UK clarifies Pakistan not included in ‘dangerous countries’ list

Following reports of Pakistan being declared ‘too dangerous for tourism by the UK, the British High Commission has refuted these claims, stating that their government has not issued any such travel advisory for the South Asian country.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom updated its travel advisory list to include eight more countries considered to be 'extremely dangerous' for tourism and advised its citizens against visiting them.

According to sources, the British Foreign Office added Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, Belarus and Palestine to its list of high-risk destinations.

News reports also mentioned the ‘banned’ countries on the list include Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan.

Speaking to a local newspaper, British officials clarified that travel to Pakistan for British citizens has not been banned. They confirmed there are no 'red list' or 'black list' categories restricting travel to the country.

According to the British High Commission, each country issues its own travel advisories. The UK has similar advisories for its citizens traveling to both India and Pakistan, warning against travel to troubled regions.

The UK's travel advisory for Pakistan advises against venturing within 10 miles of the borders with Afghanistan and the Line of Control. It similarly discourages travel to disputed areas in India including Kashmir and Manipur.

Due to security risks, British citizens are also advised to avoid several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, including Bajaur, Bannu, Buner, Charsadda, D.I. Khan, Khyber, Kohat, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Orakzai, Peshawar, Swat, Tank, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Gwadar.