Live Travel Alerts from EssentialTravel.co.uk

We'll make sure you stay in the loop with all the latest travel alerts relating to strikes, health, travel documentation, natural disasters, political hotspots, closures, awards, and sports. We've also compiled a list of important contacts and links for your convenience.

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Latest Travel Advice:

07 February 2012

Maldives travel advice - Information and advice for British travellers currentl in the Maldives or planning a trip there after demonstrations have been reported.

06 February 2012

Philippines travel advice - Updated information for British nationals with regards to travelling to the Philippines with regards to safety and a high terrorism rating.

06 February 2012

Snow And Adverse Weather Advice - Advice for travellers as the Winter snaps and delays may be experienced due to adverse weather conditions.

30 January 2012

Spanair Ceases Trading - Updated information for holidaymakers who have made travel plans with Spanair for their flights. Advice for travellers already on their trips as well as advice for those who have trips planned in the future.

27 January 2012

Fiji Travel Advice - A state of emergency has been declared in the western parts of Fiji following devastating floods. Follow our advice and information for travellers.

25 January 2012

Merebeech Ltd Ceases Trading - Companies falling under parent company Merebeech Ltd, including: Take Me Too (Ski), Take Me Too (The River) and Phoenix Holidays has ceased trading.

Travel Advice By Section:

Africa

Libya Travel - The FCO still advises against all but essential travel to Libya as the country begins to rebuild. British Airways are set to resume flights to the country in May.

Nigeria Travel Advice - Recent civil unrest and dangerous areas for foreign nationals has seen many countries issuing travel restrictions for Nigeria.

Travel To Kenya - Following recent unrest in the Kenya/Somali border. Travel for westerners to the region is considered to be of high risk

Egyptian Travel Advice - Elections for the People's Assembly are set to begin today (28 November 2011). Travel advice for British nationals going to and already in Egypt.

FCO Amends Tunisia Travel Advice - The FCO has advised against all but essential travel to within 40km of the western border of Libya and Tunisia following shelling

Protests Spread Across North Africa - As protests spread across North Africa, the FCO warns against all but essential travel to Libya and Algeria. It also recommends that travellers to Morocco should exercise caution.

Explosion in Tanzania Closes International Airport - Following the explosion of an army ammunitions bunker in the Mbagala district of Dar es Salaam, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) reports that the international airport is closed to air traffic until further notice.

Piracy Warning in the Seychelles - FCO advice for leisure boats or yachts sailing within the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone.

Public Demonstrations in Kenya - The latest about public demonstrations ahead of the 4 August 2010 Kenyan constitutional referendum.

Shark Attacks in the Red Sea - Diving and water sports have been banned in the Sharm El Sheikh resort area following shark attacks in the Red Sea. See FCO advice.

Asia

Thailand Floods - The FCO has revised their advice against all travel to Thailand, many areas are now safe to visit.

Japan Tsunami - Typhoon Songda is expected to reach the coast of Okinawa and south Japan this weekend. Follow our alert for updates on travel restrictions and contact details.

Japan Tsunami - The FCO has changed their advice against non-essential travel to Japan, however still advise against travel to North East of Tokyo. If you must remain in Japan, please see the FCO's advice on what action you should take if radiation levels increase in any significant way.

Japan Earthquake Travel Insurance Advice - At 14:46 (05:46: GMT) on Friday 11 March, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 struck 250 miles (400km) from Tokyo. Advice on what your Essential Travel policy covers.

Protests in Bangkok - Updated information on travelling to Bangkok and Thailand following the latest protests.

Thailand And Cambodia Fighting - The FCO advises against all non-essential travel to the border area between Thailand and Cambodia. Find more information for British nationals here.

Tibet Travel Restrictions - Ahead of the third anniversary of riots in the region, Chinese government officials have announced travel restrictions to Tibet. See advice for travellers.

Severe Weather In The Gulf Of Thailand - Strong winds and rough seas are predicted in the Gulf of Thailand from 6 to 8 January. Travellers should exercise caution.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 - The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and England and Wales Cricket Board have issued advice for cricket fans travelling abroad to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka between 19 February and 2 April 2011.

Australasia (Oceania)

New Zealand Advice - Information for travellers who are already in or are going to New Zealand.

