Foreign Office

UK holidaymakers travelling to popular destinations like Spain and Greece could be turned away at airports

British holidaymakers jetting off to Spain, Greece and many other countries must follow a post-Brexit rule – or be refused boarding at the airport. While the prospect of an overseas getaway is thrilling, it’s important for travellers to be aware of all requirements before setting off.

This has become especially vital following Brexit, which has introduced new regulations in recent years. Prior to Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU), UK passport holders could visit the Schengen Area without requiring passport stamps and weren’t subject to any time limits on their stays.

However, British visitors are now limited to a maximum of 90 days during any 180-day period. To assist with this, an application called Schengen Simple has been developed.

George Cremer, founder of Schengen Simple, said: “We built a travel app that handles the 90/180 calculation for exactly this reason. The tricky part most people miss is that it’s a rolling 180-day window, not a fixed calendar period.

“So someone who did a long summer trip to Spain might unknowingly be restricted on a winter break months later. The European Commission has its own calculator, but it only looks backwards.

“It tells you how many days you’ve used, not how many you have left for a future trip. That’s the gap we fill. Users enter past and upcoming travel and can see exactly how long they can stay without risking an overstay.”

The Foreign Office’s guidance for all Schengen nations warns: “If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.”

The Schengen area consists of: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel advice for a number of countries across Europe

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance for 29 countries, including numerous destinations that are popular with British holidaymakers.

On Wednesday, February 18, the FCDO updated its advice for travel to 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 changes concern the European Union’s (EU) rollout of its new Entry/Exit System (EES).

Updated FCDO guidance states: “EES checks are being introduced in a phased way across external borders, with full operation expected from April 10, 2026. 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. 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.”

Travellers are urged to follow the advice of staff at their point of entry. The FCDO alert continues: “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 might add a few extra minutes to each passenger’s journey, so brace yourself for longer waits than usual at the border. Until EES is fully implemented, your passport will continue to be stamped, even if you’ve already registered for EES.

“Once EES is fully operational, it will supersede the current practice of manually stamping passports upon arrival in the Schengen area for short stays, and you’ll input biometric details every time you enter or exit. If you enter the Schengen area via the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International and you’re asked to register for EES, the information will be collected at the border before you depart the UK.”

A traveller’s digital EES record remains valid for three years. If you re-enter the Schengen zone within this timeframe, you’ll only need to provide a fingerprint or photo at the border, both upon entry and exit.

The Foreign Office has announced a major travel warning to a popular Caribbean island for Brits, as flights are disrupted and cancelled amid an ongoing fuel crisis

All UK travellers have been banned from visiting a popular Caribbean island, as the Foreign Office issues a crucial advisory.

The Foreign Office has advised against “all but essential travel to Cuba” due to widespread power cuts and fuel shortages affecting the island. As a result, flights have been severely disrupted, with multiple cancellations, while Cuba struggles to provide reliable transport.

With its tropical heat and sand beaches, Cuba has often been a desirable destination for Brits looking for a sun-soaked getaway, particularly during the winter months. Yet, due to its ongoing fuel crisis, travellers cannot access the island, essentially banning all travel from the UK.

READ MORE: UK passport holders could be banned from Spain for three yearsREAD MORE: 2 key passport checks Brits must do before February half-term holidays

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 11 February, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “Cuba is experiencing severe and worsening disruption to essential infrastructure, persistent nationwide power outages and fuel shortages. These conditions significantly affect the ability of visitors to access reliable transport, medical care, communications, and basic services.

“Authorities have introduced fuel rationing, scaled back public services, and made temporary changes to healthcare, education, transport and tourism operations in order to conserve severely limited energy supplies.

“Flight schedules are also being disrupted due to aviation fuel shortages, with some airlines reviewing routes or temporarily cancelling services, which risk visitors being unable to leave the country.”

For anyone currently in Cuba, the FCDO said to “carefully consider if your presence is essential”. They advised taking precautions, “by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charge, and be prepared for significant disruption”, while also contacting your airline and tour operator.

On Monday, Air Canada confirmed that all flights to Cuba were suspended as it sought to evacuate around 3,000 holidaymakers from the island. Meanwhile, further Canadian airlines, Air Transat and Westjet, also confirmed their flights to Cuba were being suspended.

