The UK government has issued crucial advice for Britons planning to travel to South America in the coming weeks and months.
New guidelines have been released this week for those journeying to Peru, Colombia, and Argentina. Whether you’re jetting off for a holiday or embarking on a backpacking adventure, it’s vital to stay informed about the latest guidance.
Indeed, the government has cautioned that your travel insurance could be rendered void if you disregard the advice provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Currently, the FCDO advises against all travel to Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia – and urges tourists to steer clear of several other areas.
Other places in the vicinity to avoid include Norte de Santander Department (including Cúcuta), Arauca Department (except the department capital, Arauca – and the municipality of Puerto Carreño in Vichada Department, excluding the department capital, Puerto Carreño.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also recommends avoiding all but essential travel to certain areas of central Colombia such as Guaviare Department, except for the department capital San José del Guaviare.
Cartagena del Chairá, San Vicente del Caguan, Puerto Rico, El Doncello, Paujil and La Montañita in Caquetá Department – and the Ariari region of southern Meta, apart from Caño Cristales, are all said to be no-go areas for tourists.
If you’re planning to visit the tourist hotspot of Caño Cristales, the FCDO advises only travelling by air from the town of La Macarena with a reputable tour company, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The FCDO has issued a warning to avoid certain areas in Columbia such as the Chocó Department, southern part of Bolívar Department, and the western part of Valle del Cauca Department, including Buenaventura.
It also advises against all but essential travel within 5km of the Ecuadorian border.
In addition, there are alerts about rising cases of yellow fever in Columbia, necessitating yellow fever vaccination certificates for travellers from high-risk countries.
Travel warnings have also been extended to Peru due to a State of Emergency in Lima and Callao regions until June 17.
The FCDO recommends avoiding all but essential travel to areas within 20km south of the Putumayo River and the Peru-Colombia border, excluding the Amazon River.
Ignoring this advice could invalidate your travel insurance.
But what constitutes essential travel?
The FCDO explains: “Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision.
“You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to.
“Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks.”
The Foreign Office assures that it continually reviews all travel advice “to make sure it reflects the current situation in that country or territory”.
However, FCDO warns that as situations can change rapidly, it is “unable to tell you how our advice may change in the future”.
The Foreign Office has also revised its advice for those planning to visit Argentina.
Tourists can enter Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days, but work or study requires adherence to the Argentine government’s entry stipulations.
For those travelling on business, clarifications have been made regarding visa requirements – if your trip involves anything other than tourism, such as work, it is advised to reach out to the Argentine Consulate in the UK for information on necessary visas or permits and the application process.