foreign

Abbas Araghchi will speak with ‘senior officials’ in Moscow, Iran’s Foreign Ministry says.

Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, has left Islamabad for Moscow, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, as mediators hope to keep the prospect of more Tehran-Washington talks alive.

Araghchi sandwiched a trip to Muscat, Oman, in between visits to the Pakistani capital, leaving on Sunday to be in Moscow the following day. But there was no indication that direct talks between Iran and the United States would resume.

However, in a sign that indirect efforts were ongoing, the Fars news agency reported that Iran had transmitted “written messages” to the Americans via mediator Pakistan, which were “about some of the red lines of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz”.

But the messages were not part of any negotiations, Fars said.

US President Donald Trump last week indefinitely extended the ceasefire that Washington and Tehran agreed to on April 7, which has largely halted the fighting that began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

But a permanent settlement remains elusive, and the economic shockwaves of the war continue to reverberate around the globe.

Iran has effectively blocked the vital Strait of Hormuz, cutting off vast quantities of oil, natural gas and fertiliser from the global market, and sending prices soaring. The US has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports in response.

There had been hopes for a new round of talks on Saturday, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner due to visit Islamabad, but Trump later told Fox News he had scrapped the trip, saying there was no point “sitting around talking about nothing”.

On Sunday, Trump told the same channel: “I said, we’re not doing this any more. We have all the cards. If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines”.

Asked earlier whether cancelling the trip meant a return to open hostilities, Trump said: “No, it doesn’t mean that.”

Shuttle diplomacy

On Saturday, Araghchi met Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir, a key mediator, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, before flying on to Muscat. He returned to Islamabad on Sunday.

In Russia, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said he would speak with “senior officials”.

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Araghchi would visit Moscow, but did not say if he would meet President Vladimir Putin.

Amid the flurry of meetings, Araghchi signalled scepticism over Washington’s intentions, saying he had “yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy”.

Terrorists have attacked at various locations and soldiers are ‘currently engaged in eliminating the attackers’

The Foreign Office this afternoon said people should not travel to Mali after a sderies of attacks today. Officials co-ordinated attacks have struck the country.

Gunmen attacked several locations in Mali’s capital and other cities early on Saturday in a possible co-ordinated assault, residents and authorities said. Mali’s army said in a statement “unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital”. It added that soldiers were “currently engaged in eliminating the attackers”.

The Foreign Office told British citizens today: “A series of coordinated attacks occurred in multiple locations including Kidal, Gao, Kati, Sevare and in the vicinity of Bamako International Airport on 25th April, which has temporarily closed.

“If you are in Mali, you should stay indoors where possible, avoid crowded places and areas of military or police activity, and follow guidance issued by local authorities. We continue to advise against all travel to Mali.”

Previously the Foreign Office told people to only leave via the airport as overland routes are ‘too dangerous.’ It added: “This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.

“Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako. These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time.

“There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.

Mali has been plagued by insurgencies fought by affiliates of al Qaida and the so-called Islamic State group, as well as a separatist rebellion in the north.

An Associated Press journalist in the capital Bamako heard sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle gunfire coming from Modibo Keita International Airport, around 15km (nine miles) from the city centre, and saw a helicopter over nearby neighbourhoods.

The airport is adjacent to an air base used by Mali’s air force. A resident living near the airport also reported gunfire and three helicopters patrolling overhead.

Residents in other cities in Mali reported gunfire and blasts on Saturday morning, suggesting a possible co-ordinated attack by armed groups.

Gunmen entered the northeastern city of Kidal, taking control of some neighbourhoods and leading to gunfire exchanges with the army, a former mayor of Kidal told AP over the phone.

The Azawad separatist movement has been fighting for years to create the state of Azawad in northern Mali. They once drove security forces from the region, before a 2015 peace deal that has since collapsed paved the way for some ex-rebels to be integrated into the Malian military.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesman for the Azawad Liberation Front, said on Facebook its forces had taken control of several areas of Kidal and Gao, another northeastern city. The AP could not independently verify his claim.

A resident of Gao said gunfire and explosions started in the early hours of Saturday and could still be heard in the late morning.

“The force of the explosions is making the doors and windows of my house shake. I’m scared out of my wits,” the resident told AP by phone. He spoke on condition of anonymity. The resident said the gunfire came from the army camp and the airport, which are next to each other.

A resident of Kati, a town near Bamako that is home to Mali’s main military base, also said he was woken up early in the morning by the sounds of gunfire and explosions.

General Assimi Goita, the leader of Mali’s military junta, lives in Kati.

In 2024, an al Qaida-linked group claimed an attack on Bamako’s airport and a military training camp in the capital, killing scores of people.

Mali, alongside neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, has long been battling armed groups affiliated with al Qaida and the Islamic State group, a fight that has escalated over the past decade.

Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have turned from Western allies to Russia for help combating Islamic militants.

But the security situation in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso has worsened in recent times, analysts say, with a record number of attacks by militants. Government forces have also been accused of killing civilians they suspect of collaborating with militants.

As uncertainty in international travel continues amid the conflict in the Middle East, travel firms have reported increased bookings to three UK destinations

With mounting worries about flight cancellations and soaring prices among UK travellers due to the Iran conflict, new data indicates that staycations are becoming increasingly popular. Travel experts have cautioned that, should disruption to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz persist, Europe could see jet fuel reserves dwindling within a matter of weeks, heightening the threat of flight disruptions.

Several airlines are already cutting back on flights and starting to impose fuel surcharges, prompting many to question whether their travel arrangements in the coming months will proceed – and which destinations might be hardest hit.

Asia is especially vulnerable to the fuel shortages, given its greater dependence on Gulf imports. Yet European nations including Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark are also said to be tapping into reserves, according to Bryan Terry, managing director at Alton Aviation Consultancy, speaking to The Times.

Earlier this week, Germany’s largest carrier Lufthansa revealed it had scrapped 20,000 flights between May and October in a bid to conserve fuel.

Amid the ongoing uncertainty, travel firms have noted a spike in bookings for three sought-after UK staycation destinations; the Lake District, Northumberland, and Pembrokeshire.

The Lake District welcomes roughly 18 million visitors annually. While many are attracted by its stunning landscapes, peaceful surroundings and walking trails, others head there for particular attractions or to enjoy outdoor pursuits. Guests typically choose from a variety of accommodation options, encompassing both self-catering and serviced properties.

