Popular resorts around the world often attract Brits year-round with their beautiful weather, sandy beaches, and vibrant cultures. Destinations like Turkey, Egypt, and Brazil are on many holidaymakers’ lists thanks to their sunny climates and rich history. However, while these countries offer plenty of appeal, certain areas within them pose significant risks which travellers need to be aware of.
Each of these hotspots has regions where safety concerns are elevated, from political unrest to violent crime. For example, parts of Turkey and Egypt near their borders with conflict zones are regarded as unsafe, and areas in Brazil’s cities can be hotspots for criminal activity. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) frequently updates travel advice to warn tourists about these dangerous regions.
These are the areas you should currently avoid, the advice from the Foreign Office, and the steps you can take to improve your safety if you are travelling near the area. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.
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Egypt
Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Hurghada -Credit:Mohamed El-Shahed/AFP via Getty
There are significant security concerns for much of the country that potential travellers should be aware of. The FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum, where it is advised against all but essential travel. People are also advised against all travel to the North Sinai Governorate.
There are several more areas where people are being advised against all but essential travel, including the following places:
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The northern part of the South Sinai Governorate, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.
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Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.
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Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.
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Area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for: Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings, the Faiyum Governorate, coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh, the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road, the oasis town of Siwa, the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis, the White Desert and Black Desert and the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt. Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate. Targets might include Egyptian security forces, religious site, large public gatherings and places visited by foreigners.
Airports and airlines
Terrorists in Egypt have the intent and capability to target airport buildings and planes. The main threat is on the North Sinai Peninsula where Daesh operates with greater freedom, but terrorists are active throughout Egypt. Co-operate fully with security officials at airports and pay attention to security measures on flights from Egypt to the UK.
Terrorist kidnap
There is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in North Africa, particularly from Libya and groups originating in the Sahel. This includes Al Qaeda and Daesh-affiliated groups, who may travel across the region’s porous border. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in border and remote desert areas of North Africa. Terrorist groups have taken foreigners, government officials and civilians hostage for financial gain and for political leverage. Further kidnappings are likely.
British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
Military activity in the Red Sea area
Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.
Crime
The crime rate is generally low, but visitors have reported armed robberies, muggings (including in taxis), sexual assaults, and break-ins to accommodation and cars. Take extra care when travelling alone, particularly at night, in taxis and microbuses.
If you want to report a crime, contact the tourist police on 126. If you do not report a crime before you leave, it will be difficult to ask for a prosecution at a later date.
Turkey
An aerial view of beaches in the district of Fethiye in Mugla -Credit:Anadolu via Getty Images
FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may also be closed at short notice.
Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
There have been several attacks involving knives, firearms and explosives. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as public buildings, places of worship, airports, large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays and religious occasions.
There is also lots of advice available for other areas which are not restricted but have had a number of incidents to be aware of.
Hakkari province, south-east Turkey
In Hakkari province you must get permission from the local Governor’s Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Mount Ararat, eastern Turkey
Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province, is a special military zone. You must have permission from the Doğubayazıt government office and pay a fee. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit. Take extra care if you’re travelling to this area. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Regional escalation
Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region. On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October, Israel carried out military action against Iran.
Political situation
Occasional demonstrations can occur in cities and may become violent. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests. Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations are ongoing in locations across Turkey. Large demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul. Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.
Crime
Street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them. Be wary of strangers approaching you to change money, taking you to a restaurant or nightclub offering you food and drink as these could be spiked
In a small number of cases, counterfeit branded bottles of alcohol have caused deaths of tourists. If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.
Sexual assault
In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. Most cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas. Crimes were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel and spa workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.
Brazil
People have been told not to travel to the west of Amazonas State in Brazil amid serious safety concerns from officials -Credit:Getty
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following river areas towards the west of Amazonas State:
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along the Amazonas (Amazon) River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões in Amazonas State
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along any part of the Itaquaí River in Amazonas State
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along any part of the Japurá River or its tributaries in Amazonas State
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along the Rio Negro (Black River) and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos in Amazonas State
There are risks to travellers in river areas towards the west of Amazonas State, where Brazil shares borders with Colombia, Peru and Venezuela, due to criminal activity. Armed groups, including pirates and drug traffickers, travel by the river routes in the Amazonas state where is there is low presence of police and local authorities.
The Foreign Office also warns that terrorist attacks in Brazil cannot be ruled out. Two explosions occurred at the Praça dos Três Poderes in central Brasilia on 13 November, 2024. People are urged to exercise caution around major sites in large Brazilian cities.
There is also lots of advice available for other areas which are not restricted but have had a number of incidents to be aware of.
Rio de Janerio
The most common incidents affecting British nationals in Rio de Janeiro are thefts and pickpocketing around:
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Copacabana beach
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Ipanema beach
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Lapa
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Santa Teresa
Tourists have reported armed robberies on the Corcovado walking trail to the Christ the Redeemer statue.
São Paulo
The most common incidents affecting British nationals in São Paulo are thefts or pickpocketing around:
Avenida Paulista the historical downtown area the red light districts located on Rua Augusta (north of Avenida Paulista) Catedral da Sé Praça da República the Estacao de Luz metro area (where Cracolandia is located)
Brasilia
In Brasilia, the central bus station area has a lot of incidents of theft. Theft from pedestrians also happens across the city, especially in the central and southern commercial centres. Take particular care at these locations. See our advice on Theft and robbery.
North-east Brazil
The most common incidents affecting British nationals in north-east Brazil are theft from hotel and motel rooms and muggings. Reduce the risk of being mugged by avoiding quiet or deserted areas and by using taxis after sunset instead of walking.
Tunisia
Tunisia’s resort town of Hammamet -Credit:ANIS MILI/AFP via Getty Images
The FCDO advises against all travel to the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones including Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila. This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and operations by the Tunisian security forces.
In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba Governorate, including El Feidja National Park, within 30km of the Tunisia-Algeria border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates, south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou, Kasserine Governorate, including the town of Sbeitla, within 10km of the rest of the Tunisia-Algeria border south of Kasserine Governorate, within 10km of Mount Mghila and Mount Orbata.
The FCDO also advises against all travel to Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border, meaning the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba, within 20km of the rest of the Tunisia-Libya border area north of Dhehiba and the town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area. This is due to cross-border terrorist activity and fighting in Libya.
In addition, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 75km of the Tunisia-Libya border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis. There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.
Crime
The majority of visits to Tunisia are unaffected by crime. The most common crime experienced is theft. Sensible measures to reduce this risk include not displaying expensive items or leaving them unattended, and not carrying unnecessary valuables when in public. Criminals are known to sometimes use confidence tricks as a distraction while carrying out thefts.
Sexual harassment and sexual assault
Reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault statistically increase in the summer months. Reports include trouble in busy public places at night and quieter public parks and beaches during the daytime.