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Terror Alert For Expats After Suicide Bombings

Expats in Nigeria have been put on alert after a spate of terrorist bombings and kidnaps.

On three days in a row this week, suicide bombers struck in different states.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth office announced that the threat from terrorism is running high in the country and red-zoned many areas for expats to stay away from.

“Attacks can literally happen anywhere although major towns and cities in the north of the country are most at risk,” said an FCO spokesman.

“The help we can give expats or tourists is limited and all but essential travel to some areas should be cancelled.”

Particular danger spots are public places such as religious gatherings, markets, public transport stops and petrol stations.

“Kidnap is also a risk, mainly for ransom,” said the spokesman. “Not only terrorists but criminal gangs are striking all over the country.”

Greece OK for tourism

Travel firms are telling holidaymakers that Greece is open for business as usual for tourism.

The Association of British Travel Agents has issued a statement urging holidaymakers not to be worried.

However Chancellor George Osborne warned in the House of Commons earlier this week that cash machines are emptying fast and travellers should take all the cash they think they need for their trip with them.

He also suggested anyone on medication should take supplies with them as well.

“We advise travellers should take out insurance when they book their trip,” said ABTA.

“Cash machines have no limits for tourists and shops, cafes and bars can all take card payments.”

Tunisia off limits

The British government has changed travel advice for Tunisia following the terror attack on Sousse beaches that left 38 people dead and many more wounded.

The FCO has advised no one to travel to the country unless they have essential business.

As a result, travel firms are rebooking trips or offering alternative destinations to holidaymakers.

“Anyone due to travel now should be aware that going to Tunisia is likely to invalidate travel insurance policies. Most insurance policies will cover for travellers already in the country,” said an ABTA spokesman.

Holidaymakers and expats in the country are advised to contact their travel provider to confirm arrangements for returning home.

The advice is for bookings over the next few days – anyone travelling later in the summer should wait and see if the FCO advice changes before they leave the UK.

Find latest travel warnings

  • To check out the latest British government worldwide travel warnings, go to the FCO web site and select a country
  • The US government also issues regular travel warnings online
  • For ABTA travel information, visit their web site

1 thought on “Terror Alert For Expats After Suicide Bombings”

  1. The US government should at least start issuing courtesy warnings to expats living in any country they’ve forced into signing a FATCA agreement with, especially unstable regimes. The US will have blood on its hands when foreign terrorists get the names and home and work addresses of as many as 8 million US expats by bribing or blackmailing underpaid, low-level bank employees. It’s only a matter of time.

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