New travel warning issued for these popular destinations, check if your holiday will be affected

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for people planning to fly to France, New Zealand, Cyprus and South Africa this year. The advice applies to those who are flying from London's Heathrow and Gatwick Airports as well as those taking a ferry to France.

Here’s a round up of the latest advice, including travel updates, warnings and any incidents that will affect your trip abroad to any of these four countries.

Cyprus

The political situation in Cyprus has prompted the Foreign Office to update their advice. Whilst the Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the EU, the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ isn't recognised by the British government. This means British Nationals travelling to the north (including the districts of Lefke and Lefkoşa) are more vulnerable and at greater risk, as per My London.

In addition, the Foreign Office warns:

• Terrorist attacks in Cyprus can’t be ruled out.
• Cyprus has a strict zero tolerance towards drugs
• Driving standards are poor. You should drive with great care.

France

Ongoing strike action and demonstrations in the country may affect your travel to France.

Demonstrations have been called by the unions on February 16, and March 7, 2023, with more anticipated in the future.

The UK Border Force has also announced strike action that will affect inbound travel to the UK from French ports Calais, Dunkirk and the Coquelles Channel Tunnel Terminal and to the Port of Dover. This will be in effect from February 17 until 7am on February 20. If you're planning to travel into these UK ports during this time, be prepared for longer wait times and check with your operator before travelling.

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New Zealand

Due to the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, the government of New Zealand has declared a National State of Emergency, covering Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Hawkes Bay and Tararua. The North Island is impacted by strong winds and flooding with numerous communities suffering power cuts.

The Foreign Office advises tracking the latest forecasts on New Zealand MetService and following the advice of the local authorities. Please check with your airline for the latest flight information. You can also check the National Emergency Management Agency website for up-to-date information, as per Gov.uk.

South Africa

Continued heavy rain is forecast for parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng over the coming days. The Foreign Office advises travellers to not take any unnecessary risks and check your route for disruption before making your journey. Parts of Kruger National Park are affected and expect heavy rainfall from 13th-17th February 2023. This has led to some closures of roads and camp sites. See South African National Parks website here for updates.

Additional warnings include, as per Gov.uk:

• Beach conditions and local safety provisions vary considerably throughout the South African coastline and every year several people drown due to the strong sea currents.
• Terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in South Africa.
• British nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists.

If you’re abroad and you ever need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

Sources used:

- My London 'Heathrow and Gatwick: Foreign Office issues new travel advice for France, New Zealand, Cyprus and South Africa'

- Gov.uk 'Foreign travel advice - Cyprus'

- Gov.uk 'Foreign travel advice - France'

- Gov.uk 'Foreign travel advice - South Africa'

- Gov.uk 'Foreign travel advice - New Zealand'