing the exact location of the hotel on a map to establish whether it’s within easy reach of local amenities or attractions. Crucially, Mark also highlighted that you can check whether the hotel is situated in a safe neighbourhood.

Check the description

Mark said: “Is it a realistic description of the hotel, of the rooms, or is it something like a ‘tranquil oasis away from the problems of your life in the outskirts of the world?'”

If it’s packed with “marketing jargon”, as Mark puts it, he suggested you should avoid it, adding that good hotels will be “realistic”.

Trust your gut

Finally, Mark said that when you check out hotels online, much of the time, you will get a “gut feeling” and advised people to trust it.

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Foreign Office issues travel advice update for 29 countries including Greece and Italy

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for 29 countries as new rules come into force for UK holidaymakers this week including the likes of France, Greece and Italy

The Foreign Office is updating its travel advice for 29 countries as new border rules come into force for Brits from today (April 10).

The European Union (EU) has introduced a new Entry/Exit System (EES), meaning Brits must now use the digital border system when travelling to the Schengen zone. This replaces the previous system of manual passport stamps, and instead you’ll be asked to register biometric information including fingerprints and a facial photograph when you first arrive at the airport border into the Schengen zone.

It’s worth noting this process is free, and in most cases you won’t need to do anything before reaching the border.

The new system inclues: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The EES system does not apply to travel for the Republic of Ireland or Cyprus, as they fall outside the Schengen zone.

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As a result, the Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to explain: “The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.

“This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration.

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“On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.

“EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.

“EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit.

“If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.

“Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.”

The Foreign Office has also urged Brits to check details for their destination including looking at rules laid out on that nation’s embassy website, in case there are any extra requirements that they may need to be aware of.

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Full list of 29 European countries being hit by new travel rules tomorrow

BRITS visiting Europe will be hit with new travel rules from tomorrow, but there are still some exceptions.

A total of 29 countries are set to implement the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) from Friday, April 10.

The new Entry/Exit System is set to be implemented tomorrow, however some areas are reporting issuesCredit: Reuters
British passport holders traveling to Europe will face new entry rules from Friday, April 10Credit: Getty

The EES will replace passport stamping for all non-EU citizens this week, after an initial rollout in October 2025.

This new entry system will use machines across airports, ferry terminals, and the Eurostar to log fingerprints and facial images and scan passports.

These machines will be in place at destination airporta when arriving into the EU and before departure for rail and ferry trips from the Port of Dover, Folkestone, and St Pancras International.

All “third-country nationals”, including Brits, will be required to register their details on these machines during their first visit to a Schengen area country, as well as in Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

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Meanwhile, manual passport stamping will continue to be used in Ireland and Cyprus.

Initially scheduled to become fully operational across all Schengen area border crossing points from Friday, the new process doesn’t appear to be ready in some countries.

Reports suggest that some crossing points are not prepared to start processing non-EU nationals via the new EES machines.

Technical issues in France are having a knock-on effect for the system’s rollout at the Eurostar, as well as at the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and on cross-channel services between the Port of Dover and Calais.

French authorities confirmed travellers using these services will not be asked to provide fingerprints or facial images as the technology is not yet in place.

Only lorry drivers and coach and foot passengers will be required to register with EES at the Port of Dover.

Chaos is also anticipated for air passengers, with some airports preparing to open Brit-only border control queues in the hope of easing wait times.

The Spanish operator, Aena, said it would adapt security and border control for Brits at Ibiza, Menorca, Malaga and Palma, Majorca airports.

Digital EES records will be valid for three years, with non-EU nationals who return during this time only required to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, when entering or exiting.

29 countries implementing the Entry/Exit System

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

The introduction of EES will be fully rolled out tomorrow, with 29 countries included on the listCredit: Reuters

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Trump threatens 50% tariffs on countries that supply Iran with weapons | Donald Trump News

It’s not clear under what legal authority Trump can tack on this tariff, and analysts called it an ’empty threat’.

United States President Donald Trump has said imports from countries supplying Iran with military weapons will face immediate 50 percent tariffs with no exemptions, announcing the threatened duty in a social media post just hours after agreeing to a two-week ceasefire with Tehran.

Trump’s Truth Social post on Wednesday did not specify which legal authority he would invoke to impose such tariffs, as the Supreme Court in February struck down his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act [IEEPA] to impose broad global tariffs, prompting a lower court to order refunds of some $166bn collected over the course of a year.

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The 1977 IEEPA law has been used extensively for decades to back financial sanctions against Iran, Russia and North Korea, but the court ruled that Trump overstepped his authority in using it to impose trade tariffs.

“A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50%, effective immediately. There will be no exclusions or exemptions! President DJT,” Trump wrote.

However, “it’s a lot more complicated to do that after IEEPA was struck down”, Rachel Ziemba, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, told Al Jazeera. “There’s no immediate policy lever and authorisation that is available for the US to do that. So they need either an act of Congress or need to adapt some other trade tool, and there isn’t really a national security-oriented trade tool.”

Trump did not name any countries that could face punitive tariffs. China and Russia have helped Iran build military capacity to counter US and Israeli pressure, supplying missiles, air defence systems and technology intended to bolster deterrence.

But that support appeared capped during the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Both Beijing and Moscow have denied supplying any weapons recently, although allegations against Moscow have persisted.

The Reuters news agency has previously reported that Tehran was considering a purchase of supersonic antiship cruise missiles from China. In March, Reuters reported that China’s top semiconductor maker, SMIC, has sent chipmaking tools to Iran’s military, according to two senior Trump administration officials.

“This is a China-related threat, the way I read it. And China will read it that way,” said Josh Lipsky, vice president and chair of international economics at the Atlantic Council.

Although drone and missile parts routinely flow from Chinese entities to Iran, evading US sanctions, Lipsky said Trump was unlikely to follow through with new tariffs in the near term because that would derail his planned trip to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-May.

“US tariffs on Chinese products have gone down a lot since the court ruling,” said Ziemba, “and slapping on 50 percent tariffs now would be very expensive, especially for US importers and consumers.”

Moreover, with the Trump-Xi meeting looming, “this is kind of an empty threat, but shows that when push comes to shove, Trump comes back to tariffs”, Ziemba said.

Trump does have active “Section 301” unfair trade practices tariffs on Chinese goods from his first term, to which he may be able to add duties and similar pending cases related to excess industrial capacity and China’s compliance with a 2020 trade deal. But these would require a public notice period before they could take effect.

Trump also may be able to invoke Section 232 of the Cold War-era Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows sector-specific tariffs to protect strategic domestic industries on national security grounds, but using this law would require a new months-long investigation and public comments.

Russia has been another source of arms technology for Iran, but US imports of Russian goods have fallen sharply since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the wave of financial sanctions imposed on Moscow as a result.

US imports from Russia, one of the only countries not subject to Trump’s now-cancelled “reciprocal” tariffs, jumped 26.1 percent to $3.8bn in 2025. These are dominated by palladium used in automotive catalytic converters, fertilisers and their ingredients, and enriched uranium for nuclear reactors. The US Department of Commerce is already moving to impose punitive tariffs on Russian palladium after an anti-dumping investigation.

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TUI reveals huge expansion across Asia with first ever hotel resort in one of the world’s happiest countries

TUI is opening its very first hotel in Bhutan next month.

Called TUI Blue Paro Taktsang, it will be nestled in the Himalayas and in a small village in Paro which is found west of the country’s capital, Thimphu.