Although no direct flights operate between the UK and Cuba, the ruling will impact a number of specialist tour operators that offer the destination through airlines that route via third countries, including the UK travel company Trailfinders. Other operators impacted include Simply Cuba, Love Cuba, Cox & Kings, Exodus and Intrepid Travel.

The enormous impact on travel follows the confiscation of Venezuelan oil tankers by the President Donald Trump administration team. Cuba relies heavily on Venezuela for much of its fuel and has been in short supply since December, when it was blocked by the US.

According to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM), aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the airports in Cuba until at least March 11, 2026. The Caribbean island has also faced power cuts as it struggles with a lack of fuel and electricity.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Tourists are being encouraged to visit war-torn Afghanistan with a new guide being published this month

A new travel guide is being published for first time in 20 years persuading tourists to visit … Afghanistan.

The war-torn country is not on on most travellers’ current bucket lists and the Foreign Office tells tourists they must not visit. Once a key stop on the hippie trail, Afghanistan disappeared from travel itineraries in recent years. But the mainstream publisher Bradt feels the time is now right for the country to re-emerge onto the map.

Author James Willcox said: “Nearly all of Afghanistan can currently be visited and, with the right preparation, an inspiring range of trips is possible.

“We’ve tried to bring together an invaluable resource which gives readers a good grounding in Afghanistan’s history and culture, along with the practical information they need to get there, get around and enjoy this much misunderstood country.”

READ MORE: Quiz fashion retailer collapses into administration with website pulled and orders cancelledREAD MORE: ‘Banned’ food and drink at Vue, Odeon and Cineworld cinemas

In recent decades Afghanistan has been more well-known for war, the Taliban and as the hideout for 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. And there’s even more reasons not to visit: Temperatures can reach a staggering 50C in summer and -25C in the winter.

Beer is strictly banned in Afghanistan but can be obtained on the black market in Kabul. The £24.99 guide is being released on February 20. Written by Willcox and colleague Dana Facaros, the guide covers locations such as the legendary Khyber Pass and activities from mountain trekking with nomads to the goat-related sport of buzkashi.

It says it is “aimed at the curious and the adventurous” , and covers locations such as the riverside spire of the Minaret of Jam, a 12th-century structure 14 hours from the nearest paved road, and the Niches of Bamiyan, where the Buddha statues once stood, before their destruction by the Taliban.

A spokesman for Bradt went on: ”Afghanistan is a paradox: a nation so well-known internationally, yet one so infrequently explored that it has been effectively untouched by tourism since being a key stop on the hippie trail four decades ago.

“The Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, China and the ex-USSR ‘stans collide in Afghanistan. It is both the graveyard of empires and one of the world ’s most hospitable countries.

“From the searing deserts of the south to the high peaks of the Hindu Kush, any trip here is challenging – but one that is now eminently possible with the right preparation.

“Even the most well-travelled visitor will find their soul stirred and their blood pumping from spending time in Afghanistan. With the new Bradt Afghanistan Guidebook to inform and inspire you, the off-beat holiday of a lifetime beckons.”

But the Foreign Office advice for tourists is pretty clear: “You should not travel to Afghanistan.” It goes on: “The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions.

“Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open.

“There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment.”

The FCDO has issued a new travel alert for Brits before the ban starts on February 7

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released fresh guidance for Brits planning trips to a much-loved holiday hotspot this week. In Wednesday’s update, the FCDO has warned UK travellers about nationwide restrictions in Thailand.

A firm favourite with sun-seekers and backpackers alike, the Southeast Asian nation is preparing for its General Election later this week. While tourists might not anticipate any disruption, those fancying an alcoholic beverage could be in for a shock.

The FCDO stated: “Thailand will hold a General Election on 8 February 2026. A nationwide ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol will be in place from 6pm on 7 February until 6pm on 8 February.

“During this period public consumption of alcohol is prohibited, including at social gatherings. The restrictions apply to convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, both public and private. If you do not comply with these restrictions, you could face fines of up to 10,000 baht (around £230) and up to six months’ imprisonment.”

Regions to steer clear of

The FCDO is also recommending against all but essential travel to several parts of Thailand, particularly border regions. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas in the south near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province, and the districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province.

