About Iran

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals against all travel to Iran.

British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention in Iran. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to target you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years in prison.

Our ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited. In an emergency – such as serious deterioration in the security situation – it is extremely unlikely the British government will be able to evacuate you or provide assistance on the ground in Iran. If you are a British national already resident in Iran, you should carefully consider your presence there and the risks you are taking by remaining.

A number of British-Iranian dual nationals have been arbitrarily detained in Iran and made to serve long prison sentences. In January 2023 a British national was executed after receiving the death penalty. Iran has also recently arrested and detained non-Iranian European nationals travelling on tourist visas. The criminal justice process followed in such cases falls below international standards. If you are detained in Iran your case will be in the hands of the Iranian authorities, who have shown a pattern of hostility towards the UK and its citizens. Our consular assistance to British nationals in Iran is therefore extremely limited.

The Iranian authorities do not recognise dual nationality. If you are a British-Iranian dual national and are detained in Iran, the FCDO will not be informed of your detention by the authorities and will not be granted access to see you.

For British nationals without Iranian dual-nationality, the FCDO may not be informed for some time of your detention and may be denied consular welfare visits for long periods of time. See Safety and Security.

The Iranian authorities have accused people with links to the UK of inciting protests. If you are in or near a protest, you are at serious risk of arrest. Mass arrests, including of bystanders, is a frequent occurrence. Anyone who is arrested in connection with protests and holds British nationality may come under added suspicion of espionage or working to undermine the Iranian government, increasing the risk of lengthy detention, criminal charges and/or receiving the death penalty. It is difficult to predict where protests will take place. The Iranian authorities can restrict internet access and in some cases there are internet shutdowns. Mobile data, non-Iranian mobile apps and international calls may not work and should not be relied on for personal safety.

See ‘Political situation’ on the ‘Safety and security’ page for more information.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Iran. Attacks could happen anywhere, including in places visited by foreigners.

If you need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy on telephone: +98 (0)21 6405 2000 . See Consular assistance services.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Iran on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on  COVID-19 general advice for travellers.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Iran.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Healthcare in Iran

In 2022 there were reports of shortages of some basic medicines in Iran. If you are a British national residing in Iran and undertaking medical or cosmetic treatment, you may not receive adequate care in the case of emergency.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you are advised to take a test and to self-isolate at home until you receive the results. If the symptoms are not serious, you should continue to self-isolate at home but if the symptoms persist and/or worsen then you are advised to go to a hospital for treatment. If you are a mono-British national, you should contact your travel insurance provider for advice; if you test positive for COVID-19, you will be referred to a specialist Coronavirus hospital or unit.

For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Iran.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran.

British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at very/significantly high risk of arbitrary arrest, questioning or detention. Holding a British passport can be reason enough for the authorities to target you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years of imprisonment. Our ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited. In an emergency – such as serious deterioration in the security situation – it is extremely unlikely the British government will be able to evacuate you or provide assistance on the ground in Iran. In these situations, it may become more difficult to leave safely.

You should assume that the British government will not be able to help you if you get into difficulty in Iran. Given these risks, we advise against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already resident in Iran, you should carefully consider your presence there and the risks you are taking by remaining.

A number of British-Iranian dual nationals have been arbitrarily detained in Iran and made to serve long prison sentences. In January 2023 a British national was executed after receiving the death penalty. Iran has also recently arrested and detained non-Iranian European nationals travelling on tourist visas. The criminal justice process followed in such cases falls below international standards. If you are detained in Iran your case will be in the hands of the Iranian authorities, who have shown a pattern of hostility towards the UK and its citizens. Our consular assistance to British nationals in Iran is therefore extremely limited.

The Iranian authorities have accused people with links to the UK of inciting protests. If you are in or near a protest, you are at serious risk of arrest. Mass arrests, including of bystanders, is a frequent occurrence. It is difficult to predict where protests will take place, and they may turn violent. Anyone who is arrested in connection with protests and holds British nationality may come under added suspicion of espionage or working to undermine the Iranian government, increasing the risk of lengthy detention, criminal charges and/or receiving the death penalty. You may also come under suspicion if you are near sensitive sites, have contact with Iranians who are of interest to the authorities for any reason, or are taking photographs.

The Iranian authorities can restrict internet access and in some cases there are internet shutdowns. Mobile data, non-Iranian mobile apps and international calls may not work and should not be relied on for personal safety.

Even if you avoid protests, crowds and sensitive sites, there is still a very/significantly high risk that British nationals and British-Iranian dual nationals are arbitrarily arrested, questioned or detained in Iran. In all cases of detention in Iran, the FCDO has serious concerns that the judicial process falls below international standards.