TUI Blue will open its very first hotel in Bhutan next monthCredit: TUI
First-look images reveal a huge outdoor dining terraceCredit: TUI

Inside the hotel will be 32 suites, a restaurant, two bars, a ballroom, indoor swimming pool, spa and gym – all decorated with traditionally Bhutanese design.

Rooms will have incredible views of the mountains and nearby waterfront.

The first-look images also reveal a huge outdoor dining terrace.

The landlocked country between India and China is known for pretty temples, Himalayan mountains and being a very happy place to live.

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The hotel is near some major landmarks like Tiger’s Nest Monastery, whose official name is Paro Taktsang.

It’s a sacred Buddhist site which is perched 900metres high on a clifftop.

For any keen visitors, it’s only accessible by foot and a round-trip hike takes between five to six hours.

Another nearby site is the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, which is the oldest temple in Bhutan; its main chapel has roots as far back as the 7th century.

It’s also considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country.

Nearby is Ugyen Pelri Thang Palace, which is the private residence and often used by the Queen Mother.

Tourists can’t go inside, but visitors can still take in its incredible architecture and gardens from the outside.

Bhutan is nestled within the Himilayan mountainsCredit: Rui T Guedes / 500px

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Bellevue Club, Majorca

There are more pools than days of the week at the Bellevue Club in Alcudia. With 11 swimming pools, a 24-hour bar and a garden theatre offering evening entertainment, you’ll hardly want to leave this resort once you arrive. Nearby, there’s the family-friendly Alcudia Beach as well as the historic old town and promenade of Port D’Alcudia to explore.

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Catty Cats Garden Hotel, Side, Turkey

This fun hotel has three swimming pools and several water slides to entertain the whole family. If zipping down slides wasn’t enough to tire out the children, they can enjoy the kids club and mini discos, whilst adults can unwind in the Turkish bath. Plus, the family rooms here feel more like an apartment, as they come with a handy kitchenette too – great for cooking up cheaper meal options.

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Htop Olympic, Costa Brava, Spain

This Calella hotel is the perfect base for a cheap and cheerful sun holiday, with comfy air-conditioned rooms just a few minutes’ walk from the bustling bars of Costa Brava. Make use of the hotel buffet stocked with plenty of family favourites like fresh salads, grilled meats and chips.

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Corona Roja Aparthotel, Gran Canaria

The Corona Roja Aparthotel sits on Gran Canaria‘s Playa del Ingles, one of the most popular beach resorts among Brits – and for good reason. Whether you’re the type to set off parasailing or prefer a sunset catamaran trip, there’s plenty on offer in this lively resort town.

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Bhutan has revealed plans to build a new airportCredit: BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group

Bhutan itself is considered the ‘Land of Happiness’, but it won’t appear on any of the official Happiness Index.

Instead, Bhutan has goes by its own “Gross National Happiness Index” which focuses on factors like psychological well-being, health, education, good governance, ecology, time use, community vitality, culture and living standards. 

The philosophy was introduced in the 1970s to focus on wellbeing and environmental conservation which is valued more highly than things like economic growth.

Just last year, Bhutan revealed plans for its new international airport at Gelephu complete with forests and yoga lounges.

Its initial design plans reveal a building that represents a mountain range with huge gardens and an open-air forest splitting the terminal in half.

One side will operate domestic flights, the other, international.

Across the four zones will be yoga spaces, outdoor lounges and even meditation and sound bath areas.

The hope is that it will open in 2029.

The best time to visit Bhutan is between March and May or September to December when the weather is at its most mild, which can be up to highs of 25C.

The best time of the year to avoid is June to August as this marks monsoon season when it’s humid with high rainfall.

Currently there are no direct flights between the UK and Bhutan with the average journey length taking around 15 hours with at least one stop.

For more on Asia, here’s an often-forgotten country named the world’s cheapest place to travel this year with £5 hotels and 80p beers.

And, one of the world’s cheapest holiday destinations with new Wizz Air flights has scrapped expensive entry rules.

Bhutan, home to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is getting its very first TUI Blue hotel in May 2026Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

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The 50 countries that Brits most want to visit

View of Queenstown, New Zealand, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with mountains in the background.

EVER wondered how much of the world you’ve really seen? Use this handy tool to find out.

By selecting all the different countries you’ve ever visited, it’ll work out a percentage of the planet you’ve managed to explore and how many continents you’ve covered.

TOP 50 COUNTRIES ON THE TRAVEL WISH LIST

1.           New Zealand
2.           Japan
3.           Australia
4.           Canada
5.           Iceland
6.           Norway
7.           Italy
8.           Switzerland
9.           Sweden
10.        United States
11.        Thailand
12.        Croatia
13.        Greece
14.        Portugal
15.        Vietnam
16.        Finland
17.        Singapore
18.        Brazil
19.        Egypt
20.        Denmark
21.        South Africa
22.        Austria
23.        South Korea
24.        Mexico
25.        Republic of Ireland
26.        India
27.        Argentina
28.        Peru
29.        China
30.        Morocco
31.        Sri Lanka
32.        Kenya
33.        Netherlands
34.        Germany
35.        Poland
36.        Philippines
37.        Cyprus
38.        Malaysia
39.        United Arab Emirates
40.        Turkey
41.        Spain
42.        Chile
43.        France
44.        Tanzania
45.        Czech Republic
46.        Hungary
47.        Cambodia
48.        Namibia
49.        Indonesia
50.        Belgium

While you’ll also find out how your stats compare against other travellers as well as seeing your footprint on a globe.

It follows research which revealed four in 10 adults name-drop the countries they have visited – to ‘keep up with the Joneses’.

A poll of 2,000 travellers revealed 43 per cent enjoy comparing the number of destinations they’ve visited abroad with others.

Reasons for mentioning their ‘country count’ include wanting to impress others with their worldliness and sense of adventure, get others to think ‘that’s more than me’ or see them as ‘loaded’ with money.

Of those who mention their country count, more than four in 10 (44 per cent) will casually raise the subject in general holiday chatter, while 38 per cent will jump at the chance to name a nation they’ve visited the second someone else mentions it.

It also emerged 34 per cent of travellers consider their list of countries visited ‘as a bit of a badge of honour’ and a fifth feel ‘quietly superior’ to those who have been to fewer nations.

A spokesperson from travel insurance specialist, Staysure, which commissioned the research and tailors policies for people with health conditions, said: “Travelling abroad is exciting and the memories made with friends and family can last forever.

“So, it’s not surprising people love talking about where they’ve been and comparing the number of countries they’ve visited.

“Sharing experiences is something we all love to do and it’s great to be able to inspire others to visit somewhere new.”

The study also found nine per cent bring up a country they’ve travelled to in conversation at least four times a month.

However, 39 per cent described other people discussing how well-travelled they are as ‘annoying’.

But one in 10 attempt to sound better travelled than they really are by counting countries they visited as a child in their list. And some go as far as including an airport layover or counting a day trip as a full visit.

With the average traveller having been to seven countries by the time they’re 30 – the number nearly doubles to 15 by the time they reach the age of 60.

New Zealand (24 per cent), Japan (23 per cent) and Australia (18 per cent) were at the top of respondents’ wish lists, along with Iceland, Sweden and Switzerland.

While Canada was nearly twice as popular as a future destination than the United States (17 per cent versus eight per cent).