Northumberland similarly lures tourists with its blend of scenic beauty, historical heritage and adventure activities. Key draws include beaches like Bamburgh, alongside iconic sites such as Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and Hadrian’s Wall. Popular outdoor activities encompass hiking, watersports, cycling and wildlife watching.

Wales’ Pembrokeshire stands out as one of Britain’s premier coastal destinations, providing a distinct alternative to more conventional holiday spots.

Attractions feature the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, striking clifftops, secluded bays and expansive sandy shores, with places like Barafundle Bay and Whitesands frequently listed among the nation’s finest.

Airbnb’s Lisa Marcais told The i Newspaper: “As we enter the spring and summer season, we’re already seeing a clear uptick in demand for UK getaways,” s Searches have reportedly risen by over 15 per cent for May bank holiday breaks versus last year.

“Lesser-known destinations are particularly popular, with Brits swapping traditional hotspots for rural escapes in Northumberland, Pembrokeshire and the Derbyshire Dales.”

James Shaw from Sykes Holiday Cottages has also noted an increase in staycations over the Easter period and anticipates this trend will carry on throughout the summer months.

“The rise in last-minute bookings is particularly interesting,” he said. “With this level of demand continuing into spring, we’re expecting a strong summer ahead.”

He went on to say that holidaymakers are displaying growing enthusiasm for locations such as Whitby in North Yorkshire, Lyme Regis in Dorset, and Lake District favourites including Windermere and Keswick.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire-based luxury holiday cottage firm Holiday at Home has similarly recorded a 17 per cent surge in reservations.

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.

READ MORE: Foreign Office 135 countries ‘high risk’ list as vaccination supplies for lethal virus low in UKREAD MORE: UK holidaymaker hotspot hit with 180 infections as authorities ban restaurant food type

“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.

Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Brits

Now that warmer weather is finally arriving, many of us are casting our eyes towards the summer months and planning holidays. Spain remains the most sought-after destination for British travellers, with millions descending on the European nation each year, eager to soak up the sunshine, lounge on its beaches and sample the local food.

When heading abroad, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with any local laws or regulations you’ll need to abide by during your stay. And if Spain is on your radar this year, there’s one balcony rule you might not be aware of.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) routinely issues travel guidance for Brits venturing to more than 220 countries and territories across the globe. Within its extensive advice for Spain, the FCDO makes specific mention of balconies.

While balconies are great for offering a view and giving guests a spot to unwind in the open air, holidaymakers are expected to conduct themselves appropriately. FCDO guidance for Spain reads: “Hotels and other establishments will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine.”

Those heading to Spain are also reminded that they must produce ID if requested by a police officer. The FCDO adds: “This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces.

“The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.”

IT’S fair to say that there is a sense of nervousness when it comes to a holiday abroad this year.

What with warnings of summer holiday cancellations and airlines cancelling thousands of flights – it’s no wonder Brits are booking more staycations than ever.

But there is still a way to have a foreign holiday without hopping on a flight, thanks to a number of cruises, ferries, trains and car tunnels going from the UK.

Brittany Ferries, who operate a number of sailings across the UK, said that maritime fuels are not being affected, and prices won’t be going up either.

Brittany Ferries boss Christophe Mathieu said: “If you have booked with us, or are considering doing so, we will get you to a beautiful and safe holiday destination this year. Period.

“We will play no part in profiteering or seeking to recover losses from a gamble gone wrong, as some appear to be doing.

HOLI-YAY

I’ve booked hundreds of holidays to the Spanish islands – here are the very best

HOL-D OFF

Brits warned summer holidays ARE at risk of being cancelled as jet fuel runs low

“The cost of our holidays rose by inflation earlier this year, and by inflation alone. There will be no further rises in the weeks or months ahead.”

So we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up some of the best places to go from the UK where you can avoid the having to go to the airport entirely.

Seven nights around Spain and Portugal by cruise

You don’t have to hop on a plane to explore Spain and Lisbon.

Royal Caribbean have week-long sailings from Southampton which stop at Bilbao, Lisbon and Vigo, before returning to Southampton.

Prices start from £743pp.

Eurostar train to Lille and Paris

Why not have a two city break with Eurostar, stopping at both of their French cities.

The closest city to the UK by train is Lille, taking less than two hours to get to.

You could then hope on a train the next day to explore Paris, just one stop over.

Prices from £39pp.

Eurostar train to Amsterdam and Rotterdam

In a similar vein of Paris and Lille, Eurostar also have direct trains to Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

They take slightly longer – Rotterdam is around 3hr15 while Amsterdam is just over four hours – but can easily make for a long weekend break.

Prices from £39pp.

Eurotunnel to French seaside towns

The Eurotunnel in Folkestone opens up all of Europe as long as you’re happy to travel by car.

Entering via Calais, why not explore some of France‘s best seaside towns such as Boulogne-sur-Mer and picturesque Wimereux?

Prices from £59pp.

35 days around Caribbean by cruise

If you have the time, you could explore the Caribbean for a month without having to get on a flight.

P&O will take you to St Kitts, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, while sailing from Southampton – it even includes all your food and tips.

Prices from £2,999pp.

Seven nights around Norwegian Fjords by cruise

Also sailing from Southampton, the Celebrity Cruises trip lets you go around some of the beautiful fjords.

Stops include Haugesund, Ålesund, Nordfjordeid and Zeebrugge.

Prices start from £1,156pp – book here.

Eurostar train to Brussels

You can even get to the the city of Brussels in Belgium by train as well, thanks to direct Eurostar routes.

It makes for a great summer holiday destination – or you can book in your Christmas Market trip now.

Prices from £39pp.

17 nights around Italian Riviera

Sail from Southampton with Fred Olsen and you could explore the Riviera in Italy, with stops in Portofino and La Spezia.

It even includes a stop in Monterosso for the annual Lemon Festival.

From £4,199pp – book here.

Spain’s foreign minister has warned the EU risks losing credibility if it fails to apply the same principles to Israel’s “perpetual war” in the Middle East as it does to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He urged a unified stance, citing human rights clauses in the EU–Israel agreement and criticising ongoing violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.

Following a major change made by Greece, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated the country’s travel advice for British holidaymakers

The Foreign Office has issued an update on travel to Greece for Brits, and it’s good news.

Since the European Union’s (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) was fully rolled out earlier this month, there have been major travel disruptions. Holidaymakers have reported substantial queues and delays at airports across Europe, with some lasting up to four hours, while hundreds have missed flights as they try to pass through the new digital border system.