Although having British connections can be reason enough for the authorities to be suspicious of your activities, you are at even greater risk if you are involved in civil societies (including labour unions, human rights groups or political activist groups), journalism or academia, or have links to any organisation perceived as being anti-Iranian, either within Iran or elsewhere. These could include individuals with links to institutions based in the UK, or which receive public funds from, or which have perceived links to, the British government.

You are more at risk during times of national unrest, terrorist incident or when there is an increase in tensions between Iran and the international community.

In the event of an emergency, for example if there is serious violence or unrest within Iran, it is extremely unlikely that the British government will able to evacuate you safely. Air, sea and land routes are under the control of the Iranian authorities. You should assume that no consular assistance will be possible in an emergency situation. If you are a British national already resident in Iran, you should carefully consider your presence there and the risks you are taking by remaining.

Dual nationals

The Iranian authorities do not recognise dual nationality, so if you are a British-Iranian dual national and are detained, the FCDO will not be informed of your detention by the authorities and will not be granted access to see you. For British nationals without Iranian dual-nationality, the FCDO may not be informed for some time of your detention and the FCDO may be denied consular welfare visits for long periods of time. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be Iranian, you may be regarded as an Iranian national by the Iranian authorities.

Satellite phones and drones

On no account should you import or use drones or satellite phones/equipment in Iran. Doing so without the permission of the Iranian authorities is illegal and may lead to your arrest. British nationals already residing in Iran should keep a low profile and remain culturally sensitive at all times. See Local laws and customs.

Mobile telephones and communications

The Iranian authorities have blocked or significantly slowed landline and mobile internet services without warning on a number of occasions. Such restrictions can be localised or nationwide, and can affect communication and location services on smartphones and other devices. Mobile data, non-Iranian mobile apps and international calls may not work and should not be relied on for personal safety. You should keep an alternative means of communication and navigation with you at all times, and ensure that friends and family know your whereabouts.

Local travel

Border areas

Border areas are particularly sensitive. The FCDO advises all British nationals already residing in Iran against all travel within 100km of the Iran/Afghanistan border; within 10km of the entire Iran/Iraq border; to the province of Sistan-Baluchistan; to the area to the east of Bam and Jask, including Bam.

The area east of Bam and Jask and Sistan-Baluchistan are notorious for banditry and the main route for drug-traffickers from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The towns of Zahedan, Zabol and Mirjaveh are particularly insecure.

Some Iranian officials and media reports have falsely alleged a UK connection to anti-government groups in Khuzestan, Kurdish-majority regions and Sistan-Baluchistan. If you travel to these areas against our advice, stick to the main routes to avoid accidentally entering the numerous restricted or military zones.

Crime

There have been some attacks and robberies against foreigners, for example attempted robberies by bogus policemen, usually in civilian clothing. If you are approached by anyone who claims to be a policeman, ask to see their ID and request the presence of a uniformed officer or marked patrol car. Don’t hand over any documents or cash, or get in to any vehicle.

There have been incidents of motorcycle taxis taking tourists to quiet locations where they are then robbed.

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime and petty theft. Avoid carrying large amounts of money and keep your passport safe. Pre-booked taxis are safer than those hailed from the street.

Road travel

Visitors can drive in Iran on a foreign driving licence for up to 6 months, but it is advised to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). UK licence holders driving in Iran will need the 1968 version of the IDP. 1926 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted for use in Iran. You can get IDPs over the counter from most UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Iran has a high rate of road accidents. Take great care when travelling by road, including by public transport and when crossing streets. If you’re involved in an accident, no matter how minor, don’t leave the scene. Wait until the police arrive to make their report.

The Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks both in cities and on main highways. They are often staffed by young and inexperienced officers. You should always carry your identification with you and avoid getting into disputes.

Women aren’t allowed to drive a motorcycle on public roads.

Air travel

Commercial airlines still operate flights to and from Iran, but flight schedules may be subject to changes or cancellation at short notice. A number of airlines have suspended flights to and from Iran. Some commercial airlines, such as Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Iran Air, are operating, but services are limited. If you decide to travel by air, contact your airline or travel company for the latest information before travelling. If you are a British national residing in Iran and you’re transiting through a third country while travelling to or from Iran, you may wish to check their latest entry requirements.

In January 2020, Iranian air defence systems mistakenly shot down Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 shortly after take-off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran.

In 2018, the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Iran. You can find a list of recent incidents and accidents on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

The FCDO can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s unsafe.

All aircraft operated by Iran Aseman Airlines and some aircraft operated by Iran Air have been refused permission to operate services to the EU.

Sea travel

Many areas of the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf are highly sensitive politically. The waters around the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Persian Gulf are particularly sensitive and are militarised. In 2005, a British couple who anchored at Abu Musa were detained and French and German nationals were imprisoned for entering the waters near the island. In November 2009, a group of British sailors were detained for a week, along with their yacht, after accidentally sailing into Iranian waters in this area.