But Belgium sat at the bottom of the top 50 list of countries people want to visit for the first time.

It also emerged 56 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, wish they were better travelled.

On average, respondents said their travel peaked at age 34, while 44 per cent admitted their trips abroad have generally decreased as they’ve got older.

And four in 10 consider it important that their list of countries visited keeps growing, with those with a set goal aiming to tick off 30 individual countries.

To keep expanding the list 56 per cent would consider a multi-destination holiday such as a cruise.

France (77 per cent), Spain (76 per cent) and Italy (58 per cent) are still among the top 10 countries visited.

Staysure’s spokesperson added: “Our customers often share where they’ve been and where they’re planning to go next.

“It’s good to know people are dreaming big and want to keep ticking off their dream destinations.

TOP 50 COUNTRIES VISITED

1.           France
2.           Spain
3.           Italy
4.           United States
5.           Germany
6.           Greece
7.           Portugal
8.           Belgium
9.           Netherlands
10.        Republic of Ireland
11.        Turkey
12.        Switzerland
13.        Austria
14.        Cyprus
15.        Canada
16.        Denmark
17.        Czech Republic
18.        Egypt
19.        Croatia
20.        Australia
21.        Sweden
22.        Norway
23.        Poland
24.        Mexico
25.        Morocco
26.        Thailand
27.        Tunisia
28.        Singapore
29.        Hungary
30.        United Arab Emirates
31.        Iceland
32.        China
33.        Finland
34.        New Zealand
35.        South Africa
36.        India
37.        Malaysia
38.        Japan
39.        Kenya
40.        Vietnam
41.        Indonesia
42.        Sri Lanka
43.        Brazil
44.        South Korea
45.        Peru
46.        Cambodia
47.        Argentina
48.        Philippines
49.        Chile
50.        Tanzania

“Although technically correct to do so, would you include a layover in your country list if you’d not set foot outside the airport?

“Wherever people choose to travel, having the right cover and financial protection in place helps them keep ticking countries off their list making the whole experience more enjoyable and worry-free.”

View of Queenstown, New Zealand, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with mountains in the background.
New Zealand came out on topCredit: Alamy

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Full list of 76 countries on UK Foreign Office no travel list

Travelling to these countries could put your safety at risk

Brits are reminded to check important information before jetting off on holiday, as the Foreign Office currently has travel warnings in place for 52 countries. The Government body advises people not to venture to these locations amid safety and security concerns.

And a further 24 countries have “all but essential travel” guidelines set by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Failing to adhere to these warnings can not only put your safety at risk but invalidate any travel insurance you have.

As reported by The Independent, political conflicts, natural disasters and safety concerns are some of the reasons the UK Foreign Office will advise people to avoid certain destinations.

Among these current restrictions are advice against “all travel” and “all but essential travel” to entire countries or parts of countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

Of a total of 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 76 are currently flagged as having no-go zones due to security issues, health risks and legal differences with the UK.

Below is the full list of countries on the FCDO “do not travel” list.

FCDO advises against all travel

  • Afghanistan
  • Belarus
  • Burkina Faso
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Mali
  • Niger
  • Palestine
  • Russia
  • South Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen

FCDO advises against all travel to parts

  • Algeria – all travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Tunisia
  • Armenia – within 5km of the full eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan
  • Azerbaijan – within 5km of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border
  • Benin – northern border regions
  • Burundi – FCDO advises against all travel to Mugina, Cibitoke, Bukinyayana, Bubanza and Mpanda communes, and parts of Ntahangwa commune, specifically the RN5 road north of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport
  • Cameroon – Bakassi Peninsula, parts of the Far-North Region, North-West Region and South-West Region and within 40km of the Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria borders
  • Central African Republic – against all travel except to the capital, Bangui
  • Chad – Borkou, Ennedi Ouest, Ennedi Est and Tibesti provinces, Kanem Province, including Nokou, Lake Chad region and within 30km of all Chad’s other borders
  • Congo – within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border in Likouala Region
  • Côte d’Ivoire – FCDO advises against all travel within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, to the Northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces and to Comoé National Park
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic, the province of Kasaï Oriental, the Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province and provinces in Eastern DRC
  • Djibouti – Djibouti-Eritrea border
  • Egypt – within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border and the North Sinai Governorate
  • Eritrea – within 25km of Eritrea’s land borders
  • Ethiopia – international border areas, the Tigray region, Amhara region, Afar region, Gambela region, Oromia region, Somali region, Central, Southern, Sidama and South West regions and Benishangul-Gumuz region
  • Georgia – South Ossetia and Abkhazia
  • India – within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and Jammu and Kashmir
  • Indonesia – Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, Mount Sinabung, Mount Marapi, Mount Semeru, Mount Ruang, Mount Ibu
  • Jordan – within 3km of the border with Syria and all but essential travel to all other areas
  • Kenya – Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast
  • Lebanon – areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate, the South and Nabatiyeh Governorates, the Beqaa Governorate, the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, the Akkar Governorate, the city of Tripoli and Palestinian refugee camps
  • Libya – advises against all travel to Libya except for the cities of Benghazi and Misrata
  • Mauritania – Eastern Mauritania and within 25km of the Malian border
  • Moldova –Transnistria
  • Mozambique – Cabo Delgado province, parts of Nampula province and Niassa province
  • Myanmar (Burma) – Chin State, Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Mon State, Rakhine State, Sagaing and Magway regions, Tanintharyi Region, Shan State North, North Mandalay Region, and East of the Yangon-Mandalay Expressway in Bago region
  • Nigeria – Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State, Katsina State, Zamfara State and the riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states
  • Pakistan – within 10 miles of the border with Afghanistan, areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and the Balochistan Province
  • Philippines – western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago
  • Saudi Arabia – within 10km of the border with Yemen
  • Somalia – advises against all travel except the western regions Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil, for which it advises against all but essential travel
  • Sudan – against all travel except to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid, for which it advises against all but essential travel
  • Togo – within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso except for the city of Dapaong and the N1 highway leading to it from the south
  • Tunisia – parts of Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border and Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border
  • Turkey – within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border
  • Ukraine – all regions of Ukraine with the exception of some western areas, for which it advises against all but essential travel
  • Venezuela – border areas, the Orinoco Mining Arc, south of the Orinoco river and the Zulia state. All but essential travel to all remaining areas of Venezuela
  • Western Sahara – within 30km of ‘the Berm’ boundary line and areas south and east of the Berm boundary line

FCDO advises against all but essential travel

The FCDO clarifies: “Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to. Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks.”

  • Bahrain
  • Cuba
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • North Korea
  • United Arab Emirates

READ MORE: UK holidaymakers warned of new £100 charge kicking off this weekREAD MORE: Man who left the UK for Australia realises ‘three things are better at home’

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts

  • Angola – Cabinda Province, except Cabinda city and border areas in Lunda Norte Province
  • Bangladesh
  • Bolivia – Chapare region
  • Brazil – four river areas towards the west of Amazonas State – along the Amazon River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões, the Itaquaí River, the Japurá River and along the Rio Negro and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos
  • Cambodia – within 20km from the land border with Thailand
  • Colombia – within 5km of borders and parts of northern, central and southern Colombia and the Pacific Coast
  • Ecuador – seven coastal region provinces and within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border
  • Ghana – Bawku Municipality
  • Guatemala – within 5km of the Mexican border and the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia
  • Kosovo – the municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and areas of Mitrovica north of the river Ibar
  • Laos – Xaisomboun Province
  • Malaysia – Eastern Sabah coastal islands
  • Mexico – parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero and Chiapas
  • Papua New Guinea – Hela and Southern Highlands provinces, Enga Province in the Highlands, except Wabag District
  • Peru – within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River
  • Rwanda – Rusizi district
  • Tanzania – within 20km of the Tanzanian border with Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique
  • Thailand – parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border and within 20km of the land border with Cambodia

To check the travel advice for a country before you visit, see the Foreign Office’s complete guide here.