In a bid to ease travel chaos, Greece has chosen to waive the EU requirement for Brits to submit fingerprints and facial scans at airport border controls. In a statement from the Greek Embassy, they announced: “Update for British passport holders travelling to Greece.

READ MORE: Ryanair issues warning to customers – and it’s not down to fuel crisisREAD MORE: Major EU travel rule change from Wednesday could see UK travellers denied entry

“In the framework of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” There was no suggestion of how long the exemption would remain in place, but soon after, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel guidance for Greece.

In an update on Monday, 20 April, the FCDO stated: “Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travellers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground. If you are a resident in Greece, make sure to show your residence documentation at passport control to ensure you are not registered in EES.”

Greece opted to ditch the new biometric security measures amid concerns about the significant travel chaos they were causing at airports, severely impacting holidaymakers. The relaxed EU rules from Greece are now hoped to improve travel for Brits into the country, allowing for a smoother journey without gruelling wait times and unnecessary delays.

Noting the impact of the EES, Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at ABTA, said: “While for many the travel experience remains smooth, we’re disappointed and frustrated to see some passengers being caught up in delays due to EES.

“Abta has been warning destinations and the (European) Commission for some time about the need for proactive steps to be taken to avoid delays, including the full use of contingency measures to stand down biometric checks at busier times, and adequate staffing, especially at peak times.”

The EES was fully implemented across European airports on April 10, 2026, and requires all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to “create a digital record” and register their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photograph. It’s needed for their first arrival at the airport border in the Schengen area, and after the initial registration, the EES remains valid for three years.

Countries in the Schengen area include: 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.

However, as it stands, Greece is the only country to relax the EU requirements for Brits. The EES system is not required for travel into the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, as they are not within the Schengen area.

For more information on the new EES system, visit the government website.

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

April 17 (UPI) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired the most senior civil servant in the Foreign Office for failing to disclose that former ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson failed his security check.

Starmer called the official, Olly Robbins, on Thursday and informed him that he had lost confidence in him, as did Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Starmer said Friday that he was “absolutely furious.”

“I was not told that he failed security vetting,” Starmer said Friday in Paris. “No minister was told that he failed security vetting. Number 10 wasn’t told that he failed security vetting.”

Mandelson was named ambassador to the United States in December 2024 and assumed the role in February 2025.

He was fired in September after the U.S. House Oversight Committee released a batch of files from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein which included correspondence between Epstein and Mandelson.

The British government said Thursday that Starmer was unaware Mandelson had failed the security vetting process and the Foreign Office defied the recommendation of the Cabinet Office to allow him to assume the ambassador role.

Foreign Affairs select committee chairwoman Emily Thornberry has requested that Robbins speak before the committee on Tuesday about Mandelson. Robbins has been questioned by members of parliament about the Mandelson security clearance incident once before.

Thornberry said members of parliament have only been told “half the story.”

“Perhaps he can tell us — was it his own idea or was he being leant on elsewhere,” Thornberry said of Robbins not alerting of Mandelson’s vetting failure. “Or was he, being a civil servant, was he getting direction from elsewhere, and if so, by whom?”

On the first Sunday night of Coachella, headliner Karol G told her American fans, and her global audience, to keep fighting.

“This is for my Latinos that have been struggling in this country lately,” the Colombian superstar told the tens of thousands watching her in person, and many more on the fest’s livestream. She’d recently criticized ICE in a Playboy interview, but this set was about her fans’ resolve. “We want everyone to feel welcome to our culture, so I want everyone to feel proud of where you come from. Don’t feel fear — feel pride!” she said.

Any artist would be proud to play that caliber of headline slot. But right now, many foreign acts also feel fear — or at least wariness — about booking substantial tours in the United States. A year of brutal ICE raids, tensions at border crossings and policed political speech, coupled with sky-high prices for expedited visas, fuel and other touring logistics, could push international acts away from the U.S.

“The fears that ICE would raid shows didn’t really materialize, but there is a chilling effect,” said Andy Gensler, editor of the touring-biz trade bible Pollstar. “Trump’s only been back in office a year, so we haven’t fully seen the effects, but it does send a message that if you’re a political artist you won’t get a visa. With the economic shock of gas prices and tourism way down, the signifiers are out there.”

The music economy is still thriving in SoCal. Coachella sold out with record spending from fans, and fears that ICE might show up for a prominent Latin headliner proved unfounded. (The agency did not respond to a request for comment on Coachella, and Lt. Deirdre Vickers of the Riverside County Sheriff’s office said that their office “does not participate in immigration enforcement operations.”)

But in smaller venues featuring emerging and mid-tier global acts, some see trouble ahead.

Pollstar’s Gensler estimates that the total number of concerts in the U.S. they tracked for the first quarter of 2026 was down about 17% from last year. That could be due to many economic factors — but slower international touring could be contributing.

“The U.S. is still incredibly lucrative market, the arena and stadium level buildings are vast and you can make more money here than any market in the world,” Gensler said. “But I’ve heard anecdotally that fewer people are going to South by Southwest, and tourism from Canada is way down, and that includes music tourism to California. As barriers go up, and the economic shock of gas prices impacts touring, it’s hard to know how that will all shake out.”

Talent firms who specialize in bringing young acts to the U.S. began noticing pullback before this year’s festival season. Adam Lewis is the head of Planetary Group, a marketing agency that produces and promoting musician showcases in the U.S., with a significant roster of artists from abroad. He said that performers who ordinarily would leap at the chance to play U.S. festivals are taking hard looks at the payoffs and risks.

“Artists are thinking twice, based on what the government is doing right now,” Lewis said. “You can look at the economics — the fees are cost prohibitive to get a visa. People are scared, at the bottom line. Artists and industry people are afraid to come to the U.S. for any music event. The money is going elsewhere.”

South by Southwest, the March Texas confab for music, film and tech, was among the first festivals to feel a pinch this year. Several sources said they saw fewer foreign showcases and acts amid a broader culling of music. In 2025, Canada canceled its popular annual showcase, after deciding that hostile policies made the risks not worth the rewards. Many still pulled off successful events, but acknowledged the mood has shifted.

“The perception of how hard it’s gotten has taken root, and that has meant that not as many acts will take the chance on the threat of being turned away or risking future entry,” said Angela Dorgan, the director of Music From Ireland, the Irish Music Export office (which is funded by Culture Ireland). That organization has helped break acts like CMAT (a hit at Coachella this year) and Fontaines DC in the U.S.

