Foreign Office Urges UK Tourists in Greece to 'Stay Away' from Protests and Disruptions
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical warning for UK tourists currently in Greece, advising them to 'stay away' from mass demonstrations and anticipate severe disruptions to public services. This alert comes as tensions escalate globally, particularly in the Gulf region, where conflicts between the US and Iran threaten to cause travel chaos for holidaymakers in various destinations, including Dubai.
Specific Details of the FCDO Warning
According to the FCDO, mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services are scheduled across Greece on 28 February. These events mark the third anniversary of the 2023 Tempi Valley train collision in the Thessaly region of central Greece. The FCDO has explicitly stated that public transport will face serious disruptions and suspensions, with ferries and nationwide trains conducting a 24-hour strike. Tourists should expect significant cancellations and delays.
Additionally, public services, including hospitals, will experience widespread disruptions and may only handle emergency cases during this period. The FCDO has noted that Greek authorities have heightened security at prominent locations, such as tourist sites, due to ongoing events in Israel and Palestine. There is currently a heightened risk of protests, especially in central Athens.
Safety Advice for Travelers
The FCDO advises UK tourists to:
- Stay aware of their surroundings at all times.
- Avoid protests and large gatherings.
- Follow instructions from local authorities.
This warning is part of broader travel advisories issued amid global tensions. For instance, the US State Department recently ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave Bahrain and Jordan, and staff in Iraq to depart due to security concerns as Iran retaliates to US-Israeli strikes. These updates reflect increasing instability that could impact travelers worldwide.
