Latest news with #UKForeign
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Daily Record
Foreign Office warns holidaymakers common game kept in luggage could spell prison in Thailand
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to UK travellers regarding the strict gambling laws in Thailand - which could land Brits in prison for a seemingly innocent game The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Brits heading to Thailand, highlighting the severe penalties for seemingly innocuous activities such as carrying too many playing cards in their luggage. Placing bets on anything other than horse racing is entirely illegal in Thailand, with the only other form of legalised gambling in the popular destination being a national lottery. However, with illicit casinos and gambling dens long flouting the rules, the authorities take a dim view of anyone carrying more than two packs of cards. "Thailand has strict laws on gambling. Under the Playing Cards Act (1943) it is illegal to carry over one hundred and twenty playing cards. Violation of the Act could lead to prosecution, a fine, or even imprisonment," the FCDO cautions in its latest guidance. This is not the only simple rule that can trip Brits up abroad, with Thailand also having an extremely strict ban on the possession and sale of all vapes or e-cigarettes. In addition to these regulations, there are new entry requirements that British travellers need to be aware of before jetting off to the Southeast Asian nation. "From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive," the FCDO advises on its website. While UK nationals can visit Thailand for up to 60 days for tourism, business meetings, and certain work commitments without issue, the FCDO warns against overstaying your visa, as this could result in serious repercussions, reports the Mirror. "If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh," warns the government body. Travellers visiting Thailand must also adhere to other strict entry rules. The passport must have an 'expiry date' of at least six months beyond the arrival date and contain at least one blank page. Entry will be refused if a valid travel document is lacking or an attempt is made to use a passport that has been declared lost or stolen. Dual nationals are advised to leave Thailand using the same passport used for entry to avoid complications at immigration. A multiple-entry visa can also be obtained in advance for stays of up to 60 days. Since May, Thailand has reintroduced the requirement for tourist visa applicants to provide financial evidence. This requirement, which was briefly waived in November 2023 to encourage post-pandemic tourism, requires all applicants to prove they can support themselves during their visit. According to Thailand's official e-Visa website, applicants must now provide financial documents showing a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Valid documents include bank statements from the previous three months or a sponsorship letter if someone else is funding the trip.
Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office 'remember not to' alert to all UK holidaymakers
The FCDO wants Brits heading on holiday to 'be aware' The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to any Brits who may be counting down to a "big holiday". The government body, which protects UK citizens while abroad among many other tasks, regularly issues updates online. And in a new post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, the FCDO issued a warning to anyone planning to consume alcohol while abroad. The full post reads: "Heading for a big holiday abroad soon? Before you hit the bar: Remember not to leave your drinks unattended [and that] drinks abroad can have different alcohol measures." Text over an accompanying graphic adds: "Stick with your mates. Keep an eye on your drinks." Travellers are also pointed towards the FCDO's Travel Aware campaign, which is aimed at making sure holidaymakers "have the best possible travel abroad, help you stay safe and understand risks in different countries". Further advice found here adds: "Drinking abroad can be different to back in the UK. The quality of alcohol can vary, measures can be more generous, and tempting deals may lead to quicker intoxication than anticipated. Be aware that drink spiking can occur while on holiday. "Spiking is adding alcohol or drugs to someone's drink without them knowing. Spiking is commonly used to distract you from theft or impair you before an assault. Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers. This is the best strategy to prevent the possibility of your drink being spiked. "Consume water in-between alcoholic drinks. This will help pace you throughout the night and help keep you hydrated. Drink at your own pace. Everyone's tolerance to alcohol is different. Consider avoiding rounds or having a break from drinking alcohol if you are feeling uneasy."
