Holiday danger map reveals terror, crime and health threats on YOUR summer getaway
With the threat of global terrorism, gun crime and tropical disease the family vacation now needs more than a bit of careful planning
FOR years the only thing most Brits had to worry about before they headed off on their hols was remembering their passport.
Now with the threat of global terrorism, gun crime and tropical disease the family vacation needs more than a bit of careful planning.
Yesterday, the Foreign Office issued an urgent warning to holidaymakers thinking of travelling to trouble-hit Turkey.
Officials advise tourists steer clear of large crowds in Istanbul as the unstable country faces unscheduled elections later this month.
It is also feared ISIS, Kurdish separatist groups and militant communists may choose the chaos as a perfect time to launch an attack.
The news will certainly worry the the 1.7m Brits booked to head to Turkey but will leave even more asking how safe is MY holiday?
Here is our brief guide to what the Foreign Office warns Brits are made aware of before jumping on their holiday plane.
However, it's important to remember more than 99.9 per cent of holidays pass off without any kind of drama.
For more detailed travel and safety advice log onto the Foreign Office website at
Turkey
Terrorism
Terrorists are deemed "very likely" to attempt attacks in Turkey. Since 2015 there has been an increase in PKK (Kurdish separatist) terrorist activity in south-east Turkey. There have also been a number of high-profile attacks by other groups including suicide attacks by ISIS, attacks by the far left DHKP and the separatist group TAK, particularly in the tourist cities of Ankara and Istanbul. ISIS has publicly threatened to attack tourist sites and airports are seen as a target.
Crime and safety
There are new fears over mob violence and rioting during the current election period. Street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times so they are not spiked. Be wary of strangers approaching you offering food and drink (which may be drugged), to change money or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub. Eighteen cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in 2015. Most during the summer holiday period in coastal tourist areas.
Natural disasters
Many parts of Turkey are subject to earthquakes and tremors. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and follow any advice given by the local authorities.
Visitors
More than 1.7m Brits a year
Spain (and its islands)
Terrorism
The Foreign Office warns terrorists are "likely" to strike in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by tourists. In August 2017, there were two terrorist-related incidents where vehicles were driven directly at pedestrians, resulting in injuries and loss of life. These were in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona and Cambrils, near the Brit holiday hot spot of Salou. The Spanish authorities have set up a helpline for people affected by the incidents. The number is 0034 93 214 21 24.
Crime and safety
Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, but there is a problem with street crime especially thieves using distraction techniques or posing as fake cops. They often work in teams of two or more and tend to target money and passports. Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but they do occur, and are often carried out by other Brits. There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from balconies. Many involved Brits under the influence of drink or drugs.
Natural disasters
Forest fires occur frequently in Spain during the summer months. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished and don’t light barbecues. Causing a forest fire is treated as a serious criminal offence in Spain even if unintentional.
Visitors
Roughly 12m Brits a year
Egypt
Terrorism
Terrorists are "very likely" to try to carry out attacks in Egypt. You should avoid crowded places and gatherings (including in or around religious sites) during religious festivals or times of heightened tensions. Armed guards are now common at historic sites following three targeted tourist attacks in recent years. Daesh-Sinai - a branch of ISIS - is currently the most active terrorist group in Egypt. Most attacks have been aimed at government, security forces and Coptic Christians and their churches, but foreigners have also been targeted.
Crime and safety
The crime rate in Egypt is generally low, but over the years expats and tourists have suffered armed robberies, muggings (including in taxis), sexual assaults, rapes, break-ins to accommodation and cars. Car-jackings generally target four-wheel drive vehicles, and have taken place at gun and knife-point in areas popular with Brits. In 2017, the British Embassy dealt with eight cases of rape and sexual assault against Brits. Take extra care when travelling alone, particularly in taxis and minibuses.
Natural disasters
Egypt is not deemed at a real risk from natural disasters.
Visitors
Around 320,000 Brits a year.
