Britons planning on going abroad should always consult the UK Government’s travel advice beforehand.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recently issued new information to holidaymakers about popular tourist hotspots Greece and France.
Greece
The FCDO shared information on what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Flooding
Britons were warned: “Adverse weather conditions, including floods, are affecting some regions. The situation can change quickly. Follow ‘112 Greece’ on Twitter for official updates.”
Greece is a popular holiday destination, loved for its delicious cuisine, beautiful landscapes and idyllic beaches
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Wildfires
The FCDO said: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.
“To avoid starting wildfires, leave no litter – especially not glass which is known to start fires – make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished, and do not light barbecues.
“Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.”
Holidaymakers who are in or near an area affected by wildfires should follow @112Greece for official updates, follow the guidance of the emergency services, call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger, and contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK.
Britons were advised: “Register for alerts from the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service (in Greek).
“For iPhones go to Settings > Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option at the bottom.
“For Android 11 and higher go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts.
“For Samsung devices go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the ‘Emergency Alerts’ option.
“For further information, see Greece’s Civil Protection website (in Greek).”
Earthquakes
Britons in Greece were told: “There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake, follow advice given by the local authorities, and call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.”
France
The FCDO shared new information on visiting France for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Britons were told: “The 2024 Olympic Games will take place between 26 July and 11 August and the 2024 Paralympic Games between 28 August and 8 September in France.
“If you are travelling to attend, read our full France travel advice and sign up to get email updates, visit the official Paris 2024 and Paris Tourist Board websites for the latest Olympic and Paralympic Games information while you are in France, and keep your personal belongings and valuables safe.” If your passport is lost or stolen, consult the FCDO’s Getting Help advice.
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More than 15 million tourists are expected to descend on Paris during the Olympic Games
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Visa and entry requirements
The FCDO said: “Make sure to check the entry requirements for France, especially the information on passport validity and visa-free travel for visits within the 90-day limit.”
Travel insurance
Holidaymakers were told: “Before travelling, you should make sure that you have a travel insurance policy that will cover you for your trip and any planned activities.”
Health insurance
Britons were advised: “Make sure you have appropriate health cover abroad before travelling.
“Check TravelHealthPro’s Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2024 guidance.”
Safety at the Olympics and Paralympics
The FCDO said: “Read our guidance about staying safe and secure whilst in France, including additional information about respecting local laws and cultural differences.”
Olympics and Paralympics tickets
Britons were told: “Detailed information about Olympic and Paralympic Games tickets is available, in English, on the Paris 2024 Official Ticketing website.
“You should only buy tickets from the official provider. Tickets will usually be digital, and you should download them from the official website. Make sure you charge your phone and take into account potential roaming charges in France – check with your provider before you travel.”
Entry to venues
The FCDO said: “Entry restrictions may be different for each stadium. Check the Paris 2024 Olympic Venues Guide for more information.
“You are allowed to carry a small power bank so that you have enough power on your phone to show your ticket. Make sure you have a valid form of ID with you.”
Transport to the event
The UK Goverment explained that “transport routes around Paris and other venues will be busy during the Olympics and Paralympics”.
The FCDO said: “Airports and mainline train stations will also be busier than usual. Local authorities may ask you to enter or leave venues using specific routes. Make sure you plan your journey, and leave plenty of time to reach your destination.
“More information on travel in Paris, and other locations in France during the Games, is available, in English, on the Paris Tourist Board and Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) websites.”