Arab Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Rt Hon David Lammy MP's VISIT TO KUWAIT UNDERSCORES DEEP FRIENDSHIP AND FUTURE PARTNERSHIP
KUWAIT CITY, July 9: The United Kingdom's commitment to its longstanding friendship with the State of Kuwait was reaffirmed this week during an official visit by the UK S ecretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development affairs the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, who was honoured to meet with senior Kuwaiti leadership for the 2025 UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue. The UK Foreign Secretary was received by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al - Khaled Al - Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al - Ahmad Al - Sabah and Foreign Minister HE Abdullah Ali Al -Yahya. Discussions reflected the strength of the historic relationship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom that spans over 250 years and touched on a wide range of shared interests including regional affairs, defence cooperation, , trade and investment, and international development partnerships. As part of the visit, two MoUs were signed between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, on providing joint emergency humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations affected by conflicts in Somalia and Sudan. Both parties will provide a total contribution of five million dollars to support ICRC's humanitarian work in Somalia and a total of 10 million dollars to support UNICEF's work in sustaining vital primary healthcare, nutrition and child protection services in Sudan. These agreements represent an important step in continuing to build the UK-Kuwait international development partnership following the success of the first joint project in September 2024, which provided aid to Gaza and Yemen. The visit also included a meeting with H.E. the Minister of Finance & Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Noora Al - Fassam, where discussions focused on bilateral trade now totalling £6.1 billion per year & investment, advancements on UK – GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations and UK's interest in Kuwait's Vision 2035. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary visited the Commercial Bank of Kuwait to meet with Chairman Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al-Sabah and one of several British Kuwaiti joint venture businesses contributing to Kuwait's economic development - Kuwait British Renewables. The meeting underlined the UK's ongoing commitment to supporting private sector collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation between the two countries. A special meeting was also held with young Kuwaiti diplomats and professionals at Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al -Ahmad Al- Sabah. The Foreign Secretary commended their passion, talent and global outlook, and welcomed their role in shaping the future of Kuwait-UK relations The UK S ecretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development affairs - Rt Hon David Lammy MP, commented on the bilateral relationship stating: 'Kuwait and the United Kingdom have an enduring, close, deep friendship bounded by people-to-people and strong cultural links, a strong defence and security partnership, we've been trading for over 250 years and out first bilateral relations go back to 1899 of course supplemented by the relationship between our two royal families. I am in Kuwait to conduct a strategic dialogue, an important strategic dialogue that sets up the next era of our relations. There's more we can do on trade, and business, and investment, there's more that we can do on security and defence at this challenging time for global security and peace particularly here in the Middle East.' Reflecting on the visit, British Ambassador Belinda Lewis, stated: 'This visit marks another chapter in over 125 years of close friendship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom. It comes at a time of deepening cooperation across numerous sectors including trade, humanitarian development and cultural exchange. The British Embassy in Kuwait looks forward to building on the momentum of this important visit and continuing to work in partnership with Kuwaiti institutions for the benefit of both our peoples.' Head of ICRC GCC Regional Delegation, Mamadou Sow stated: 'This joint commitment by the Kuwait Fund and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office sends a strong signal of solidarity with the people of Somalia. With their support, we're able to deliver essential health and water services in areas where needs are urgent and often invisible. It's a testament to the power of principled humanitarian action and to the leadership of Kuwait and the UK in placing humanity at the heart of international cooperation.' UNICEF Gulf Area Office Representative, Eltayeb Adam noted: 'This generous joint contribution from the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and the Kuwait Fund comes at a critical time for children in Sudan. It is more than financial support; it is a lifeline. This partnership shows what's possible when long-standing partners unite with a shared purpose: to protect children's rights, restore essential services, and bring hope to those affected by crisis. UNICEF deeply values this growing humanitarian collaboration, which is helping build a more resilient future for Sudan's most vulnerable children.'