Floods Threaten The Great Barrier Reef - Dirty waters from the widespread Queensland floods are threatening corals and marine life, presenting a risk to The Great Barrier Reef. However, tourist spots on the reef will remain largely unaffected.

Floods Head For Brisbane - Parts of Brisbane prepare to evacuate as floods are expected to hit the city by Wednesday and intensify by Thursday.

Flood-hit Queensland Prepares for Evacuation - Northeastern Australia has experienced heavy monsoon rains, leading to preparation for evacuations. See local advice.

Ashes Tour To Australia - Advice for those joining the Barmy Army for the Ashes Tour to Australia.

England Ashes 2010 Dates - If you're following the English cricket team, please see England Ashes 2010 Dates for further tour information.

Europe

16 January 2012

Greek Strikes - The Greek Air Traffic Controllers union and Public Transport and Taxi drivers union have called official strikes.

Earthquake In Turkey - Updated information and advice following the events after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck the town of Simav

Iceland Volcano - Updated information and advice following the events after a volcano erupted in Iceland over the weekend. Follow this alert if travelling in Europe this week.

Updated information and advise from the FCO with for British nationals affected by the Spanish earthquake in Lorca on 11 May 2011

Greece Snow Storms - Severe snow and gale force winds have disrupted traffic across Greece. Please refer to the advice and information below.

Floods Hit North-Western Italy - Travel advice for travellers in the regions of north-western Tuscany and Veneto in northern Italy.

Flash Floods Hit France - Get the latest travel information and advice about the flash floods in France.

Moscow Domodedovo Airport Explosion - Travellers to Moscow are advised to check their flight status following the suicide bombing at Domodedovo Airport.

Italian General Strikes - Information for British travellers as Italian general strikes take place today.

Spain travel advice - Information for British travellers. Proposed strikes by Spanish Airport ground-staff has been called off.

British Consulate-General In Brussels Closed Due To Strike - Due to a general strike by public sector unions, the British Consulate-General in Brussels will be closed on 4 March. Please note that public transport in Brussels, including the metro, tram, and buses, are likely to come to a standstill..

Spanish Strike: Travel Insurance Advice - Information for Essential Travel policy holders about what cover you can expect from White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd for the expected airport workers strike.

Greek Air Traffic Controllers Strike - Air traffic controllers strike on 15 December is expected to disrupt flights across Greece. Passengers should contact their airline.

Spanish Air Traffic Controllers Strike - Information for Essential Travel policy holders about what cover you can expect from White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd, following the Spanish air traffic controllers strike on 3 December.

Portuguese Air Traffic Controllers Strike - Updated information on the 24 hour strike in Portugal.

France Travel Disruptions Continue - Get the latest information on the strikes affecting transport and other public services in France.

Greek Rail Services Near Standstill - Get the latest travel advice for passengers using public transport in Greece this week. There will be a change to schedules due to the railway strike.

French Air Traffic Controllers Strike - The latest information about the air traffic controllers strike for anyone flying in or out of France.

The European Gender Directive - See how the new gender directive issued in December 2008 affects travel insurance for pregnant women.

Germany E.coli Outbreak - Follow our travel alerts and advice for British nationals who have recently been or reside in Germany, with regards to the recent E.coli outbreak in Germany.

E111 and the European Health Insurance Card - The European Health Insurance card (EHIC) replaces the E111 form which becomes invalid from 31 st December 2005

Liverpool Play Steaua In Romania - Liverpool is playing Steaua Bucharest on 2 December 2010 in a UEFA Europa League match. The match will take place at the Steaua stadium in Bucharest, Romania and kick off is at 20:00 local time (18:00 UK time).

Arsenal Take On Braga In Portugal - Advice and information for football fans travelling to Portugal.

Middle East

Syria Protests - Following the suspension of membership from the Arab League, attacks on embassies and protests have increased in Syria.

Yemen Protests - We are strongly urging British nationals to leave Yemen as soon as possible via commercial means following the breakdown in negotiations with the president of Yemen and protesters.

Osama Bin Laden's Death - British Nationals Urged To Be Vigilant

Bahrain Protests - The FCO continues to advise against all travel to Bahrain until further notice and recommends that those without a pressing reason to remain leave as soon as possible. See the UK charter flight details.