“Artists want to continue to come here in spite of the trouble and not stay away because of it. There’s a unique pull to America for all Irish people, so we don’t want to see you hurting,” Dorgan said. ”Irish artists feel that their U.S. fans need music more than ever now and want to continue to connect with and support their fans.”

Takafumi Sugahara, the organizer of “Tokyo Calling X Inspired By Tokyo,” a Japanese showcase at South by Southwest, agreed: “Bringing artists to the United States has always been challenging when it comes to obtaining visas, but it feels like the process has become even more difficult than before — perhaps due to the current political climate under the current administration.”

Fans watch Karol G perform at the Coachella stage last weekend. “We want everyone to feel welcome to our culture, so I want everyone to feel proud of where you come from. Don’t feel fear — feel pride!” the Colombian superstar said.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

After high-profile incidents of tourist detainments and fear of reprisals for political speech, those worries and long-dreaded expenses may shift their priorities. “From my point of view, the impact of global conflicts or wars does not seem to be affecting artists’ decisions very strongly for now,” they said. “However, if the current situation were to worsen, it’s possible that we could begin to see that change.”

Coachella usually hits a few visa snafus every year (this year, the English electronic artist Tourist had to cancel. Last year, it was FKA Twigs). Yet the Grammy-winning Malian Algerian group Tinariwen had to cancel a major tour this year, after the Trump administration placed severe new travel restrictions on 19 countries, including Mali. Folk legend Cat Stevens scotched a book tour after visa problems. Outspoken acts like the U.K.’s Bob Vylan have been denied U.S. visas for criticizing Israel, and the Irish rap group Kneecap faced hurdles after their visa sponsor, Independent Artist Group, dropped them for similar reasons last year.

The Times spoke to one European band (who asked not to be named, for fear of reprisals from the U.S. government) who had a substantial tour of U.S. theaters booked last year, before their visas were denied just days before the tour was due to begin. They were forced to cancel those dates and reschedule for spring 2026, losing tens of thousands of dollars in up-front costs and non-refundable fees. (A performance visa routinely costs $6,000 with now-necessary expedited processing.)

“Our manager said, ‘This has never happened before, but even though you paid lot of money and the check cleared, you won’t have visas,’” the band said. They wondered if their pro-Palestinian advocacy might have played a role, but now believe it was due to changes in their application forms.

That small discrepancy “meant we lost tens of thousands of [dollars], which for a mid-tier band with a loyal cult following, was quite ruinous,” they said. “We had to put on fundraising shows to get to zero, then re-apply for visas, and paid four grand extra to expedite them. We took out a loan to pay it. We felt relentlessly fleeced,” they said. “We love the U.S., but now there is a reality in which we have to cut our losses and stop coming. A lot of bands are giving up on the U.S., for sure.”

“It’s a different feeling now where the U.S. government can do anything to us, and we just have to take it,” they added. “They’re moving the goalposts the whole time. It’s scary.”

That fate can befall even major acts, particularly those from Latin America.

Last year, superstar Mexican singer Julión Álvarez canceled his concert for a planned 50,000 fans in Arlington, Texas, when his touring visa was revoked. Grupo Firme faced a similar fate at the La Onda festival in Napa Valley. Los Alegres del Barranco saw their visas canceled after they projected an image of drug kingpin “El Mencho” during a concert.

“That was a moment where people realize how serious or scary it can get for promoters with this administration when comes to the visa situation, how quickly things can change and you can lose millions,” said Oscar Aréliz, a Latin music expert at Pollstar.

An act the caliber of Karol G might not face quite the same risks, though she told Playboy that “If you say the thing, maybe the next day you’ll get a call: ‘Hey, we are taking your visa away.’ You become bait, because some people want to show their power.”

If it can happen to a stadium-filler like Álvarez, it can happen to anyone. That might make some Latin acts prioritize other regions.

Bad Bunny demurred on touring the continental U.S. for fear of ICE raids at his shows, opting for a lengthy residence in his home territory of Puerto Rico instead.

Local Latin music hubs like Santa Fe Springs and Pico Rivera have suffered greatly under recent ICE raids and have seen fans retreat in fear. Las Vegas is a major touring destination for acts during Mexican independence celebrations in September, but now “it feels different,” Aréliz said. He expects the city — typically boisterous with Latin acts then — to lose a big chunk of music tourism from the north and south.

“Vegas’ top tourist countries are Canada and Mexico, so we’re going to see other countries benefit from this. If acts struggle to tour here because of the visa situation, they’re going to tour Mexico and Latin America instead,” he added.

Tours typically book a year in advance, so the full effects of the visa issues and ICE fears may not be felt until later in 2026 or 2027. The results of the midterm elections may change global perception of America’s safety. The country is still an incredibly valuable touring market for acts that can make it work.

But the world’s music community now looks at the U.S. like an old friend going through a rough patch: They’ll be happy to see us once we pull it together.

“Certainly over the last number of years in the U.S., we have been thinking of where we could find these new audiences for Irish music,” Dorgan said. “The unofficial theme of our at home showcase Ireland Music Week was, ‘America. We are not breaking up with you, but we are seeing other people.’”

PARIS — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said an 85-year-old French widow of an American military veteran who was in immigration custody in the United States returned home on Friday.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Marie-Thérèse Ross in Alabama on April 1 after she overstayed her 90-day visa, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“She returned to France this morning, this is a satisfaction for us,” Barrot told reporters during a visit to the southern city of Montpellier on Friday.

Barrot said he would not comment on the specific case, but said some of ICE methods are “not in line” with French standards and “not acceptable to us.” Barrot referred to “violence that raised our concerns,” without elaborating.

Ross was being held at a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana.

She was among the thousands of people targeted by the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda that has detained the spouses of U.S. soldiers and military veterans who previously received greater leniency under scrapped policies.

Ross married Alabama resident William Ross in April last year, Calhoun County marriage records show. Ross died in January, according to an obituary from his family, which says he was a former captain in the U.S. Army.

Iran says ‘passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz’ open during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.

The Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for all commercial vessels and will remain so during the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Iran’s foreign minister has said.

“In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X on Friday.

A 10-day ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Lebanon late on Thursday.

The passage of ⁠vessels through the ⁠strait will be on the coordinated route as ⁠already announced by ⁠Ports and ⁠Maritime Organisation of Iran, Araghchi added.

United States President Donald Trump confirmed in a social media post that the strait was “completely open and ready for business and full passage”.