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Immigrants seeking asylum ordered to countries they’ve never been to, and end up stuck in limbo

The Afghan man had fled the Taliban for refuge in upstate New York when U.S. immigration authorities ordered him deported to Uganda. The Cuban woman was working at a Texas Chick-fil-A when she was arrested after a minor traffic accident and told she was being sent to Ecuador.

There’s the Mauritanian man living in Michigan told he’d have to go to Uganda, the Venezuelan mother in Ohio told she’d be sent to Ecuador and the Bolivians, Ecuadorians and so many others across the country ordered sent to Honduras.

They are among more than 13,000 immigrants who were living legally in the U.S., waiting for rulings on asylum claims, when they suddenly faced so-called third-country deportation orders, destined for countries where most had no ties, according to the nonprofit group Mobile Pathways, which pushes for transparency in immigration proceedings.

Yet few have been deported, even as the White House pushes for ever more immigrant expulsions. Thanks to unexplained changes in U.S. policy, many are now mired in immigration limbo, unable to argue their asylum claims in court and unsure if they’ll be shackled and put on a deportation flight to a country they’ve never seen.

Some are in detention, though it’s unclear how many. All have lost permission to work legally, a right most had while pursuing their asylum claims, compounding the worry and dread that has rippled through immigrant communities.

And that may be the point.

“This administration’s goal is to instill fear into people. That’s the primary thing,” said Cassandra Charles, a senior staff attorney with the National Immigration Law Center, which has been fighting the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda. The fear of being deported to an unknown country could, advocates believe, drive migrants to abandon their immigration cases and decide to return to their home countries.

Things may be changing.

In mid-March, top Immigration and Customs Enforcement legal officials told field attorneys with the Department of Homeland Security in an email to stop filing new motions for third-country deportations tied to asylum cases. The email, which has been seen by the Associated Press, did not give a reason. It has not been publicly released, and Homeland Security did not respond to requests to explain if the halt was permanent.

But the earlier deportation cases? Those are continuing.

An asylum seeker says she’s in panic over possibly being sent to a country she doesn’t know

In 2024, a Guatemalan woman who says she had been held captive and repeatedly sexually assaulted by members of a powerful gang arrived with her 4-year-old daughter at the U.S.-Mexico border and asked for asylum. She later discovered she was pregnant with another child, conceived during a rape.

In December, she sat in a San Francisco immigration courtroom and listened as an ICE attorney sought to have her deported.

The ICE attorney didn’t ask the judge that she be sent back to Guatemala. Instead, the attorney said, the woman from the Indigenous Guatemalan highlands would go to one of three countries: Ecuador, Honduras or across the globe to Uganda.

Until that moment, she’d never heard of Ecuador or Uganda.

“When I arrived in this country, I was filled with hope again and I thanked God for being alive,” the woman said after the hearing, her eyes filling with tears. “When I think about having to go to those other countries, I panic because I hear they are violent and dangerous.” She spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal from U.S. immigration authorities or the Guatemalan gang network.

There have been more than 13,000 removal orders for asylum seekers

ICE attorneys, the de facto prosecutors in immigration courts, were first instructed last summer to file motions known as “pretermissions” that end migrants’ asylum claims and allow them to be deported.

“They’re not saying the person doesn’t have a claim,” said Sarah Mehta, who tracks immigration issues at the American Civil Liberties Union. “They’re just saying, ‘We’re kicking this case completely out of court and we’re going to send that person to another country.’”

The pace of deportation orders picked up in October after a ruling from the Justice Department’s Board of Immigration Appeals, which sets legal precedent inside the byzantine immigration court system.

The ruling from the three judges — two appointed by former Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi and the third a holdover from the first Trump administration — cleared the way for migrants seeking asylum to be removed to any third country where the U.S. State Department determines they won’t face persecution or torture.

After the ruling, the government aggressively expanded the practice of ending asylum claims.

More than 13,000 migrants have been ordered deported to so-called “safe third countries” after their asylum cases were canceled, according to data from San Francisco-based Mobile Pathways. More than half the orders were for Honduras, Ecuador or Uganda, with the rest scattered among nearly three dozen other countries.

Deported migrants are free, at least theoretically, to pursue asylum and stay in those third countries, even if some have barely functioning asylum systems.

Deportations have been far more complicated than the government expected

Immigration authorities have released little information about the third-country agreements, known as Asylum Cooperative Agreements, or the deportees, and it’s unclear exactly how many have been deported to third countries as part of asylum removals.

According to Third Country Deportation Watch, a tracker run by the groups Refugees International and Human Rights First, fewer than 100 of them are thought to have been deported.

In a statement, Homeland Security called the agreements “lawful bilateral arrangements that allow illegal aliens seeking asylum in the United States to pursue protection in a partner country that has agreed to fairly adjudicate their claims.”

“DHS is using every lawful tool available to address the backlog and abuse of the asylum system,” said the statement, which was attributed only to a spokesperson. There are roughly 2 million backlogged asylum cases in the immigration system.

But deportations clearly turned out to be far more complicated than the government expected, restricted by a variety of legal challenges, the scope of the international agreements and a limited number of airplanes.

Mobile Pathways data, for example, shows that thousands of people have been ordered deported to Honduras — despite a diplomatic agreement that allows the country to take a total of just 10 such deportees per month for 24 months. Dozens of people ordered to Honduras in recent months did not speak Spanish as their primary language, but were native speakers of English, Uzbek and French, among other languages.

And while hundreds of asylum-seeking migrants have been ordered sent to Uganda, a top Ugandan official said none have arrived. U.S. authorities may be “doing a cost analysis” and trying to avoid dispatching flights with only a few people on board, Okello Oryem, the Ugandan minister of state for foreign affairs, told the Associated Press.

“You can’t be doing one, two people” at a time,” Oryem said. “Planeloads — that is the most effective way.”

Many immigration lawyers suspect that the March email ordering a halt in new asylum pretermissions could indicate a shift toward other forms of third-country deportations.

“Right now they haven’t been able to remove that many people,” said the ACLU’s Mehta. “I do think that will change.”

“They’re in a hiring spree right now. They will have more planes. If they get more agreements, they’ll be able to send more people to more countries.”

Sullivan writes for the Associated Press. AP reporters Garance Burke in San Francisco, Joshua Goodman in Miami, Rodney Muhumuza in Kampala, Uganda, Marlon González in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and Molly A. Wallace in Chicago contributed to this report.

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Foreign Office alert for 13 countries as study shows ‘higher odds of becoming a case’ – full list

Serious food poisoning cases for UK tourists at popular travel hotspots revealed

All UK travellers and tourists planning a trip abroad have been issued a warning by health officials after a new study showed high levels of food poisoning hitting some popular resourts. A study from Cambridge University found 13 destinations in particular having higher odds of people contracting serious food poisoning such as Shigellosis, Salmonellosis, and Giardiasis.

