FCO ‘to change advice procedures’

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is reportedly considering a change in the way it issues travel advice, following criticism from foreign Governments. According to the Financial Times, the FCO may even end the practice of telling travellers whether to visit certain countries, and officials are said to be considering whether it is better for travellers to make up their own minds based on detailed and accurate information. The FCO has recently been criticised by the Turkish government after it advised UK travellers not to visit specific cities following the bombings in Istanbul; the decision was seen as detrimental to the Turkish tourist industry. The FT reportedly states: “Officials are undecided as to whether the Government’s role of provider of travel advice should be changed. It is now considering providing an explanation of the political and security situations in a country, but refraining from telling UK citizens whether or not to travel.” A spokesman this morning told News From Abroad: “We continue to look at the best ways of giving advice to travellers, and we will make a suitable announcement if there are any changes in the way we operate.”