More to come…

Calling for the PM to stand down earlier, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “It is either, he knew that Mandelson failed the security vetting and lied to us in Parliament, on TV repeatedly, or he didn’t know, didn’t ask and said he had passed the security vetting – which means he is hopelessly incompetent.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an update for a sun-soaked holiday hotspot and warned that there have ‘been fatal accidents’ in the area

The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for a hugely popular holiday destination that welcomes thousands of Brits every year.

On Wednesday, 15 April, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for the Maldives. They warned about swimming safety in the Indian Ocean, with the Maldives renowned as a hotspot for snorkelling, swimming and watersports due to its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

While the waters around the Maldives are appealing, the FCDO warned that they “can have strong tidal currents that can drag you away from the shoreline.” They noted that more than eight Brits have drowned in the area since 2021, and urged everyone to be aware of the risks and understand how to minimise them.

READ MORE: Strict new hand luggage rule comes into force today affecting at least 580,000 BritsREAD MORE: Another major airline warns flights could soon be grounded because of fuel crisis

READ MORE: Foreign Office alerts Brits after eight UK deaths at holiday hotspot

In an updated warning, they said: “You should read the security information provided by your tour operator and make yourself aware of local swimming conditions on arrival at the resort. Keep in regular contact with resort staff to see if these conditions change.

“Only swim in well supervised areas, areas designated as safe for tourists, or where lifeguards are available. Pay attention to warning signs or flags and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents, high waves or dangerous underwater conditions. If something does not feel right, get out of the water at the earliest opportunity.”

They further highlighted: “Being aware of the potential dangers will help you to stay safe. Always take local advice before going into the sea.

“There have been fatal accidents involving boat propellers in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) and nearby whale shark tourism sites. Regulations requiring propeller guards are not yet fully enforced. Take extra care when swimming or snorkelling near boats and follow local safety instructions.

“See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.”

The FCDO doesn’t advise against travel to the Maldives, but it has warned that “escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption”. This has resulted in airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, which could impact “connections to and from the Maldives.”

For anyone planning a trip to the Maldives, the Foreign Office advises the following before travelling:

• “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 to confirm what is covered
• Monitor local and international media and sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts”

In further travel advice for safety in the Maldives, the FCDO highlight that terrorist attacks “cannot be ruled out”. They state: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”

For more information on travel advice to the Maldives, visit the Foreign Office website.

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

Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong’s sudden dismissal comes amid a wave of removals amid anticorruption campaign.

Senior Chinese diplomat Sun Weidong has been dismissed from his post as vice minister of foreign affairs, in the latest case of a high-ranking official being removed from office by Beijing.

The Ministry of Human Resources announced the news in a brief post on its website on Tuesday, citing a decision of the State Council, the highest body of state power in China.

The post did not say why or when Sun had been dismissed, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website shows his last public engagements were meetings with the ambassadors of Brunei and Malaysia to China on March 13.

Two days earlier, Sun had met Pakistan’s ambassador to China to discuss bilateral cooperation, according to a post on diplomat Khalil Hashmi’s X account.

Dismissals of this kind in the Chinese government usually indicate high-level disciplinary action and are often followed by news of an investigation.

Sun’s dismissal notice included the removal of another official, An Lusheng, from his post as deputy director of the National Railway Administration.

Since coming to power in 2012, President Xi Jinping has carried out a wide-ranging anticorruption campaign targeting “tigers and flies”, meaning high- and low-ranking officials.

Last year, China investigated more than one million corruption cases and disciplined 938,000 people, according to its Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission.

The list of cases involving disciplinary action included 69 provincial or ministerial-level officials, 4,155 bureau-level officials, 35,000 county-level officials, and 125,000 township-level officials, according to the commission’s year-end report.

Senior Chinese military officials have also been caught up in Xi’s anticorruption campaign sweeps.

Leo, ​who last year became the first US-born pope, has emerged as an outspoken critic of the US-Israeli ⁠war on Iran.

United States President Donald Trump has unleashed a storm of criticism at Pope Leo XIV, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”.

Trump delivered the unusual criticism of the head of the Catholic Church in a Sunday night post on social media, saying he does not “want a Pope who criticises the President of the United States”.

Trump’s outburst appeared to be triggered by recent remarks from Pope Leo critical of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Last week, Leo issued a rare direct rebuke of Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilisation, calling it “truly unacceptable“. And then, on Sunday, the 70-year-old pontiff implored leaders to end ongoing bloodshed, condemning what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” fuelling war – comments that appeared directed at Trump.

The pope has also previously questioned the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies, saying, “I don’t know if that’s ⁠pro-life.”

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela.”

“Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician,” said the US president.

Trump also claimed credit for Leo’s leadership in the Catholic Church, suggesting the Vatican picked the first US-born pontiff – elected last year – to curry favour with the White House. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” Trump said.

Asked about the comments later on Sunday, Trump reiterated that he is “not a big fan” of Leo, who he said “is not doing a very good job”.

“He likes crime, I guess,” said Trump. “He’s a very liberal person.”

Trump also had a rocky relationship with Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who criticised Trump’s ‌immigration ‌policy proposals when he first ran for president and suggested Trump was “not a Christian“. Trump had called Francis “disgraceful” in early 2016.

Leo is set to begin an 11-day trip to Africa on Monday, starting with a historic visit to Muslim-majority Algeria.

The FCDO has all the latest travel warnings listed online, advising against all travel to multiple countries

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides regularly updated travel guidance for British nationals heading abroad. It’s vital to check the latest FCDO advice before your trip, as it could affect your holiday plans and travel insurance.

Choosing to travel against FCDO warnings can invalidate your travel insurance. You may also find that consular assistance is severely limited should you face an emergency. On its travel advice page, the government agency says: “No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”

To safeguard British nationals travelling overseas for work or pleasure, the FCDO provides up-to-date travel advice for every country worldwide. It’s essential to consult this guidance before every journey.

Should the FCDO consider a situation dangerous, it may advise against all travel or only non-essential travel to a particular country or specific regions within it. Alongside travel warnings, the FCDO provides useful information, including entry requirements, crime statistics, local laws and customs, and details regarding any forthcoming strikes or industrial action that could disrupt your holiday.

It’s important to be aware that if the FCDO issues a warning against all travel or all but essential travel to your chosen destination before your departure, your travel insurance is unlikely to provide cover. Consequently, any claims you make will in all probability be rejected.

Travel insurance is designed to safeguard you against unexpected and unforeseen risks. However, heading to a destination that the FCDO has declared dangerous carries a considerably greater risk than jetting off to a generally regarded safe country.