The Foreign Office-backed Travel Health Pro website this week issued an alert warning people to take precautions, especially when travelling to popular destinations outside the EU – although some hotspots there were flagged up in the report too.

Travel Health Pro said: “All UK travellers and tourists planning a trip abroad are reminded to follow good food and water hygiene advice. This study shows that visiting countries outside of the EU, and to high-risk areas which had low water, sanitation and hygiene scores, increases the risk of infections that can cause stomach upset, like diarrhoea or vomiting.

Between 1 July and 15 October 2023, a rise in stomach bugs was reported in travellers returning to England from popular holiday destinations, including Egypt, Mexico, Tunisia and Turkey. Many of these travellers stayed in all-inclusive tourist resorts. The study also suggests the true number of infections is likely to be higher, as it only counted cases diagnosed in travellers after they returned home.”

Destinations where high levels of food poisoning were detected in UK tourists are:

  • Egypt
  • Mexico
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Jamaica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Cape Verde
  • Morocco
  • India
  • Pakistan
  • Thailand,
  • Greece
  • Spain

The study said: ”Thirteen destinations were associated with higher odds of becoming a case, of which the highest odds were reported for Egypt, Mexico, Tunisia, and Turkey, with the odds of illness in travellers to Egypt 23 times higher than those visiting France.

READ MORE: UK tourists return with virus that ‘makes you ill for 3 years’ from 25 holiday hotspots – full listREAD MORE: Spain hotspot ‘doubles’ charge for UK travellers from today

“For those travelling to low-risk destinations, eating undercooked meat or fish, eating meat or fish purchased from local restaurants and airports, drinking purified water, and swallowing water from environmental water sources (rivers, lakes, sea, and swimming pools) were all found to be associated with higher odds of illness. In high-risk destinations, eating foods consumed on trips or excursions, swallowing water from environmental sources, drinking fruit juice or smoothies, and eating foods from hotel buffets were all associated with higher odds of being a case.”

Travel health pro this week urged people to take these steps:

  • Practice good food and water hygiene at all times, even in high-end, all-inclusive resorts.
  • Wash your hands often, including before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after changing nappies and before and after sex.
  • Eat recently prepared food that is fully cooked and served piping hot.
  • Where there is no clean water supply, drink only bottled or boiled tap water (this includes brushing your teeth).
  • Always avoid ice in your drinks.
  • Avoid fresh fruit that you have not peeled yourself and salads not washed with bottled or boiled water.
  • Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes and untreated swimming pools.

If you become ill abroad:

  • Drink plenty of ‘safe’ fluids, such as bottled water, or tap water that has been boiled and cooled, and use oral rehydration solutions so that you do not become dehydrated.
  • Get early medical advice if you are at greater risk of complications from gastrointestinal infections, this includes babies/young children, older adults, pregnant women and people who are immunosuppressed or have ongoing health conditions.
  • Seek medical help if symptoms (such as diarrhoea and vomiting) last more than a few days or are not improving.
  • Wash contaminated clothes or bedding on a hot wash and clean toilets, taps and door handles regularly.
  • Avoid using swimming pools if you have a stomach bug. Take children on regular toilet breaks and check nappies often. If you have been told you have cryptosporidium do not use a swimming pool for 2 weeks after your diarrhoea has stopped.

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Handy new travel calculator shows how many countries you’ve visited – try it now

This handy map tool allows you to calculate the percentage of the world you’ve seen by selecting all the countries you’ve visited.

Ever wondered how much of the world you’ve really seen? Use this handy tool to find out. By selecting all the different countries you’ve ever visited, it’ll work out a percentage of the world you’ve managed to explore and how many continents you’ve covered. It’ll also tell you how your stats compare against other travellers, and will show your footprint on the globe.

A poll of 2,000 travellers revealed 43% enjoy comparing the number of destinations they’ve visited abroad with others. Reasons for mentioning their ‘country count’ include wanting to impress others with their worldliness and sense of adventure, get others to think ‘that’s more than me’ or to see them as someone ‘loaded’ with money.

Of those who mention their country count, more than four in 10 (44%) will casually raise the subject in general holiday chatter, while 38% will jump at the chance to name a nation they’ve visited the second someone else mentions it.

It also emerged 34% of travellers consider their list of countries visited ‘as a bit of a badge of honour’ and a fifth feel ‘quietly superior’ to those who have been to fewer nations.

A spokesperson from travel insurance specialist Staysure, which commissioned the research and tailors policies for people with health conditions, said: “Travelling abroad is exciting and the memories made with friends and family can last forever.

“So, it’s not surprising people love talking about where they’ve been and comparing the number of countries they’ve visited. Sharing experiences is something we all love to do and it’s great to be able to inspire others to visit somewhere new.

One in 10 attempt to sound better travelled than they really are by counting countries they visited as a child in their list. And some go as far as including an airport layover or counting a day trip as a full visit. But four in ten described other people discussing how well-travelled they are as ‘annoying’.

Find out how much of the world you’ve actually seen with this new tool

New Zealand (24%), Japan (23%) and Australia (18%) were at the top of respondents’ wish lists, along with Iceland, Sweden and Switzerland. While Canada was nearly twice as popular as a future destination than the United States (17% versus 8%).

The average traveller has been to seven countries by the time they’re 30 – this number nearly doubles to 15 by the time they reach the age of 60. However, it also emerged 56% of those polled wish they were better travelled.

On average, respondents said their travel peaked at age 34, while 44% admitted their trips abroad have generally decreased as they’ve gotten older.

Four in 10 consider it important that their list of countries visited keeps growing, with those with a set goal aiming to tick off 30 individual countries. To do this, 56% would consider a multi-destination holiday such as a cruise.

Staysure’s spokesperson added: “Our customers often share where they’ve been and where they’re planning to go next.

“It’s good to know people are dreaming big and want to keep ticking off their dream destinations. Although technically correct to do so, would you include a layover in your country list if you’d not set foot outside the airport?

“Wherever people choose to travel, having the right cover and financial protection in place helps them keep ticking countries off their list making the whole experience more enjoyable and worry-free.”

TOP 50 COUNTRIES VISITED

  1. France
  2. Spain
  3. Italy
  4. United States
  5. Germany
  6. Greece
  7. Portugal
  8. Belgium
  9. Netherlands
  10. Republic of Ireland
  11. Turkey
  12. Switzerland
  13. Austria
  14. Cyprus
  15. Canada
  16. Denmark
  17. Czech Republic
  18. Egypt
  19. Croatia
  20. Australia
  21. Sweden
  22. Norway
  23. Poland
  24. Mexico
  25. Morocco
  26. Thailand
  27. Tunisia
  28. Singapore
  29. Hungary
  30. United Arab Emirates
  31. Iceland
  32. China
  33. Finland
  34. New Zealand
  35. South Africa
  36. India
  37. Malaysia
  38. Japan
  39. Kenya
  40. Vietnam
  41. Indonesia
  42. Sri Lanka
  43. Brazil
  44. South Korea
  45. Peru
  46. Cambodia
  47. Argentina
  48. Philippines
  49. Chile
  50. Tanzania

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Which countries have strategic oil reserves – and how much? | Oil and Gas News

Iran’s paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz has led to major disruption in global oil and gas supply and many countries have begun tapping into their strategic oil reserves to evade an economic crisis.