The FCDO has issued guidance recommending against all but essential journeys on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar railway route which passes through these regions. This warning stems from frequent attacks occurring in provinces along the Malaysian frontier. Additionally, travellers should avoid venturing within 20km of Thailand’s land border with Cambodia.

According to the FCDO: “In July 2025, Thailand and Cambodia fought along parts of the border. The fighting included the use of rocket and artillery fire. Tensions remain and fighting erupted again at various points along the border in early December. Land borders and crossings between Thailand and Cambodia continue to be suspended.

“Some tourist destinations in border areas such as the Khao Phra Wihan/Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and the Ta Muen Thom/Tamone Thom temple are closed. There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. We advise against all travel to the affected land border areas.”

The FCDO has also issued a stark reminder to British tourists about attempting to take cannabis outside Thailand’s borders, stating: “British nationals have been caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand. There have been arrests of British nationals caught transiting through airports in other countries. Many international airports have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, which may be used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.”

The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning to British tourists as Spain and Portugal face a red weather alert for extreme conditions this half term

The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to British holidaymakers heading to two of the nation’s most beloved destinations. A red alert has been declared by state meteorological agencies for Spain and Portugal, with hazardous weather conditions forecast for the coming weeks as thousands of Brits prepare to travel during half term.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red warning for severe rainstorms across Malaga Province on Wednesday, 4 February, with predictions suggesting rainfall accumulations could exceed 150 litres per square metre within 12 hours and surpass 200 litres per square metre over 24 hours in inland regions.

Schools throughout Andalucia will remain shut on Wednesday as a precautionary measure against the extreme weather. The red alert, indicating “extraordinary danger”, will remain active in the Ronda region from midnight onwards for the entire day.

AEMET has warned that storm conditions are anticipated to persist until mid-February. The Foreign Office stated: “Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong coastal winds are expected across the country until Sunday 8 February, with an increased risk of flash flooding, landslides and travel disruption. Follow advice of local authorities and monitor weather updates on the European Meteorological Services website. “

In its guidance to travellers, the Foreign Office stated: “Once the event has happened, you should be aware of possible risks relating to damaged buildings or other infrastructure. Be aware that events in places away from where you are can still cause disruption, such as through loss of power, communications or transport services.”

“It may take time for airports to re-open and there may be serious shortages of accommodation, food, water and health facilities. It may be harder for you to receive help from humanitarian workers if it is difficult to access the area due to transport infrastructure damage or flooding.

“The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) ability to help British nationals may be limited (perhaps severely) in these circumstances. We cannot ensure your safety and security in another country. The relevant authorities in the country or territory you are in are responsible for your safety and security.”

Storm Leonardo, the sixth significant low-pressure system to strike in 2026, is set to batter Andalusia once more, with Malaga squarely in its sights. In its most recent bulletin, AEMET has escalated the rainfall alert to red for the province.

According to weather experts at Meteored, “By the end of the coming early morning, very intense rain will begin in the west and far south of Andalucia. It will continue throughout the morning, spreading to the rest of the southern community. In the afternoon, the most intense precipitation will occur in the eastern area, from the Strait to Almeria, with a strong westerly maritime storm.”

In Malaga, the Costa del Sol, the Guadalhorce region, and Axarquia, Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET has issued an orange warning for rainfall accumulations of between 90 and 100 litres in 12 hours. The agency warned: “Accumulations exceeding 150 litres in 24 hours may be reached in the western half of the zone. In the rest, accumulations of 40 litres in 12 hours are expected,”.

AEMET has also issued its highest level of alert, a Red Advisory, for heavy rain in Cádiz and parts of Málaga province for Wednesday, February 4. The advisory warns of 150mm of rain in 12 hours and 200mm in 24 hours in some inland areas.

Due to the severe weather threat, all schools in Andalusia will be closed on Wednesday. Additionally, a series of yellow alerts and amber warnings have been activated, as the regions brace for a battering.

The alerts arrive as Portugal and Spain prepare themselves for additional downpours with Storm Leonardo set to hit this week, meteorologists have confirmed. Following several weeks of damp and occasionally blustery conditions, Storm Leonardo is forecast to deliver further precipitation to the Iberian Peninsula, with particularly severe rainfall anticipated throughout Andalusia, weather experts have warned.