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Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
Welsh tourist who died after falling from hotel balcony in Malta named by police
Welsh tourist who died after falling from hotel balcony in Malta named by police Kieran Thomas Hughes died after the fall in the early hours of Friday morning The 25-year-old man died after falling from a balcony in St Julian's, Malta Police in Malta have named the Welsh man who tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony on the holiday island. Local media reported that a British tourist died in the early hours of Friday, July 11, after the fall in St Julian's, a popular holiday spot on the Mediterranean island. He has been named as 25-year-old Kieran Thomas Hughes who was born in Bangor. Medics were called to the scene on Triq Spinola at around 4.15am but it is understood that Mr Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene. A spokesman for the Foreign Office confirmed they were in contact with local authorities regarding the death. Messages of support for Mr Hughes' family and friends were issued after it was reported that the man who died was from Gwynedd. Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said: "Heartbreaking news. My heart goes out to the young man's family at this extremely difficult time." Article continues below Senedd member Sian Gwenllian added: "News of the death of a 25-year-old from Gwynedd in Malta is truly devastating. The pain his family must be experiencing is unimaginable. "My thoughts, and those of the people of Gwynedd, are with the family in their grief." A Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office spokesman said: 'We are in contact with the local authorities regarding the death of a British man in Malta.' Article continues below Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow travellers heading to popular country warned
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) said terrorist attacks 'cannot be ruled out' in Cyprus, The Express reports. A spokesperson for the FCDO told the newspaper: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. "Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out. "Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals." READ MORE: Glasgow Airport's security warned travellers to 'be prepared' READ MORE: Glasgow travellers heading to Spain and Greece warned Meanwhile, 'ongoing hostilities' between Israel and Iran could trigger escalation and impact the wider region, including Cyprus, it is claimed. While Cyprus is not involved in the conflict, it is located close to the tensioners with Ayia Napa just 145 miles away from Israel. A FCDO spokesperson added: "Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region." While the FCDO has issued a warning to Brits travelling to Cyprus, it has not warned against travel to the country.
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Turkey travel alert issued by Foreign Office as tensions flare
The Mediterranean destination is loved by UK holidaymakers, and in 2024, Turkey welcomed over four million Brits. However, conflict in the region has led the UK Foreign Office to issue a travel warning A travel warning has been issued for certain holidaymakers heading to Turkey. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a revised travel advisory for Turkey, a popular destination among UK tourists, with over four million Brits visiting in 2024. The FCDO, responsible for providing crucial guidance to British holidaymakers, has released an alert for some of those planning a trip to the country. The update is specifically regarding those planning to travel close to or over the Turkish border with Iran. "If you are a British national wanting to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you will need to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative," the updated advisory, issued on Friday, June 20, states. READ MORE: Tourists could be banned from Spanish beaches locals warn have become 'theme parks' "You will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). This is required by the Turkish authorities. The usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk. "In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you." This advisory comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran issuing a warning to the UK, France, and the US against interference. The situation has intensified following a US attack on Iranian nuclear sites, reports the Express. The Foreign Office has issued warnings against all travel to certain areas of Turkey, highlighting a strict no-go zone within 10km of the Syrian border due to ongoing conflict and an increased threat of terrorism. It further advised: "In Hakkari province [south east Turkey], you must get permission from the local Governor's Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities." For those wishing to visit Mount Ararat in Agri Province, which is designated as a special military zone, it is necessary to obtain permission from the Dogubayazit Government office and pay a fee. The Foreign Office urges Brits travelling with a travel agent or tour group to double-check if they need their own permit. Travellers are reminded to exercise "extra care" when visiting these regions, stay informed through local news outlets, and heed any guidance given by local officials.
North Wales Live
23-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Turkey travel warning issued as Foreign Office updates advice - What you need to know
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has recently updated its travel advice for Turkey, a popular Mediterranean destination for UK holidaymakers that welcomed over four million Brits in 2024. The FCDO, which provides essential information to British tourists, has issued an alert for those planning to visit Turkey. The update, made on Friday, June 20, states: "If you are a British national wanting to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you will need to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative. "You will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). This is required by the Turkish authorities. "The usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk. "In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you", reports the Express. It comes as a result of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, with Iran issuing a warning to the UK, France and the US if the countries get involved. The US has now attacked nuclear sites in Iran. The Foreign Office also advises against all travel to some parts of Turkey. It states that Brits should not travel within 10km of the border with Syria "due to fighting and an heightened risk of terrorism". It added: "In Hakkari province [south east Turkey], you must get permission from the local Governor's Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities." Mount Ararat, which is a special military zone in Agri Province, requires permission from the Dogubayazit Government office and a fee being paid. Brits travelling with a travel agent or tour group are urged to confirm with them whether an individual permit is required. It is vital that "extra care" is taken if travelling to the area, as well as remaining updated by the local media and following the advice from local authorities.
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Beautiful' Med country looks just like Greece but FCDO warns against visiting
A stunning Mediterranean country featuring golden sand, beach clubs, and ubiquitous history is 'redesigning' the way it approaches tourism following an explosive conflict Boasting 139 miles of pristine Mediterranean coastline, luxury holiday resorts, and 32C temperatures - this 'beautiful' country could easily be mistaken for Greece. Last year, a staggering 1.31 million tourists flocked to Lebanon, lured in by the country's ancient ruins, golden sandy beaches, and stunning architecture. The influx marks a 32.1 per cent decrease in visitor numbers compared to 2023, which can largely be attributed to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. However, after a ceasefire came into force on November 27, 2024, Lebanon has been grappling to restore its image as a holiday destination. Laura Lahoud, the country's Minister of Tourism, says Lebanon is entering a 'new chapter' - adding: "We are redesigning the tourism journey to meet modern expectations. This includes higher hospitality standards and consistent, transparent pricing. For Gulf visitors in particular, we are encouraging medical, wellness, and cultural offerings that reflect their current expectations, grounded in authenticity, not nostalgia." On March 27, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice for Lebanon - removing the strict warning to avoid travelling to the entire country. Now, the body advises against all travel to areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate - including the following neighbourhoods: Tariq el Jdideh Bir Hassan (excluding the Rafiq Hariri Hospital and the Ministry of Public Health) Ghobeiry Chiayah (south of the Rizkallah Semaan Road and west of (but not including) the Old Saida Road) Haret Hraik Burj Al Barajneh Mraije Laylake The FCDO's map also shows long stretchers of the country that have an 'advise against all but essential travel' includes spots such as Jezzine, Zgharta, Bcharre, Sidon, and Kfaroue. However, much of the coastline has now turned green - which means tourists can visit but should check the FCDO's advice before travelling. Under its 'Safety and Security' page, the FCDO highlights multiple risks tourists should consider if visiting the country, including potential terrorist attacks, crime, drug smuggling, and sexual assault. "The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning 'every sexual act against nature'," the FCDO adds. "Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same-sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year." Despite the barrage of warnings, travel enthusiasts are still flocking to the country - desperate to show its more luxurious side. Last year, TikTok account Wanderlust Family shared a video of their trip to Lebanon, comparing it to the insatiably popular country of Greece. "Be honest, how many of you thought Lebanon was so beautiful?" the account wrote. "The news gives you a whole wrong picture of this beautiful country! The Lebanese love to party and if you're travelling to Lebanon, you absolutely have to visit a beach club." Hundreds of viewers flocked to the comments section to hail Lebanon's beauty, with one user writing: "Even as a Greek, I can easily say Lebanon has the most beautiful people and the best food. I can't wait to go back." Another said: "I literally want to go so bad," while a third added: "Wow, so beautiful."