Business Insider
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
UK, US, South Sudan top list as Kenyan banks transport cash across borders
Kenyan commercial banks are increasingly transporting physical cash to foreign destinations, with the United Kingdom, United States, and South Sudan ranking as the top recipients. Kenyan commercial banks transport significant amounts of physical cash to foreign nations, with the UK and US among the top destinations. The UK accounted for 42% of cash shipments due to historical ties and established financial networks with Kenya. Prominent currencies transported include the US dollar, British pound, and euro, underscoring global financial connections. This trend was highlighted in the latest Survey on Cross-Border Movement of Cash, which revealed that 15 commercial banks representing 39.4% of all licensed banks in Kenya are engaged in cross-border cash shipments. The report, compiled by Kenyan financial authorities, underscores the scale and complexity of physical currency movements in and out of the country. According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), the primary reasons Kenyan banks transport physical cash across borders include the repatriation of foreign currency and the need to ensure operational efficiency by meeting the liquidity demands of their foreign subsidiaries. In a report released on Wednesday, July 2, CBK noted that the main source of the transported cash is customer deposits held across local branches. Additional sources include group subsidiaries, currency exchange agencies, and central banks of other countries, highlighting the diverse financial networks involved in cross-border cash movements as per UK leads as top destination for Kenya's cash outflow According to the report, the United Kingdom emerged as the leading destination for physical cash outflows from Kenya, accounting for 42% of the total. The United States followed with 15%, Switzerland with 12%, and Germany with 4%. The UK's central role in hosting foreign accounts for Kenyan banks, businesses, and government institutions is closely tied to the deep and historic ties between the two nations. According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the UK was Kenya's fifth-largest export destination in 2022 and remains the largest international investor in the country, accounting for 14% of Kenya's total stock of foreign liabilities. These enduring trade, financial, and diplomatic ties help position the UK as a key hub for Kenyan foreign accounts and currency repatriation. Regionally, South Sudan accounted for 15% of physical cash shipments, while the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) received 8%. The most commonly transported currencies were the US dollar, euro, and British pound, reflecting the global nature of Kenya's financial networks and the liquidity needs of its banks abroad. While the United Kingdom topped the list of destinations for Kenya's physical cash exports, the US dollar was the most frequently moved currency. This highlights the dollar's dominance in international finance and the UK's pivotal role as a global financial hub facilitating multi-currency operations. Kenyan regulators have emphasized that all such operations are carried out under strict compliance frameworks, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols.
Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Foreign Office warns 800,000 Brits risk ‘harsh' detention under new travel rules
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued travel advice for British passport holders heading to Thailand, where new visa rules came into force earlier this year The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has warned British travellers of new entry requirements for travel to Thailand. At the beginning of May this year, the Southeast Asian country, which welcomed in one million Brits during its pre-pandemic peak and around 800,000 annually now, introduced a new visa system for everyone without a Thai passport. "From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. Travellers can register for an arrival card within 3 days before they arrive," the FCDO explains on its website. UK passport holders are able to visit Thailand for a period of 60 days for the purpose of tourism, business engagements, and urgent or ad-hoc work. This visa category can be extended for another period not exceeding 30 days. However, those who overstay their visa are putting themselves in serious jeopardy, according to the FCDO. "If you overstay the period of your visa, you will get a fine of 500 Thai baht a day up to a maximum of 20,000 baht (£450). You risk being: held in detention, deported at your own expense, banned from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years. Conditions in detention centres can be harsh," the governmental organisation warns. There are other entry rules that you'll have to follow when travelling to Thailand. Your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least six months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. If you're a dual national, it is best to leave Thailand on the same passport you used to enter – this will avoid problems at immigration. You can also apply in advance for a multiple-entry visa for up to 60 days. As of May this year, Thailand has reinstated the requirement for tourist visa applicants to provide financial proof. This measure, which was temporarily suspended in November 2023 to give post-pandemic travel a boost, requires that all applicants demonstrate the ability to support themselves during their stay. According to Thailand's official e-Visa portal, applicants must now submit financial evidence showing a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht. Acceptable documents include bank statements from the last three months or a sponsorship letter if the trip is being financed by someone else. Earlier this year, a British man was arrested in Thailand after overstaying his 30-day visa by more than 25 years. The man, who is now 60 years old, arrived in Thailand on a short-term tourist visa on 9 January 2000, and then went on to evade Thai authorities for 25 years. Thai police said it was a 'record' visa overstay, beating the previous record of a Pakistani man who overstayed his visa by 10 years, according to AFP news agency.