Thailand
Terrorism
Experts believe terror groups are "very likely" to try to carry out attacks in Thailand. Bomb and grenade attacks have been indiscriminate, including in places visited by tourists. There have been warnings of the possibility of attacks to coincide with symbolic dates or holidays. In 2015 a bomb exploded at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, resulting in numerous casualties, including the death of a British national.
Crime and safety
Tourists have been targeted by thieves on motorbikes when walking along busy streets or travelling in tuk tuks. Violent sexual assaults and unprovoked attacks have been reported in popular tourist destinations, including in the Koh Samui archipelago and Krabi province. Drink spiking has been reported in tourist destinations around Thailand, with both male and female victims. UK health authorities have classified Thailand as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
Natural disasters
The rainy season in Koh Samui and the south east of the Thai peninsula runs from November to March. Heavy storms during the monsoon can cause disruption and damage including flooding and landslides. Northern Thailand can be subject to earthquakes and tremors of varying magnitude.
Visitors
Around 1.1m Brits a year.
U.S.A.
Terrorism
Terrorists are believed to be "very likely" to try to carry out attacks in the USA, including at popular tourist and sight-seeing spots.The main threat comes from individuals who may have been inspired by ISIS or al-Qaeda, to carry out so-called "lone wolf" attacks - as seen at San Bernardino on December 4 2015. Attacks could take place with little or no notice. For all current alerts within the United States and its territories, visit the .
Crime and safety
Violent crime, including gun crime, rarely involves tourists, but you should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas. Avoid walking through less travelled areas alone, especially at night. Crime associated with the illegal drugs trade is a major issue in Mexican states bordering Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. Tourists have been among the victims of crime in the border regions, but normally because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Natural disasters
The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from June to November and can affect US coastal regions. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the website. Several states are prone to earthquakes. To learn more about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, visit the website. Tornadoes can also occur at any time of the year.
Visitors
More than 3.8m Brits a year.
The Caribbean
Terrorism
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Caribbean, attacks can’t be ruled out. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
Crime and safety
Safety in the Caribbean varies from island to island. Crime levels in Jamaica are high, particularly in and around certain areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. Gang violence and shootings are common, although usually confined to inner city neighbourhoods. The motive for most attacks on tourists in the Caribbean is robbery. There are mobile police patrols, but you should take steps to protect yourself and your belongings. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, are spreading on some islands.
Natural disasters
The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the
Visitors
Nearly 1m Brits travel to the Carribean a year.
Greece and Cyprus
Terrorism
Terror attacks can’t be ruled out in Greece but they are not deemed likely. There have been several domestic attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police. British nationals aren’t normally considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by foreigners.
Crime and safety
Theft of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are generally rare although there have been incidents involving Brits in some holiday resorts frequented by large numbers of younger tourists. There have been cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Greece during the summer months. Visit the .
Natural disasters
Forest fires often occur during the summer across Greece due to the dry and hot weather. They are highly dangerous and unpredictable. Greece can experience earthquakes and earth tremors.
Visitors
More than 4m Brits a year
Mexico
Terrorism
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Mexico, attacks can’t be ruled out. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
Crime and safety
Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years - with shootings commonplace in some parts of the country. The Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations and these areas have mostly not seen the levels of drug-related violence and crime experienced elsewhere. However, there was a shooting at a nightclub in Playa del Carmen in January 2017 and three other gun attacks in Cancun between January and March 2017. There was also a shooting on Palmilla Beach in Los Cabos on August 6 2017. There is currently an increased police presence in the Cancun area, including in the hotel zone.
Natural disasters
The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Monitor local and international weather updates from the . Most of Mexico is occasionally subject to earthquakes. Tremors occur regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Visitors
More than 500,000 a year.
France
Terrorism
The authorities believe terrorists are "very likely" to try to carry out attacks in France. Due to ongoing threats and recent French military intervention ISIS, the government has warned the public to be extra vigilant while reinforcing its own domestic security measures. In November 2015 terrorist attacks killed 130 and injured hundreds more at multiple sites across Paris. In July 2016, 84 people were killed when a truck was driven through a crowd of people on the promenade in Nice.
