Published on
August 23, 2025
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an immediate travel warning for British nationals traveling to Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, and Portugal, due to heightened wildfire risks, drastic alterations to visa policies, and escalations in geopolitical tensions. These countries, and especially Greece and Turkey, renowned for their summer tourism, are grappling with intense environmental and legal challenges during the wildfire season. The summer months almost always guarantee wildfires. The FCDO, in addition to advising travelers and managing new complexities due to visa regulations, is now faced with added wildfire challenges. Here’s the information you need on these issues, country by country.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel advisory, cautioning British nationals traveling to Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, and Portugal. The advisory comes in response to a combination of wildfire risks during the peak summer season and significant changes to visa regulations across these popular travel destinations. While these countries have long been favored by tourists, this advisory urges travelers to exercise increased caution due to the escalating environmental and legal challenges. Here’s everything you need to know about these developments, country by country.
Turkey: Wildfire Risks and New Visa Regulations
Turkey has officially joined the list of countries facing increased scrutiny under the UK government’s travel advisory. The nation, which attracts millions of tourists each year, is currently experiencing heightened wildfire risks, particularly in its southern and western coastal regions. These areas are prone to fires during the summer months, with the combination of hot, dry conditions exacerbating the threat.
Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations
For UK travelers, Turkey’s visa regulations have undergone significant changes. As of the latest updates, British citizens must ensure their passports have at least 150 days of validity from their arrival date. This is a change from the previous rule that required 90 days of validity. Additionally, passports must have at least one blank page when entering Turkey, which is essential for border entry and exit stamps.
While the visa-free policy for stays of up to 90 days remains in place for business and tourism travelers, staying longer than the 90 days now requires a short-term residence permit, which must be applied for in advance.
Wildfire Risk
Turkey’s summer wildfires are a growing concern, with areas such as Antalya, Marmaris, and Bodrum frequently affected. The UK government’s advisory emphasizes the unpredictability of these fires, which can spread quickly and disrupt travel plans. Tourists are urged to stay updated on local news and follow any evacuation orders issued by Turkish authorities. Travelers are advised to avoid fire-prone areas and make sure their travel insurance covers potential emergencies caused by natural disasters like wildfires.
Greece
Greece is no stranger to wildfires, and this summer has brought more of the same, with the risk significantly increased due to prolonged heatwaves. The FCDO has updated its advisory to reflect this ongoing hazard.
Wildfire Risk
Greece is facing a high risk of wildfires, especially in rural and coastal areas, with the summer months being the most dangerous. Travelers are particularly urged to avoid forests, parks, and mountain regions, which are more susceptible to outbreaks. Major tourist destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Crete are also at risk, making it essential for visitors to stay informed about the current situation through local news sources.
As with Turkey, the UK government has highlighted the importance of following local authorities’ instructions, which may include road closures, evacuation procedures, and other safety measures. Those visiting Greece in the summer should be prepared to adapt their plans if needed.
Visa and Passport Requirements
For UK citizens traveling to Greece, the country remains part of the Schengen Area, which means the visa rules for Greece are consistent with the wider Schengen Zone. British travelers can stay in Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without the need for a visa for tourism, business, or family visits.
However, it is critical to ensure that your passport meets the Schengen entry requirements. This includes ensuring your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Greece and has been issued within the last 10 years. The FCDO has also recommended that travelers check with their airlines or travel providers to ensure their travel documents meet these requirements before departure.
Spain
Spain, a popular destination for sun-seeking tourists, is facing similar challenges as Greece and Turkey with its annual wildfire season. The government has updated travel advisories due to the increasing frequency and severity of these fires, along with the application of Schengen visa rules that travelers need to comply with.
Wildfire Hazards
The risk of wildfires in Spain is particularly high in southern regions such as Andalusia and along the Mediterranean coast. These fires can be catastrophic, not only destroying wildlife but also endangering human lives and infrastructure. The FCDO advises British travelers to take caution when traveling to these areas, especially between April and October, when the conditions for wildfires are most favorable.
Travelers are urged to keep track of the fire risk index in their travel locations and make plans to evacuate if local authorities issue warnings or evacuation orders. Spain’s emergency services are trained to respond quickly, but tourists must always have a safety plan in place, including knowing the locations of emergency shelters and evacuation routes.
Visa and Passport Requirements
Spain’s entry requirements for British citizens follow the Schengen Area rules. This means UK nationals can visit Spain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism, business, or cultural purposes. However, those planning to stay longer will need to apply for a national visa through the Spanish authorities.
As with Greece, travelers must ensure that their passports are valid for at least 3 months after their planned departure date and that they meet the Schengen guidelines for entry.
France
France, another top European destination, also faces the challenge of wildfires during its summer months, coupled with stringent visa requirements for travelers from the UK.
Wildfire Risks in France
France is experiencing an increase in the frequency of wildfires, particularly in southern regions such as Provence and Corsica. These areas are highly susceptible to fires due to their dry, hot conditions, which make them more vulnerable to sudden outbreaks.
Tourists in France are advised to stay up to date on fire risks by checking the French national weather service or local authorities for fire warnings. The government may close roads and evacuate areas, and travelers should always be prepared to alter their plans as needed.
Visa and Passport Requirements
As part of the Schengen Area, France’s entry requirements align with other member countries. British nationals can visit France for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for a visa. However, as with Spain and Greece, UK travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond their planned departure date.
If staying longer than 90 days, travelers must apply for a national visa for France. It’s also crucial to carry proof of sufficient funds, return travel plans, and travel insurance when entering France, as border control officers may ask for this documentation.
Portugal
Portugal, famous for its sunny beaches and vibrant cities, also finds itself under scrutiny with wildfires and changes to visa rules for UK travelers.
Wildfire Risk in Portugal
Like its neighbors, Portugal faces significant risks from wildfires during the summer months. The risk of fires is especially high in Madeira, the Azores, and southern Portugal. Wildfires in these areas are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, endangering both wildlife and human life.
The Portuguese authorities may close roads, restrict access to certain areas, and evacuate people from high-risk zones. Tourists are advised to follow local safety guidelines, avoid affected areas, and be prepared for changes to their itinerary if necessary.
Visa and Passport Requirements
Portugal follows the same Schengen Area visa requirements as Spain and Greece. UK nationals can travel to Portugal for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without requiring a visa for tourism or business purposes.
As with other Schengen countries, it’s essential for British travelers to ensure their passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond their planned date of departure and issued within the last 10 years. Longer stays will require applying for a national visa with the Portuguese authorities.
The UK government’s urgent travel advisory for Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, and Portugal highlights the increasing risks posed by wildfires and the recent changes to visa requirements. Travelers are strongly encouraged to stay informed about the fire risks in their chosen destinations, comply with updated visa regulations, and ensure their travel documents are in order before departure.
Travelers are also advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for potential emergencies caused by natural disasters like wildfires. Keeping an emergency kit and knowing local emergency contact numbers can make a difference in ensuring your safety during these uncertain times.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel advisory, cautioning British nationals traveling to Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, and Portugal due to escalating wildfire risks and significant changes to visa regulations. These combined factors have prompted the UK government to urge travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting these popular destinations.
Turkey joins Portugal, Greece, France, and Spain as the UK issues a new travel advisory, citing wildfire hazards and political instability now affecting these destinations. The advisory highlights the risk of disruption, stricter safety measures, and changing conditions that travellers must consider before planning their trips.
By taking these precautions, British travelers can continue to enjoy the beauty and charm of these popular European destinations while minimizing risks and staying safe amid these environmental and regulatory changes. Stay updated, follow the advice of local authorities, and have a backup plan in case of unforeseen circumstances.
