Foreign Office warns of attacks as British tourists are 'at risk' | Travel News | Travel

The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel warning for Britons travelling to a popular tourist destination, warning that “attacks can happen at any time” – and that they are at risk.

Kenya is becoming increasingly popular with British holidaymakers because of its safari adventures and white sandy beaches, but the British Foreign Office has issued a warning message from the US Embassy in Kenya.

It states that there is an increased risk of terrorism this month and next. Three dates in particular were highlighted as being particularly high-risk – but the warning stressed that attacks could occur at any time.

The State Department said: “The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi reminds U.S. citizens in Kenya that they should exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping. Locations frequently visited by U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be terrorist targets.”

“Terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, shopping malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.

“Attacks can happen at any time, but concerns are heightened as we approach the anniversaries of previous terrorist attacks, such as September 11, the Westgate Mall attack on September 21, and the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.”

In addition, there are disruptions due to ongoing strikes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, reports Birmingham Live, affecting flights and access to and from the airport.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline for flight information, the State Department added. The State Department has also issued a stark warning on its insurance page.

It states: “Due to the threat posed by terrorist groups based in Somalia, the FCDO advises against all non-essential travel within 60 kilometres of the Kenya-Somalia border.”

The affected areas include eastern Garissa County, up to 20 km northwest of the A3, including the Boni National Reserve, Mandera County (excluding Mandera West sub-county) and Lamu County (excluding Lamu and Manda islands).

Also mentioned are the Tana River County north of the Tana River, up to 20 km northwest of the A3 and within 15 km of the east coast between the Tana River and the Galana River (Athi-Galana-Sabaki).