Since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, Tehran, whose territorial waters extend into the Strait, has blocked the passage of vessels carrying 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf to the rest of the world. The strait is the only waterway to open ocean available for Gulf oil and gas producers.

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Last week, the price of Brent crude topped $100 a barrel compared to the pre-war price of around $65.

The United States Trump administration has tried and failed to re-open the strait. First, it called on Western nations to send warships to help escort shipping through the strait – an option all have declined or failed to respond to. Then, on Sunday, Trump gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the strait or face US attacks on its power plants.

However, on Sunday, Iran said it would hit back at power plants in Israel and those in the region supplying electricity to US military assets. And, on Monday, Iran said it would completely shut the Strait of Hormuz if US attacks on its energy infrastructure continue.

Following Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf over the past three weeks, countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq and Kuwait have also cut their oil output, raising further concerns about global oil and gas supply.

On Monday, Trump appeared to backtrack on his Hormuz ultimatum when he ordered all US strikes on power plants in Iran to be paused for five days and claimed the US was holding talks with Iran. Iran has denied this.

In the face of chaos, on March 11, the 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from their strategic emergency reserves – the largest stock draw in the agency’s history. It is far higher than the 2022 release of 182 million barrels of oil by the group’s members after Russia invaded Ukraine.

What are strategic oil reserves and which countries hold them?

What is a strategic oil reserve?

A strategic oil reserve or strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) is an emergency stockpile of crude oil which is held by the government of a country in government facilities.

This oil reserve can be drawn on in cases of emergencies like wars and economic crises. Governments generally buy the oil through agreements with private companies in order to keep their reserves filled.

According to the IEA, its members currently hold more than 1.2 billion barrels of these public emergency oil stocks with a further 600 million barrels of industry stocks held by private organisations but under government mandate to be available to supplement public needs.

Other reserves are also held by non IEA members like China.

Which countries have strategic oil reserves? Can they withstand the war in Iran?

China

Beijing is not an IEA member, but holds the world’s largest strategic oil reserve.

According to China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing “started a state strategic oil reserve base programme in 2004 as a way to offset oil supply risks and reduce the impact of fluctuating energy prices worldwide on China’s domestic market for refined oil”.

“The bases are designed to maintain strategic oil reserves of an equivalent to 30 days of imports, or about 10 million tonnes,” according to a 2007 report from Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

These strategic oil reserves are primarily located along China’s eastern and southern coastal regions such as Shandong, Zhejiang and Hainan.

China does not officially publish information about its crude inventories so it is not clear how much oil the country has in reserve. However, according to energy analytics firm Vortexa, in 2025, “China’s onshore crude inventories (excluding underground storage) continued to rise… reaching a record 1.13 billion barrels by year-end”.

According to data from Kpler, China bought more than 80 percent of Iran’s shipped oil in 2025. As the war in Iran escalates, therefore, Chinese companies such as refiner Sinopec have begun pushing for permission to use oil from the country’s reserves according to a Reuters report on Monday.

“We basically won’t buy Iranian oil, this is pretty clear,” Sinopec President Zhao Dong told a company results briefing in March, according to Reuters.

“We believe the government is closely monitoring crude oil and refined fuel inventories and market situations, and will advance policies at the appropriate ⁠time to support refinery productions,” he added.

US

Of the IEA members, the US holds one of the largest strategic oil reserves with 415 million barrels of oil. The stores are maintained by the US Department of Energy. It has confirmed that it will release 172 million barrels of oil from its SPR over this year as its contribution to coordinated efforts with the IEA.

On Friday, the Trump’s administration announced that it has already lent 45.2 million barrels of crude from the SPR to oil companies.

The US created its SPR in 1975 after an Arab oil embargo triggered a spike in gasoline prices which badly affected the US economy.

The reserves are located near big US refining or petrochemical centres, and as much as 4.4 million barrels of oil can be shipped globally per day.

The SPR currently covers roughly 200 days of net crude imports, according to a Reuters news agency calculation.

US presidents have tapped into the stockpile to calm oil markets during war or when hurricanes have hit oil infrastructure along the US Gulf of Mexico.

In March 2024, US President Joe Biden announced oil would be released from the reserve to ease pressure from oil price spikes following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and amid subsequent sanctions imposed on Russian oil by the US and its allies.

Japan

An IEA member, Japan also has one of the world’s largest strategic oil reserves.

According to Japanese media Nikkei Asia, at the end of 2025, the country held about 470 million barrels of in emergency reserves which is enough to meet 254 days of domestic consumption. Out of this amount, 146 days worth of oil are government-owned, 101 days are owned by the private sector, and the remainder is jointly stored by oil-producing countries.

Japan set up its national oil reserve system in 1978 to prevent future economic disruptions following the global oil crisis in 1973. That oil crisis heightened Japan’s vulnerability and dependence on oil from abroad. The country remains one of the world’s largest oil importers, relying on fossil fuels from overseas for about 80 percent of its energy needs.

Japan’s reserves are primarily located in 10 coastal national stockholding bases with major storage sites in the Shibushi base in Kagoshima in southern Japan.

On March 16, Japan announced that it had begun releasing oil from its emergency reserves amid the global energy crisis sparked by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told journalists the country would unilaterally release 80 million barrels of oil from stockpiles amid supply concerns.

UK

As of February 26, according to the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, the UK holds about 38 million ⁠barrels of crude oil and 30 million barrels of refined products, as strategic reserves. The reserves are thought to be able to last around 90 days.

The country established its reserves in 1974 following the oil crisis of the 1970s and also to meet its IEA obligations. Members of the organisation are required to maintain at least 90 days of net imports in reserve.

The UK’s strategic reserves are largely held by private oil companies, but are regulated by the government. Milford Haven in South Wales and Humber in northeast England are key locations of reserves.

The country is among the 32 IEA nations releasing oil from its reserve to address the oil crisis amid the war in Iran. The UK government will be contributing 13.5 million barrels as a part of the release.

EU

EU member nations including Germany, France, Spain and Italy, all IEA members, also hold strategic oil reserves.

Germany has 110 million barrels of crude oil and 67 million barrels of finished petroleum products which are held by the government and can be released in a matter of days, according to Germany’s economy ministry.

France reported about 120 million barrels’ worth of crude and finished products in reserve at the end of 2024, the most recent data publicly available. About 97 million barrels of that is held by SAGESS, a government-mandated entity, with ‌a breakdown ⁠of about 30 percent crude oil, 50 percent gasoil, 9 percent gasoline, 7.8 percent jet fuel and some heating oil. Another 39 million barrels are held by the country’s oil operators.

On March 16, Spain approved the release of around 11.5 million barrels of oil reserves over 90 days to counter ⁠supply shortages caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Minister Sara Aagesen told reporters. This is the country’s contribution to the IEA release. The country has around 150 million barrels of crude oil reserves in total.

Italy, by law, was holding about 76 million barrels of reserves, representing 90 days of Italy’s average net oil imports, in 2024.

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Iran war is creating ‘heightened risks of instability across countries in A | US-Israel war on Iran

Quotable

‘These are countries that face drought, food or economic difficulties that compound this crisis much farther.’
David Owiro, founder of the African Development Think Tanks, says that African countries are particularly vulnerable to the economic consequences of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

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All 69 countries with UK Foreign Office travel warnings — big update on popular destination

The Foreign Office has issued a new warning on travel to a country where 400,000 Brits a year travel

The UK Foreign Office regularly updates its guidance on destinations that are unsafe for British citizens to visit. Currently, there are 69 countries to which some form of warning applies.

