British travellers overseas urged to return to the UK

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) urged all British travellers and tourists who are currently abroad to return home now. It warned that international travel is becoming more difficult by the day, with airports and borders closing, airlines suspending flights, countries imposing exit bans, and other mounting restrictions.

The FCO said that some British tourists abroad are already finding it difficult to return to the UK because of the lack of flights.

This announcement comes exactly a week after the FCO advised against all but essential overseas travel from the UK, initially for a 30-day period.

It's worth noting that this guidance is aimed at British people who are travelling abroad, rather than those who live overseas. If you live abroad, you should follow the guidance of the country that you live in.

See our Coronavirus Travel Rights story for full information.

I'm abroad now – what should I do?

The full guidance from the UK Government reads: "If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you're strongly advised to return now, while there are still commercial routes available. Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving."

The FCO says to follow two key points:

1. Contact your airline or travel company now.

2. Keep up-to-date with its travel advice pages. It is updating information on returning from the country you're in as quickly as it can.

What does the Government say?

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "We are strongly urging UK travellers overseas to return home now where and while there are still commercial routes to do so. Around the world, more airlines are suspending flights and more airports are closing, some without any notice.

"Where commercial routes don't exist, our staff are working round the clock to give advice and support to UK nationals. If you are on holiday abroad, the time to come home is now while you still can."