Should the FCDO issue a warning while you are already in an affected region, you will remain covered under the medical and personal accident sections of your travel insurance policy. However, this is provided you comply with the latest FCDO guidance for British nationals in that area.

While most travel insurance policies do not cover trips taken against official advice, there are a handful of exceptions. These particular policies were originally designed to protect individuals travelling to high-risk areas for professional reasons, such as journalists and aid workers. But, they are increasingly being taken up by leisure travellers keen to press ahead with their plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Political instability, natural disasters, and safety concerns are among the factors that can prompt an FCDO warning. The FCDO has issued numerous travel advisories, advising against “all travel” and “all but essential travel” to certain nations or regions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

Of the 226 countries featured on the FCDO’s travel advice page, certain destinations are currently marked as ‘do not travel’ zones owing to various concerns that ‘can not guarantee safety’, including security threats, health risks, and legal differences from Britain. Your travel insurance may be rendered invalid if you travel contrary to FCDO guidance concerning the following nations, as of April 2026.

Afghanistan

The FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan, saying: “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO.” The government agency says the security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions.

It adds: “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. FCDO’s ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan. For more details about the risks in Afghanistan, see Safety and security.”

Belarus

FCDO advises against all travel to Belarus. You face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime. There is also a low risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. Find out more about why FCDO advises against all travel.

Burkina Faso

FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso. This is due to the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnappings, and the unstable political situation in the country.

It explains: “There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso and all consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They cannot provide in-person assistance. If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.

“Do not rely on the British government to evacuate you as they may not be able to do so. Have your own plans on how you would leave the country, make sure you keep all travel documentation up to date and monitor the local situation.”

Haiti

The FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti owing to the unstable security situation. There are presently no British consular officials in Haiti and the capacity to provide consular assistance is severely restricted and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti. British nationals may receive consular services assistance at our diplomatic mission in the Dominican Republic.

The government agency says: “If you choose to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.”

Iran

FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. It says: “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.” British nationals should:

• read if you’re affected by a crisis abroad. This includes guidance on ‘how to prepare for a crisis’ with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and ‘what to do in a crisis’
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection

Mali

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Mali due to the unpredictable security conditions. The FCDO says if you’re in Mali, you should leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so.

It explains: “The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries, as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways. Terrorist group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has implemented blockades on key routes throughout Southern and Western Mali, including the capital city of Bamako.

“These blockades are targeting fuel trucks and are enforcing checkpoints for individuals attempting to pass through them. Attacks can occur at any time. There is a high threat of kidnapping and criminal activity across Mali, including in the capital, Bamako. If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government. If you are a British national already in Mali, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.”

Niger

FCDO advises against all travel to Niger. This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals, which have taken place this year in Niger.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger, including in the capital, Niamey. The political situation remains unstable following the July 2023 military coup. Further instability is possible.

Russia

FCDO advises against all travel to Russia due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine, including:

• security incidents, such as drone attacks, and Russian air defence activity
• lack of flights to return to the UK
• limited ability for the UK government to provide support

There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if the activities took place outside Russia.

Russia has a track record of targeting foreign nationals and holding them in detention as leverage over other countries. FCDO’s ability to assist you in these circumstances is extremely limited. There is also a high likelihood that terrorists will try to carry out attacks, including in major cities

South Sudan

The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to South Sudan owing to the threat of armed violence and criminal activity. The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high, and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.

If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice. Regional developments may also affect international transport. For example, in 2019 and 2023, events in Sudan caused South Sudan’s airspace to close temporarily. Consular assistance to British nationals is severely limited in South Sudan. In-person consular assistance is not available.

Syria

FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks. Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. British nationals should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection

Yemen

FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions. If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.

It says: “Support for British people is severely limited in Yemen. British Embassy services in Sana’a are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. The UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen. There are no evacuation procedures in place.

“FCDO cannot offer advice on the safety of travelling to any potential departure point. The UK government’s ability to help with onward travel is severely limited and you’ll be expected to cover the cost of visas, accommodation, insurance and onward travel yourself. If you choose to remain in Yemen, you should minimise movement around the country and within cities and towns, monitor developments in the local security situation and follow other precautions in this travel advice.”

If you’re a British national in Yemen and need help from the UK government, you can call FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).

Venezuela’s oil policy has not merely been a set of technical regulations, but rather a battleground where national sovereignty has been defined in the face of Western imperialist interests. In this sense, the 20th century in Venezuela began with cannons trained on its shores. The naval blockade by England, Germany, and Italy in 1902 was the result of demands to collect debts incurred since the War of Independence and throughout the nineteenth century to build the oligarchic and fragmented republic that emerged in defiance of the Bolivarian project of unity. 

Unable to pay the creditors, Venezuelan President Cipriano Castro refused to hand over the country’s resources and territory, which is why he is considered the first nationalist president to be overthrown by the imperial powers of the time. In response to the foreign pressure exerted through the blockade, his proclamation was published in national newspapers: “The insolent foreign boot has desecrated the sacred soil of the homeland!” Castro embodied a defiance that the powers would not forgive.

However, the real tragedy was not the external attack, but the internal betrayal. Juan Vicente Gómez, who was also the president’s close friend, was not only the instigator of the 1908 coup d’état, but also the architect of the first major economic model of submission. Under his government, Venezuela was transformed overnight from an agrarian economy into an oil-producing enclave.

The concessions granted starting in 1922 through laws and decrees were not commercial agreements; they were acts of surrender of territorial and economic sovereignty to Standard Oil and Royal Dutch Shell, shaping the new geometry of power and the emergence of a new way of being and doing politics: what anthropologist Rodolfo Quintero called “the oil culture” had been born, a society whose elite looked more to the north than to the Venezuelan hinterland plains.

Venezuelan historian Oscar Battaglini provides an in-depth analysis of the inner workings of this new economic and political culture. 

…imperialism organizes (acting directly as in the days of old colonialism) a strong and truly centralized state at the head of which appear, in the role of mere ‘native overseers,’ the remnants of the old oligarchy: large landowners, agro-exporters and importers, and usurious bankers … The state that emerges … its primary mission was to maintain the cruelest and most open repression, the stability of the established oil order; which amounted to guaranteeing the oil companies consistently high profits, and to the dominant domestic sectors, the appropriation … of oil tax revenue… 

Following Gómez’s death in 1935, his own Minister of War and the Navy, Eleazar López Contreras, was tasked with serving as the transitional bridge from a highly repressive, personalist system of government to one that appeared to be freer. With oil reserves beneath his feet and an active US presence in the ports of Lake Maracaibo, López walked a tightrope. The various political and popular sectors, already consolidated though silenced, launched a fierce resistance: oil workers, students, political parties, and activists who until then had operated underground, women, and impoverished peasants entered political life with a bang. 

