Foreign Office Indonesia travel warning as UK tourists told of urgent new rule
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UK tourists have been issued a warning from the Foreign Office over protests and demonstrations which can “happen anywhere” across the island. The Foreign Office has warned UK tourists heading out of the European Union for Sri Lanka.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned: “Protests and demonstrations can happen anywhere across the island at short notice, and can become violent. Security authorities may use water cannons and tear gas to control protesters.
“Large-scale protests in 2022 resulted in violence and loss of life. Movement around the island was difficult due to restrictions such as curfews and roadblocks.” The Foreign Office said: “Avoid demonstrations, political protests or large gatherings.
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“Monitor local media and sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.” The Foreign Office advised: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”
It also warned “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sri Lanka,” explaining: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals and tourists such as hotels, bars, restaurants and night clubs, beaches, tourist sites, places of worship or large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions.
“Avoid crowded public places. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. The current conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks.
“Terrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities, or the interests of Israel and its allies. Attacks could also be indiscriminate and occur without warning. On Easter Sunday in April 2019, more than 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in terrorist attacks against 3 churches and 3 hotels in Sri Lanka: in Colombo, Negombo and in Batticaloa.”