Generally, the Foreign Office splits its warnings into three categories:

  • The Foreign Office advises against all travel to a country: this is its highest warning level
  • The Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of a country.
  • The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to a country or parts of a country.

And it has this week revised its travel guidance for a country to which approximately 400,000 Brits travel annually, with a particular warning on a world-famous tourist hotspot. The Foreign Office has updated information on fraud and scams, nightlife and dating, driving rules and pedestrian safety and Table Mountain National Park in South Africa. It says:

  • Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa, which could be indiscriminate and target public spaces and places visited by foreigners.
  • There are regular protests and demonstrations in South Africa which can turn violent at short notice.
  • There is a high crime rate in South Africa, with incidents including violent muggings, snatching jewellery and valuables, carjacking, ‘smash and grab’ attacks on vehicles, house robbery, rape and sexual assault and murder. It says “most violent crimes occur in townships located on the outskirts of major cities” and that “There have been recent attacks and violent crime on secondary roads to and from Cape Town airport”.
  • Scammers target people using taxi apps in major cities and you should make sure you use an internationally recognised service.
  • The risk of kidnap is increasing throughout South Africa and that “criminals generally kidnap people for financial gain”.
  • Card skimming and confidence scams are widespread, crime around ATMs and money exchanges is common.
  • Criminals use dating apps to rob, rape or sexually assault victims.
  • There have been recent violent attacks and muggings against hikers and foreign tourists in Table Mountain National Park.

However, it is important to note that the Foreign Office does not warn against travel to South Africa or any parts of South Africa and it is not one of the 69 countries listed below, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Countries where the Foreign Office recommends against all travel

This is the Foreign Office’s highest warning level, effectively telling UK citizens not to travel to these countries in any circumstance. There are 14 countries where the Foreign Office recommends against all travel. You can see more detail on these countries here. They are:

  1. Afghanistan, where British nationals face an elevated risk of detention.
  2. Belarus, where “you face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime”.
  3. Burkina Faso, owing to “the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country”.
  4. Haiti, owing to a volatile security situation.
  5. Iran, because of the ongoing Iran War. The FCDO warns: “If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”
  6. Iraq, due to recent escalation in regional conflict. The FCDO warns: “There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable.”
  7. Israel, due to the escalation in conflict in the region which poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.
  8. Mali, owing to unpredictable security conditions.
  9. Niger, owing to the increase in reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals.
  10. Palestine, owing to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
  11. Russia, owing to a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Russia and the dangers and threats stemming from its continued invasion of Ukraine.
  12. South Sudan, owing to the danger of armed conflict and criminal activity.
  13. Syria, owing to uncertain security circumstances and the risk of terrorist incidents.
  14. Yemen, owing to the devastation caused by an ongoing civil war and humanitarian catastrophes.

Countries to which the Foreign Office advises against all travel to certain areas

The 36 countries to which the Foreign Office advises against all travel to certain areas are:

  • Algeria: FCDO advises against travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Tunisia.
  • Armenia: FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the entire eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, owing to tensions between the two countries Azerbaijan: The FCDO advises against all travel within 5km of the border with Armenia.
  • Benin: The FCDO advises against all travel to border regions near Niger and Burkina Faso.
  • Burundi: The FCDO advises against all travel to a region where there is a rebel group and the risk of possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
  • Cameroon: The FCDO advises against travel to borders with Nigeria, Chad and the CAR.
  • Central African Republic: The FCDO advises against all travel to the entirety of the Central African Republic, excluding the capital, Bangui.
  • Chad: The FCDO advises against all travel to the northern provinces of Chad, among other regions.
  • Congo: The FCDO advises against all travel within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border.
  • Côte d’Ivoire: The FCDO advises against all travel within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo: The FCDO advises against all travel within 50km of most of its northern and eastern border.
  • Djibouti: The FCDO advises against all travel to the Djibouti-Eritrea border.
  • Egypt: The FCDO advises against all travel within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border and the border with Israel and Gaza.
  • Eritrea: The FCDO advises against all travel within 25km of all of Eritrea’s land borders.
  • Ethiopia: The FCDO advises against all travel to anywhere near borders with Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia.
  • Georgia: FCDO recommends against all travel to the Russian occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
  • India: FCDO recommends against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Indonesia: FCDO recommends against all travel to a number of volcanoes in Indonesia.
  • Jordan: FCDO recommends against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.
  • Kenya: FCDO recommends against all travel to the Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast.
  • Lebanon: FCDO recommends against all travel to the vast majority of Lebanon.
  • Libya: FCDO recommends against all travel to Libya except for the cities of Benghazi and Misrata.
  • Mauritania: FCDO recommends against all travel to the eastern half of the country.
  • Moldova: FCDO recommends against all travel to Transnistria, a region bordering Ukraine.
  • Myanmar (Burma): FCDO recommends against all travel to most of Myanmar.
  • Nigeria: FCDO recommends against all travel to large parts of north-west and north-east Nigeria.
  • Pakistan: FCDO recommends against all travel to within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan and some other areas.
  • Philippines: FCDO recommends against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.
  • Saudi Arabia: FCDO recommends against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen.
  • Somalia: FCDO recommends against all travel to the vast majority of Somalia.
  • Sudan: FCDO recommends against all travel to the vast majority of Sudan Togo: The FCDO advises against all travel within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso.
  • Tunisia: The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of its border with Libya and Algeria.
  • Turkey: The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria. There are no warnings relating to the rest of the country.
  • Ukraine: The FCDO advises against all travel to the vast majority of Ukraine.
  • Venezuela: The FCDO advises against all travel within 80km (50 miles) of the border with Colombia, within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Brazil and within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Guyana as well as some central areas.

Countries to which the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel

The 19 countries to which the FCDO advises against all but essential travel are as follows. The warnings could include either the whole country or part of a country.

  • Cambodia: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km from the land border with Thailand.
  • Colombia: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several parts of Colombia including the borders with Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, and central Colombia.
  • Cuba: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba.
  • Ecuador: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several parts of Ecuador, where a 30-day state of emergency was renewed on February 28 due to internal disturbance and armed violence.
  • Ghana: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Upper East region of Ghana.
  • Guatemala: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 5km of the Mexican border from the Pacific Coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing, as well as to to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia.
  • Kosovo: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a section of northern Kosovo.
  • Kuwait: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
  • Laos: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province, where there are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.
  • Malaysia: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping.
  • Mexico: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to multiple cities and regions in Mexico because of escalating violence due to conflict between drug cartels and government forces.
  • North Korea: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea, because “the level of tension on the Korean Peninsula remains high” even if “daily life in the capital city, Pyongyang, may appear calm”.
  • Papua New Guinea: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to certain provinces due to the high risk of tribal fighting.
  • Peru: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas near the border Colombia and elsewhere. There is a state of emergency in Peru.
  • Qatar: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Qatar because of the conflict in the Middle East.
  • Rwanda: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a section of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
  • Tanzania: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a section of the Tanzanian border with Mozambique, due to attacks by groups linked with Islamic extremism.
  • Thailand: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south near the Thailand-Malaysia border and all but essential travel to within 20km of the land border with Cambodia.
  • United Arab Emirates: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, which includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi, because of the conflict in the Middle East.