The expansion of oil wells, coupled with the events of World War II and the rise of fascism, laid the groundwork for the consolidation of an economic model that compromised national sovereignty, established interventionism as a mechanism of “negotiation,” and undermined political development through the persecution of any expression that might threaten the interests of the highly lucrative oil business.

From the 1943 Law to the Puntofijo Pact: The institutionalization of dependence

The government of Isaías Medina Angarita represented a significant political opening and steered the oil industry toward national interests. During his administration (1941–1945), the first fair legislation regarding the management of oil revenues was drafted, as well as the first plan for the development of a productive economy that aimed to overcome the rentier model that had already taken root during the Gómez era. With the 1943 hydrocarbon law, further strengthened by the 1942 Income Tax Act, the Venezuelan state was granted a 60% share of oil revenues – a development that did not favor the US oil companies, accustomed to reaping up to 75% of oil earnings. This law, combined with the 1945 agrarian reform law, set the stage for an intervention that prevented the democratic and sovereign transition to another presidential term and precipitated what some have called “the October Revolution” and others a “coup d’état” against these measures, which affected the regime of land ownership and control over Venezuela’s fossil fuel resources. 

After the coup, and during the “Adeco triennium” (1945–1948) led by Rómulo Bentancourt, even though the 1943 law was not repealed, a sort of relaxation was applied, known as the “fifty-fifty” arrangement, which consisted of guaranteeing oil companies a 50% revenue share, avoiding the tax levy, and thereby preventing subsequent increases in rent. At this point, it is worth noting that this process did not affect only economic aspects; rather, the oil enclave also became consolidated, which, as in any colonization process, includes cultural elements, in this case, the establishment of an “(North) American way of life” in the oil fields and their surroundings. 

Encampment-cities were created to operate as islands of foreign modernity, segregated from the national reality, where local management began to adopt the mindset and interests of the parent companies. A clear example of this was Judibana, in Falcón State, near the Amuay refinery. Judibana is an urban complex designed around 1948 by the Creole Petroleum Corporation, which at that time included schools, clubs, a commissary, and an isolated, self-contained internal dynamic. During the 2002 oil lockout, it served as an enclave for the anti-nationalist oil class. 

Later, the Marcos Pérez Jiménez dictatorship (1953–1958) proclaimed the “dream of progress” through the transformation of the landscape and a policy of monumental public works that reflected the “almighty” nature of oil and served as a physical manifestation of state power. Following his overthrow in 1958, the Pact of Punto Fijo emerged, giving rise to what many scholars call “pacted democracy.” Although it was presented as the stabilization of the political system, authors suggest that it was a mechanism for excluding popular forces and shielding transnational interests.

Rómulo Betancourt, leader of the Acción Democrática party – also known as the “Father of Venezuelan Democracy” – served as the first president under the Pact of Punto Fijo. Despite the nationalist rhetoric in his youth, he established a model during his administration (1959–1964) in which oil revenues were used to pacify social conflict without altering the structure of property ownership. “Submission” here became more sophisticated: it was not the direct surrender of land, but rather subordination to US foreign policy. The commercial and financial bourgeoisie abandoned any industrialization plans to become a parasitic class living off state revenue.

Under the Punto Fijo governments (1958–1998) Venezuela was viewed as a “laboratory” for the implementation of social democratic policies that served as a counterweight to the influence of the Cuban Revolution (1959) – characterized by its strong anti-imperialist stance – thereby consolidating the structural hegemony of the US market, which by 1997 received nearly 70% of the country’s oil exports. 

Neoliberalism and the “denationalization” of the 1990s

After a lengthy process of drafting legislation and negotiations, on January 1, 1976, the national flag was raised at the Zumaque No. 1 oil well. With this symbolic and legal act, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) was born as the company tasked with planning, coordinating, and supervising the industry, marking the beginning of a phase in which the state assumed not only income but also the total operative control of the country’s oil resources.

Bernard Mommer, an expert on the subject, offers a sharp critique that distinguishes between nationalization – whose objective was supposed to be the political and economic control of oil in the interest of national sovereignty – and statization, which entailed the creation of a state-owned corporation (PDVSA) that, over time, began to operate according to a private corporate logic, distancing itself from the needs of the national government and the objective of this ostensibly sovereign strategy. In this regard, Mommer argues that, following nationalization, the industry remained under imperialist control. PDVSA inherited the organizational structure and culture of the former concessionaires (Shell, Exxon, Mobil), which created a “state within a state.”

The neoliberal shift of the 1980s and 1990s marked the moment when submission was cloaked in the technical language of the Washington Consensus. The Oil Opening (Apertura Petrolera) was the ultimate expression of this process: an initiative in which PDVSA operated according to transnational logic, minimizing benefits for the country and paving the way for full privatization. It was more a matter of “denationalization,” where the state ceased to act as a demanding owner and instead became a promoter of foreign investment, sacrificing tax revenue, drastically reducing royalties (from 16.6% to 1% in some cases), and ceding operational control.

Denationalization policies were not limited to the oil sector. Telephone services (CANTV) and airlines (Viasa) were privatized, and attempts were made to privatize basic industries such as iron and aluminum. In this process, PDVSA’s management began to distance itself from the guidelines of the Ministry of Energy and Mines to become an entity managed by neoliberal international interests.

El Carmonazo: A failed attempt to return to the past

With Hugo Chávez’s rise to power in 1998, an effort was made to reverse this process of denationalization through the 2001 Organic Hydrocarbons Law. This law raised royalties to 30% and required the state to hold a majority stake (51%) in any joint venture. It restored the Ministry of Energy’s control over PDVSA.

The reaction of traditional sectors such as the CTV (Venezuelan Workers’ Confederation) and FEDECAMARAS business lobby, allied with the church and military sectors, was the call for an oil strike and the coup d’état (the Carmonazo) carried out on April 11, 2002 – a direct response by PDVSA’s managers and the neocolonial oligarchy to protect the contracts and the vision of the Oil Opening. The short-lived Carmona coup regime’s decree sought to repeal these laws to return Venezuela to the management model of the 1990s: a “privatized” PDVSA and a state with no control over its principal source of wealth.