Crime and safety
Pickpockets work in gangs: one to distract you while the other one goes into your bag. Keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars. Don’t be distracted around tourist attractions and cashpoints. There have been several victims of serious assault on the RER line B, which serves Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports and Paris Gare du Nord Eurostar terminus. There have also been serious assaults on RER line D, which serves the Stade de France.
Natural disasters
Forest fires can occur anywhere in southern France during the summer months but especially along the Mediterranean coast and on Corsica. There can be risks of flooding in various areas of France, and avalanches in the mountainous areas. If your accommodation is near a river, check the to be kept informed of any potential flood risks.
Brazil
Terrorism
Terrorist attacks in Brazil can’t be ruled out. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
Crime and safety
There are high levels of crime, particularly robberies, within Brazil’s cities and the murder rate can be very high. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere and often involves firearms or other weapons. Don’t wear expensive jewellery and watches. Don’t carry large sums of money and consider wearing a money belt. In the last 20 years a spate of shark attacks has made Brazil's north east coast one of the most dangerous places in the world to swim.
Natural disasters
The rainy season runs from November until March in the south and south east and from April until July in the north east of the country. Heavy rains can often disrupt infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Flash floods and landslides, especially in poorer urban areas, are common during heavy rains.
Visitors
More than 220,000 Brits a year.
U.A.E.
Terrorism
Terrorists are deemed to be "likely" to try to carry out attacks in the UAE. Terror groups continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests as well as crowded places, including restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centres and mosques.
Crime and safety
Personal attacks, including sexual assault and rape, are relatively rare, but do happen. UAE law places a high burden of proof on the victim to demonstrate that the sexual relations were not consensual, especially when the victim had consumed alcohol or where the alleged attacker was known to the victim. If the sexual relations are determined to have been consensual, both parties may face prosecution for the offence of sex outside marriage.
Natural disasters
The U.A.E is not deemed at a real risk of natural disasters.
Visitors
Around 1.5m Brits a year.
Portugal
Terrorism
Terrorist attacks in Portugal can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
Crime and safety
Crime rates are low but pickpocketing, handbag snatching and theft from cars and holiday properties are common in major tourist areas and can be accompanied by violence. Sexual assaults are rare, but you should be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs, including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they aren’t spiked. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don’t go off with people you don’t know.
Natural disasters
Portugal is in an earthquake zone. For information on seismic activity, including in Madeira and the Azores, visit the website. Forest fires often occur during the summer months and are highly dangerous and unpredictable.
Visitors
Around 2.3m Brits a year.
Italy
Terrorism
The authorities say terrorists are "likely" to try to carry out attacks in Italy, including in places frequented by tourists. There are also isolated cases of domestic terrorism. Attacks carried out by the extreme left-wing and secessionist groups have generally been aimed at official Italian targets, mainly in the form of small bombs. The Italian authorities have made a number of arrests of individuals with links to ISIS and other extremist groups in recent years.
Crime and safety
Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of petty crime - particularly bag snatching and pick-pocketing - in the major cities. Thieves use a variety of methods to distract their targets. Take particular care on public transport and in crowded areas, particularly in and around Termini station in Rome and at other main stations. Be extra vigilant on trains to and from the main airports in Italy and when unloading your baggage from trains and coaches.
Natural disasters
Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line. Minor tremors and earthquakes are a regular occurrence. To learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake visit the .
Visitors
More than 3m Brits a year.
Croatia
Terrorism
Terrorist attacks in Croatia can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
Crime and safety
Crime levels are low and violent crime is rare. Some tourists have been the victims of overcharging in so-called ‘Gentlemen’s Clubs’, sometimes amounting to thousands of Euros. Victims can be threatened with violence if they refuse to pay. Take care in busy tourist areas, where pickpockets are known to operate. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Don’t leave valuables unattended, particularly on the beach. Land mines are still a danger in some isolated rural areas.
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Natural disasters
Flash floods can occur with very little warning and can lead to dangerous water flows and disruption to transport and other networks. Forest fires are also very common during Croatia’s hot and dry summers.
Visitors
Around 750,000 Brits a year.