British national mariners should not attempt to dock at all or sail into waters around these islands.

You should maintain a high state of awareness and be alert to local and regional tensions which may affect your route. Vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab El Mandeb regions may be at increased risk of maritime attack.

Several commercial vessels have been attacked and seized in and around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz in recent years. In July 2021 a container ship with an international crew was attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles off of Oman, killing a British, and a Romanian national. During vessel seizures, both ships and crew have previously been detained for extended periods.

Consular assistance services

Consular support is extremely limited in Iran. If you need consular assistance you should contact the British Embassy on telephone: +98 (0)21 6405 2000.

In an emergency, including if you need an Emergency Travel Document, you should contact the FCDO in London on telephone: +44 20 7008 5000 (24 hours).

In the event of a sudden deterioration in the overall situation, it is extremely unlikely that the British government will be able to evacuate you safely. You should assume that no consular assistance will be possible in an emergency situation, and that the FCDO will be unable to provide assistance to leave the country.

At present, you can’t apply for a British passport from Iran.

If you’re in Iran and need to apply for a British passport, you should apply in a neighbouring country of your choice. You can find details of the application process on the GOV.UK website. If you need further information and advice, you should contact HM Passport Office.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Iran. Attacks could happen anywhere, including in places visited by foreigners.

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. You should remain vigilant at all times.

In October 2022, 15 people were killed at a holy site in Shiraz, southern Iran, in an attack claimed by the terrorist group Daesh. In September 2018 there was an attack on a military parade in Ahvaz, capital of Khuzestan province. In June 2017, there were 2 attacks in Tehran – one in the Majles (the Iranian parliament) in central Tehran and another at the Imam Khomeini Shrine near Imam Khomeini international airport.

Several bombings have taken place in the south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan. These attacks are believed to have been carried out by Sunni extremist groups.

Kurdish groups have carried out small scale attacks against Iranian security forces in the north-west of the country. Be vigilant and keep your security arrangements under review.

Kidnap

There is a threat of kidnap to foreign tourists in the border areas. 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 increases the risk of further hostage taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) also makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Iran is a Muslim country in which Islamic law is strictly enforced. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. It is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan.

Dress codes

Islamic codes of behaviour and dress are strictly enforced. In any public place women must cover their heads with a headscarf, wear trousers (or a floor length skirt), and a long-sleeved tunic or coat that reaches to mid-thigh or knee. Men should wear long trousers and long-sleeve shirts.

There are additional dress requirements at certain religious sites. Women may be asked to put on a chador (a garment that covers the whole body except the face) before entering.

Relations between men and women

Adultery and sex outside out of marriage are illegal under Iranian law and carry the death penalty.

Relationships between non-Muslim men and Muslim women are illegal, although few Westerners have been prosecuted. If a Muslim woman is found in a relationship with a non-Muslim man, she may be sentenced to be whipped.

Unmarried partners and friends of the opposite sex travelling together should be discreet at all times in public. Iranian hotel managers could insist on seeing a marriage certificate before allowing any couple to share a double hotel room.

Female travellers

Women should take extra care, particularly when travelling alone or with friends of the opposite sex. If you’re a woman travelling in Iran you should respect local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas. See further advice for women travelling abroad.

LGBT+

Same sex relationships are illegal under Iranian law and can carry the death penalty. See our page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.

Films and magazines

Women’s magazines and DVDs or videos depicting sexual relations are forbidden. There are occasional clampdowns. Satellite dishes and many Western CDs and films remain illegal.

Alcohol

The import, sale, manufacture and consumption of alcohol in Iran is strictly forbidden on religious grounds, with exceptions only for certain recognised Iranian religious minorities (not foreigners). Penalties can be severe.

Photography

Photography near military and other government installations is strictly prohibited. Sensitive government buildings and facilities are often difficult to identify. Take extreme care when taking photographs in any area.

Using a laptop or other electronic equipment in public places can be misinterpreted, especially if it contains photographs. You may be arrested and detained on serious criminal charges, including espionage. It’s better to ask before taking photographs of people.

Drugs

Penalties for importing and possessing drugs are severe and enforced. Many individuals convicted of drug offences, including foreign nationals, have been executed.

Pork products

Importing pork products isn’t allowed.

Doing business in Iran

In some cases, we believe that individuals involved in commercial disputes with Iranian companies or individuals have been prevented from leaving the country pending resolution of the dispute.

As a representative of a British or western company, you may be subject to particular attention. British business people travelling to Iran should take appropriate steps to protect commercially sensitive information, including password protection of electronic devices (minimum 4 digits) and not taking unnecessary information with you. Electronic devices may be screened by customs officials on arrival and departure.