The “Carmona Decree” was the purest expression of the neocolonial oligarchic mentality. In less than 24 hours, the public authorities were dissolved and the name “Bolivarian Republic” was removed, symbolically reverting to the “Republic of Venezuela” controlled by the elite. The main objective was to halt the Land Law and the Hydrocarbons Law, returning control of revenue to the PDVSA management aligned with external interests.

From the blockade of 1902 to the coup of 2002, the common denominator has been a Venezuelan elite that perceives sovereignty as an obstacle to its business interests. Submission is not just a political stance, but a class identity that confuses progress with mimicking the imperial core.

The history of this century in Venezuela demonstrates that the struggle for nationalization is not just about oil, but about a people’s ability to decide their own destiny without the tutelage of the insolent foreign boot.

Rosanna Álvarez holds an MSc in History of Republican Venezuela from the Central University of Venezuela (UCV). She is a researcher at the Centro de Estudios Simón Bolívar and Fundación Hugo Chávez, as well as a writer at the Libertador 8 Estrellas magazine. She is the author of Venezuela vista e imaginada. Un recorrido visual por nuestra historia and host of the Bolívar Nuestro show on Radio del Sur.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Venezuelanalysis editorial staff.

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.

READ MORE: New EU rules for Brits kick off today – what it means for your holiday plans

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.

READ MORE: Seven countries paying you to move there in 2026 with up £26K in cashREAD MORE: ‘All’ UK travellers warned to check one thing ‘before you go’ on holiday

“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.

Washington, DC – Preliminary data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that international development aid from its members dropped by about 23 percent from 2024 to 2025.

Much of that decline was attributed to a major shortfall in funding from the United States.

The forum, which includes many of the the largest economies across Europe and the Americas, said on Thursday that the US saw a nearly 57 percent drop in foreign aid in 2025.

The OECD’s four other top contributors — Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and France — also saw declines in their foreign aid assistance.

The report marked the first time foreign development assistance from all five of the OECD’s top donors simultaneously declined. The total assistance for 2025 totaled only $174.3bn, down from $214.6bn the year before, representing the largest annual drop since the OECD began recording the data.

OECD officials warned the dramatic decrease comes at a time when global economic and food security has been cast into doubt amid the stresses of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

“It’s deeply concerning to see this huge drop in [development funding] in 2025, due to dramatic cuts among the very top donors,” OECD official Carsten Staur said in a statement.

Thursday’s preliminary data shows that only eight member countries met or exceeded their funding from 2024.

“We are in a time of increasing humanitarian needs,” Staur added, citing growing global uncertainty and extreme poverty. “I can only plead that DAC donors reverse this negative trend and start to increase their [assistance].”

The data covers the 34 members of the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC), which provide the vast majority of global foreign assistance.

But the numbers offer an incomplete picture of global development aid, as it fails to include influential non-DAC members including Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and China.

The data tracked by the OECD distinguishes official development assistance from other forms of aid, including military funds.

US drives ‘three-quarters of the decline’

In its preliminary assessment, the OECD noted that the US “alone drove three-quarters of the decline” in 2025, the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Trump has overseen widespread cuts to the US’s aid infrastructure, including dissolving the US Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of a wider effort to shrink government spending.

The US contributed about $63bn in official development assistance in 2024, which was cleaved to just short of $29bn in 2025, according to OECD.

Research this year from the University of Sydney has suggested that cuts to US funding over the past year have corresponded with an increase in armed conflict in Africa, as state resources grow more scarce.

Other experts have noted that the slashed assistance is likely to prompt upticks in cases of HIV-AIDS, malaria and polio.

Analysts at the Center for Global Development have projected that the US cuts were linked to between 500,000 and 1,000,000 deaths globally in 2025 alone. A recent article published in the medical journal The Lancet found that a “continuation of current downward trends” in development funding could lead to over 9.4 million new deaths by 2030.

The Trump administration, meanwhile, has maintained it is transforming, not eschewing, the US aid model.

In recent months, it has struck a handful of bilateral assistance agreements with African countries that it says are in line with its “America First” agenda.

But while the details of such deals have not been made public, critics note that some negotiations appear to have involved requests for African countries to share mineral access or health data.

‘Turning their backs’

Oxfam, a confederation of several non-governmental aid organisations, was among those calling on wealthy countries to change course following Thursday’s report.

“Wealthy governments are turning their backs on the lives of millions of women, men and children in the Global South with these severe aid cuts,” Oxfam’s Development Finance Lead Didier Jacobs said in a statement.

Jacobs added that governments are “cutting life-saving aid budgets while financing conflict and militarisation”.

As an example, he pointed to the US, where the Trump administration is expected to request between $80bn and $200bn for the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has currently been paused amid a tenuous ceasefire.

The administration has separately requested a historic $1.5 trillion for the US military for fiscal year 2027.

“Governments must restore their aid budgets and shore up the global humanitarian system that faces its most serious crisis in decades,” Jacobs said. 

April 7 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s Labor Ministry launched a joint inspection Tuesday after a foreign worker was seriously injured at a manufacturing plant in Hwaseong, where a high-pressure air gun was allegedly used, causing internal organ damage.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor said it began a combined labor and occupational safety inspection of the facility following media reports of the incident.

Authorities plan to examine whether the worker was subjected to assault or workplace harassment, as well as possible violations of labor laws, including unpaid wages. The probe will also review compliance with safety regulations under the Industrial Safety and Health Act.

Officials said they will investigate whether the company attempted to conceal the workplace injury or failed to implement required safety measures.

If serious violations are confirmed – including abuse, harassment or major industrial safety breaches – the ministry said it will pursue strict measures such as revoking or restricting employment permits and seeking criminal prosecution.

The victim filed for workers’ compensation benefits Tuesday with the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service, and the ministry said it will ensure the claim is processed promptly.

Separately, the ministry has been conducting broader inspections this month targeting workplaces employing large numbers of foreign workers. The inspections focus on sites suspected of labor violations, including those with frequent worker turnover, prior complaints, or records of serious accidents.

As part of the inspections, authorities are conducting surveys and interviews with foreign workers to assess workplace conditions, including potential abuse or harassment.

Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon said all workers, regardless of nationality or immigration status, are entitled to safety and dignity.

“We sincerely apologize to the injured worker and colleagues who witnessed the incident,” Kim said. “We will thoroughly investigate the case and take strict action against any violations of the law.”

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260407010002131

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.