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I visited two countries in two days for just £99

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Aleksander Sikora's trip to Monaco, featuring boats in the harbor with buildings on hills in the background, Image 2 shows Aleksander Sikora and his daughter Wiktoria on a beach day in Lanzarote, Image 3 shows The Monaco Cathedral, a large white stone building, with multiple arched doorways and windows, and palm trees framing it, against a clear blue sky

A MAN has revealed how he managed to visit two countries in two days for under £100 – and was back in time for work the next morning.

Aleksander Sikora, 41, wanted to visit both Nice and Monaco on his two days off.

Aleksander Sikora managed to visit two countries in one trip for under £100Credit: SWNS
He spent his first day exploring Monaco before going to NiceCredit: SWNS
He made sure to visit the free attractions to keep costs downCredit: SWNS

The dad-of-two, who lives in Farnham, Surrey, bought easyJet return flights from Gatwick to Nice for just £48 which departed on Friday, March 13, and returned the next day.

His pre-trip costs included £13 parking, and be paid £19 for a hostel in Nice before departing as well.

After arriving in Nice, he went straight to Monaco by train (£6) to explore the sights of the famous ‘microstate’ – known for its beautiful buildings and wealth.

He visited the area around Monte Carlo’s casino and saw the Promenade des Champions – golden footprints of award-winning footballers.

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Aleksander said: “I went to The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, which was free to enter, and I went to the Prince‘s Palace of Monaco on the hill.”

Aleksander fuelled up throughout the day on a packed lunch be brought with him, although did splash out on some pizza from a local market stall.

He got a train back to Nice – squeezing in a visit to the Notre-Dame de Nice in the dark – where he slept and then had breakfast at the hostel the following morning.

The £19-a-night cost amazingly even included a breakfast of croissants, baguettes and coffee for the bargain price.

Aleksander said: “I am from Poland and somehow one of the other men in the hostel was too.

“Another of the men from the hostel suggested to go to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral so the next day that was what I did.”

Entry was free there too, so he explored after stocking up with more snacks and drinks from a local supermarket.

He walked up to the Colline du Chateau, which offers panoramic views of Nice, and took in the sights.

Aleksander then visited a museum to get some more history of Nice, before a gentle walk back to the airport.

He said: “That was another six miles or so, but I just looked around the streets, chilled out and relaxed.

“I put my headphones in, and just thought about nothing, enjoying my break from work.”

After spending his second day exploring Nice, he got back to the airport to catch his 9pm flight back to Gatwick – and was in bed by 11:30pm, ready for work the next day.

He said it was the best way to see as place – as long as you don’t mind a lot of walkingCredit: SWNS
His hostel even included breakfastCredit: SWNS

Aleksander, a retail employee trainer, said: “I saw a lot of historical things, if you like that kind of history it’s great.

“I studied history for three years, it’s a passion of mine and there is lots to discover.

“I walked around 30 miles in two days, but I don’t mind. I just relaxed and enjoyed it.”

And the entire trip cost around £100 thanks to Aleksander’s savvy travelling methods and bringing his own food.

He added: “The main beauty of the trip was the architecture, all the different cultures.

“You can’t compare them but every place is unique, and you can find beauty everywhere.

Full cost of Aleksander’s trip

  • Return flight ticket – £48
  • Car park Gatwick – £13
  • Night in Nice with breakfast – £19
  • Train from Nice to Monaco – £6
  • Train from Monaco to Nice – £5
  • Half a pizza in Monaco – £3.50
  • Croissant & Coffee in Nice – £3
  • Supermarket water and snacks – £2

= £99.50

He was back in time for work the next dayCredit: SWNS

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Foreign Office issues new travel warnings for 31 countries amid Middle East war

The FCDO has issued numerous warnings and advice for British citizens planning to travel to, or already in, affected countries. The latest was issued earlier this afternoon and covers 31 countries

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued new travel advice for 31 countries amid the war in the Middle East.

Israeli and US strikes on Iran over the past three weeks triggered a response that has grounded thousands of flights, killed more than 2,000 people and caused flight paths and ship routes to be shut down.

The FCDO has issued numerous warnings and advice for British citizens planning to travel to, or already in, affected countries. The latest was issued earlier this afternoon and covers 31 countries.

“Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East,” the advice reads.

READ MORE: Trump’s £150bn war bill as Iran gamble sends petrol prices soaring with taxpayers fumingREAD MORE: Keir Starmer holds emergency Cobra as he condemns Iranian strikes on energy plants

The FCDO advises that before travelling, UK passport holders:

  • check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
  • check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling
  • review your travel insurance policy for coverage before you travel
  • monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Countries with updated advice

  1. Singapore
  2. Vietnam
  3. Phillipinnes
  4. Tuvalu
  5. Laos
  6. Thailand
  7. Uzbekistan
  8. New Zealand
  9. Bangladesh
  10. Australia
  11. Indonesia
  12. Brunei
  13. Japan
  14. Georgia
  15. Tajikistan
  16. Nepal
  17. Maldives
  18. Fiji
  19. Malaysia
  20. India
  21. Papa New Guinea
  22. Cambodia
  23. South Korea
  24. Samoa
  25. Solomon
  26. Tonga
  27. Nauru
  28. Vanutu
  29. Marshall Islands
  30. Kiribati
  31. Sri Lanka

More than 1,300 people in Iran have been killed during the war. Israeli strikes against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon have displaced more than 1 million people — roughly 20% of the population — according to the Lebanese government, which says more than 1,000 people have been killed. Israel says it has killed more than 500 Hezbollah militants.

In Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian missile fire. Four people were also killed in the occupied West Bank overnight by an Iranian missile strike, according to officials. At least 13 U.S. military members have been killed.

Iran announced the execution of three men detained in January’s nationwide protests, the first such sentences known to have been carried out, the judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported.

Today, three weeks since the war began, Iran intensified its attacks on oil and natural gas facilities around the Gulf.

The strikes, in retaliation for an Israeli attack on a key Iranian gas field, sent fuel prices soaring and risked drawing Iran’s Arab neighbors directly into the conflict. Tehran’s targeting of energy production further stressed global supplies already under pressure because of Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28, Iran’s top leaders have been killed in airstrikes and the country’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. Still, Iran — now led by the son of the supreme leader killed in the war’s opening salvo — remains capable of missile and drone attacks rattling its Gulf Arab neighbors and a global economy dependent on the energy they produce.

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U.S. to demand bonds of up to $15,000 for visa applications from 12 more countries

The State Department says it is adding 12 countries to an expanding list of nations whose citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for U.S. visas.

Effective April 2, passport holders from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles and Tunisia will be required to pay the bond, which is refunded if the visa application is denied or, if granted, the person adheres to the terms of the visa.

That’s according to a notice posted to the State Department website on Wednesday.

After April 2, there will be 50 countries whose citizens are subject to the requirement, which was rolled out by the Trump administration last year as it cracked down on visa overstays and more broadly moved to curtail illegal migration.

Under the program, visa applicants from designated countries, many of which are in Africa, that have high overstay rates, have to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 depending on their circumstances and the discretion of the consular officer processing the application.

“The visa bond program has already proven effective at drastically reducing the number of visa recipients who overstay their visas and illegally remain in the United States,” the department said, adding that almost 97% of the nearly 1,000 people to have posted the bond had not overstayed their visa.

The full list of countries is here.

Lee writes for the Associated Press.

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