Carrying I.D.

You should carry a photocopy of your passport for identification. Make sure you have included emergency contact details.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Iran set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Iran’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

All non-Iranian nationals older than 12 years, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and present a valid vaccine certificate on arrival. The vaccination certificate must be in English, showing full vaccination at least 14 days before departure from their first embarkation point.

Alternatively, a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point to be accepted for travel to Iran. You should also check the individual requirements of your airline as these can vary.

You may also be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival and required to quarantine at your own expense.

On arrival, passengers may be asked to fill in a paper form giving their name, contact details and address.

Residents of Iran

Iranian nationals without a valid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test may be directed to quarantine locations for 14 days and will incur associated medical and accommodation costs.

Children and young people

For children under the age of 12, neither vaccination certificate nor PCR test is required.

Children travelling without a male parent

Under Iranian law, a female parent travelling with her children must have the (usually verbal) permission of the father to take them out of Iran. This is assumed to be the case by Iranian immigration authorities unless the father has petitioned the court, and/or the court has ruled to prevent the children travelling. For further information, contact the Iranian Embassy or Consulate nearest you.

Kish

Risks of detention relating to the rest of Iran, also exist in Kish.

Entry to Kish Island requires you to meet the following conditions, or you may be refused entry:

• have arranged the visit through an Iranian travel agency who has informed the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about your visit at least 2 weeks in advance of travel, and received confirmation that a visa will be issued on arrival. Advice and a list of registered travel agents can be obtained from the nearest Iranian Embassy or Consulate.
• have a hotel reservation prior to travelling. Your guide must pass a copy of the hotel reservation confirmation to the Immigration Office at Kish Airport at least 48 hours before your arrival, and meet you at the airport upon your arrival.

Some travellers have occasionally been denied entry to Kish without explanation. If you’re denied entry, you should follow the advice of your airline or travel agent.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Visas

You will need a visa to enter Iran as a visitor.

You should make your visa application well in advance of your date of travel. The application process for an Iranian visa can be long and unpredictable. The Iranian Embassy has told the FCDO that to get a visa you must either apply as part of an organised tour, or have a sponsor in Iran. Check with the Iranian embassy for more information and advice. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date a visa application for Iran is submitted.

Check the expiry date of your visa before travelling. If you overstay your visa, you may have to remain in Iran until the situation is resolved. Some British nationals have experienced considerable difficulties trying to get visas from private online visa agencies.

Women, and girls over the age of nine, should wear a headscarf in their visa application photos.

If you’re transiting through an Iranian airport, you should check visa requirements with your airline and the Iranian Embassy.

Passports

If you are visiting Iran, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Previous travel to Israel

If your passport contains an Israeli stamp or stamps from other countries’ border crossing points with Israel, you may be refused entry to Iran.

Dual nationality

Under Iranian law, all Iranian nationals must travel to and from Iran using an Iranian passport. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be Iranian, you may be regarded as an Iranian national by the Iranian authorities – e.g., if your father is Iranian, or if you’re married to an Iranian man.

In order to return to the UK you’ll need to demonstrate to the Iranian authorities that you have a right to return. At present, the Iranian authorities are accepting the presentation of a British passport on departure if you don’t have a UK visa in your Iranian passport. However, the Iranian authorities could change their position on this and it’s officially illegal in Iran to hold two nationalities.

Yellow fever

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Local medical care

In general, medical facilities in Iran are reasonable in the major cities but poor in remote areas. Many health professionals speak some English. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance, dial 115 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

If you wish to pursue adoption or surrogacy, you should ensure you have sought UK and Iranian legal advice on the process including eligibility for British nationality and the process for obtaining a passport. Please see Adopting a Child from Overseas and Surrogacy Overseas for more information.

The process for this is complex and lengthy. His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) currently cannot issue passports to individuals inside Iran.

Most of Iran is prone to earthquakes. In 2003, a large earthquake hit Bam, in south-eastern Iran, and around 30,000 people died.

To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see the website of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Some provinces of Iran, particularly Khuzestan, Golestan and Lorestan, can suffer from floods in Spring. You should follow any advice given by local authorities and ensure you are adequately equipped when driving and walking.

Accessing cash in Iran is difficult. Present currency volatility is making it even more so. Non-Iranian debit and cash cards will not work in Iran. It’s usually not possible to change travellers’ cheques.

It’s illegal to change money on the street. It is possible to exchange selected foreign currencies in some exchange bureaux, though you may experience difficulties changing money. Euros and USD are more commonly accepted. You should be clear before travelling how you will obtain enough Iranian Rials for your visit legally, and, if unsure, you may need to reconsider your travel plans.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.