Protests Spread Across The Middle East - As protests spread across the Middle East, the FCO warns against all but essential travel to Bahrain. It also warns against all travel to Yemen and some areas of Iran. Those without a pressing need to remain in Yemen, are advised to leave via commercial means as soon as possible.

Yemen Conflict - Advice and information on the situation in Yemen, in light of the kidnappings and attacks in the region.

Hajj Travel Advice - In anticipation of the annual pilgrimage undertaken by followers of the Islamic faith - please follow our advice for travellers before leaving for Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

North America

Hurricane Irene Travel Advice - Information for British travellers as Hurricane Irene makes headway into the Carribean and United States.

Cyclone Yasi Heads Towards Queensland Coast - Forced evacuations are underway as the Category 3 Cyclone Yasi approaches the Queensland coast. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone is predicted to directly hit Cairns early Thursday morning.

Snows Delay New York Air Travel Advice - John F Kennedy and Newark airports are temporarily closed this morning due to heavy snow on the USA's east coast. Travellers are advised to check their flight status.

Tropical Storm Tomas Threatens The Caribbean - Travel advice for travellers in the Caribbean who may be affected by Tropical Storm Tomas. See the FCO's advice.

Hurricane Alex Hits Gulf of Mexico - Read the FCO's advice for travellers regarding Hurricane Alex in the US Gulf coast.

Mexico Travel Advice - Following an outbreak of the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu), British travellers are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico.

South America

Mexico Travel Advice - Following an outbreak of the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu), British travellers are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Mexico.

Chilean Ash Clouds - Certain flights in the Southern Hemisphere have been affected by the Ash Cloud caused by a volcanic eruption in Chile. Follow our travel alert and advice to stay updated..

Chile Earthquake Travel Advice - See important information regarding the Earthquake in Chile.

United Kingdom

Heathrow and London City Airport Delays - Information for travellers who may be affected by flight cancellations and delays due to fog at Heathrow and London City Airport.

Gatwick Airport Express Floods - Updated information on travelling to Gatwick Airport by rail following flooding caused by a burst water main.

UK Airports Closed Due To Snow - Several UK airports are either closed or affected by adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow. Check the status of your airport here.

Public and Commercial Strikes in the UK have been confirmed to take place over a duration of 24 hours, beginning on 30 November 2011 through to 01 December 2011. Follow our travel alert to remain updated on events as they change.

Eurotunnel Strike Advice - French unions threatening to strike this bank weekend, will disrupt thousands of British traveller's bank weekend travel plans.

British Airways Strike News - The latest news update regarding BA strike action.

BA Strike Action Advice - See the latest important information regarding the BA strike action.

Closure Of Travel Companies

The Little Black Book Travel Agent Ceases Trading - Updated information for holidaymakers who have made travel plans with The Little Black Book Travel Agent Ceases Trading. Advice for travellers already on their trips as well as advice for those who have trips planned in the future.

Astonbury Limited (Skyjet And Skyjet Travel) Ceases Trading - Updated information for holidaymakers who have made travel plans with Astonbury Limited (Skyjet And Skyjet Travel). Advice for travellers already on their trips as well as advice for those who have trips planned in the future.

Holidays 4 UK Ltd has ceased trading - Updated information for holidaymakers who have made travel plans with Holidays 4 UK Ltd. Advice for travellers already on their trips as well as advice for those who have trips planned in the future.

Kiss Flights Ceases Trading - View the CAA's advice for any passengers booked to fly with Kiss Flights.

Goldtrail Goes Into Administration - An update about Goldtrail's collapse and advice for passengers.

Freedom Direct Update - See our travel advice following the news that Freedom Direct has gone into administration.

XL Leisure Group Update - EssentialTravel.co.uk offer advice for customers concerned about their airport parking and travel insurance bookings after the collapse of the XL Leisure Group.

Travel Documentation:

Travel Insurance For Adverse Weather Conditions - Find out more about White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd's policy on travel insurance for adverse weather conditions.

£9 Charge For ESTA Travel Entry Form - See the new ESTA fee structure which will be implemented from 9 September 2010.

Travel Insurance for Cuba - See the latest important information on Travel to Cuba and Travel Insurance.

Awards:

Essential Travel Scoop TravelMole Award - The latest information about Essential Travel's victory at the 2010 TravelMole Web Awards.

Stay Updated

Feel free to browse the links below for further updates, advice and information:

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