Foreign Office changes Saudi Arabia and Algeria advice
The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice to Saudi Arabia and Algeria, dropping its warning against non-essential travel to the countries.
The crucial change in the wording of its advice means tour operators will now be able to resume packages to the countries. The change follows the relaxation of advice to Bali, a more popular holiday destination than Saudi Arabia and Algeria. Bookings to the Indonesian resort are expected to soar in the coming months.
The new stance from the Foreign Office follows a thorough review of its travel advice, which concluded fewer warning should be issued.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told Parliament on June 22: “In future in the case of intelligence-based terrorist threats, the Gorvernment will advise against travel to a specific country only in situations of extreme and imminent danger.”
The Government added a threat would have to be sufficiently specific, large-scale or endemic to affect British nationals severely.
However, despite the changes, the Foreign Office warned the threat against western interests in Saudi Arabia and Algeria had not changed.
The advice for Saudi Arabia warned there is a high risk from terrorism and, following attacks in May and June 2004, the Foreign Office believes terrorists are planning further attacks. Westerners and places associated with Westerners will be targetted, it warned.
The Foreign Office advice for Algeria maintains there is a continuing threat from terrorism in Algeria and travellers planning a trip to the country should be very careful about personal security arrangements.
Crimes in Algeria against individuals, such as assaults and muggings, are on the increase in urban areas.
The Foreign Office urges all travellers to Saudia Arabia and Algeria to gain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before commencing their journey.
Foriegn Office travel advice can be obtained on 0870 6060290 or by consulting the website www.fco.gov.uk
Ginny McGrath
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