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Terrorist attacks have been prevalent in the news this year
July 13, 2017 – 09:01 am
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Countries brits should now avoidGETTY

The once safe countries that Brits should now avoid

Once-popular destinations - like Turkey and Tunisia - have become places to avoid.

Despite this worrying trend, figures show more and more Brits are heading abroad for summer holidays, mini-breaks and stag dos.

Express.co.uk reveals the places to avoid when deciding on your next holiday destination.

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Turkey

Turkey’s tourism industry was booming before recent terror atrocities. Brits flooded the country to see its museums, palaces, mosques all rich with culture and heritage.

But the recent terror attacks, especially along the border with Syria, have made the country unsafe.

The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) is advising against all but essential travel to places along the border and the threat from terrorism remains high.

Tunisia

Holiday destinations to avoidTunisia had started to become a hotspot, with many Brits being drawn to the country for its sandy resorts, culture and stunning scenery.

But it is now one of the destinations to avoid after a series of shootings and attacks since June 2015.

The country is also in a state of emergency and the FCO currently advise against all travel to Tunisia.

Countries most affected by terrorism in 2016

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Countries most affected by terrorist attacks in 2016

In August there were multiple explosions at tourist resorts in Phuket, Thailand

Thailand

Thailand is a popular choice for backpackers or those wanting a stopover on a longer vacation. The full moon party draws many young Brits to the country as well as the various parks, temples and safaris.

Although the country remains a popular destination, Thailand remains a place where there is a risk of Zika virus transmission.

In August this year, there multiple explosions in areas highly populated by tourists, including resorts in Phuket and local authorities at the time urged visitors to avoid the area. The terrorism threat in Thailand remains high and the FCO has said: “Further incidents are possible in these and other areas.”

istanbulThe country is also in an official period of mourning until October 2017 following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Egypt

The Egyptian pyramids, Giza, temples and the country’s incredible history put Egypt on the tourist map. For years visitors headed to the country, to one of its many resorts which offered stunning views and activities.

But frequent attacks and the high risk of terror has made much of Egypt a dangerous place for Brits to visit.

Flights to Sharm el Sheikh, which was popular amongst scuba divers, remain banned after a commercial flight to Russia was allegedly bombed by terrorists in October 2015. The attack killed all 244 people on-board and the ban on flights came in as experts believed the bomb had been smuggled through on a flight between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh.

The ancient pyramid, Giza and Egypt's incredible history made the country a popular holiday spot

Greece

Every year hundreds of Brits head to Greece for a bit sun, sea and sand.

And whilst the the islands still remain safe, mainland Greece has become less so.

Early in November, a grenade was thrown outside the French Embassy in Athens by two passersby on a motorbike. The FCO reported that no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

However, a spokesperson for the Embassy of Greece said: "Greece is a safe country. This is demonstrated by the official data of the Greek Police on low homicide rates, as well as the FCO’s travel advice for Greece, which does not suggest British citizens should avoid travelling there or indeed take any extra precautions.

"In fact, the FCO simply note that travellers should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK."

Colombia

Colombia is known for some beautiful scenes and architecture and has attracted many visitors to its vicinity.

The FCO advises against all travel to certain areas and only essential travel to other areas. It also warns that “social protests are common in Colombia and can become violent”.

In November a grenade was thrown in Athens outside the French Embassy

Keep up to date on any changes using these steps every week and in the days before you go on holiday

Travel expert Frank Brehany, Consumer Director of HolidayTravelWatch offers advice for Brits who are still considering going to these countries.

He said: “Keep up to date on any changes using these steps every week and in the days before you go on holiday.

“Have you discovered anything that gives you concern? How does it affect your score-card of risk?

“If you are worried, gather your evidence and present it to the UK Foreign Office, your Travel Provider and your insurance provider to ensure your cover continues. Ask them for written comment and confirmation of any issues.

phuket thailand Egypt
Source: www.express.co.uk
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