Several countries have issued travel warnings for citizens planning to visit the UK as far-right riots continue in parts of the country.
India is the latest nation to urge its citizens in the UK to remain “vigilant”, saying it is closely monitoring the situation.
India's High Commission released a travel warning on social media saying: “Visitors from India are advised to stay vigilant and exercise due caution while traveling in the UK.”
The statement also advises Indian nationals to follow local advisories, avoid areas with rioting, and contact the High Commission in case of emergency.
During the summer, the UK typically welcomes millions of tourists from around the world to enjoy its sights and contribute to its tourism industry. However, the current situation may deter some visitors.
Several other countries have also issued travel warnings for the UK as pockets of British far-right extremists continue to terrorise towns around the country.
Racist thugs have vandalised shops, targeted people of colour, and set alight hotels housing asylum seekers in a shocking display of violence.
At least 30 far-right demonstrations have been planned for Wednesday, August 7 and 6,000 riot police are on standby to be deployed as a result.
More than 400 people have been arrested so far, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowing to protect the nation from further violence and bring those responsible to account.
Here is how the rest of the world is responding.
Australia
Australians have been told to exercise “a high degree of caution” in the UK in response to the violent anti-Muslim riots.
Officials urged citizens to “avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also spoke out about the ongoing riots, saying: “When I look at what has occurred — the vision in the United Kingdom in recent days — it breaks your heart to see that anger which is there from so many people.”
India
After the High Commission’s social media post, Indians have expressed their support for those in the UK and urged everyone to remain safe.
Advisory for Indian Citizens visiting the UK.@VDoraiswami @sujitjoyghosh @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/i2iwQ7E3Og
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) August 6, 2024
Indonesia
The world’s fourth most populated country Indonesia has also warned its citizens following the ongoing riots.
The country’s embassy shared an update on social media that encouraged Indonesian nationals to remain vigilant when travelling or being outdoors.
The statement, translated from Indonesian, also told people to avoid crowds in places where protests may occur.
Kenya
Kenyan officials have urged citizens to register with the High Commission if they live in or visit the UK.
The Kenyan High Commission shared its contact details online to help citizens stay up-to-date with the latest guidance.
“Kenyans residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, and should remain vigilant,” the official travel advice reads.
Malaysia
Malaysia was the first country to release a warning for its citizens regarding the UK riots.
"Malaysians residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant, and follow the latest updates and guidance provided by local authorities,” officials said.
The Southeast Asian country urged all Malaysians visiting or residing in the country to register their presence with the High Commission
Nigeria
— Nigeria High Commission London (@NigeriaHCLondon) August 5, 2024
Nigerian officials released a statement on August 5 in response to the UK demonstrations.
Branding the riots “violent and disorderly,” the statement warned that further incidents may spread across the country and the Nigerian community should remain vigilant.
Like the other embassies, Nigerian nationals are encouraged to contact their High Commission in the case of an emergency.
UAE
Home to holiday hotspots Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also issued safety guidance for its citizens.
Representatives for the Gulf state issued a statement in English and Arabic that stressed the “unstable security situation in various cities across the UK". They also encouraged citizens to avoid crowded areas.
— UAE Embassy UK (@UAEEmbassyUK) August 5, 2024
What have other countries said about visiting the UK?
Officials from countries worldwide are monitoring the continuing riots in the UK.
While other countries (aside from the above) had not yet issued travel warnings at the time of writing, some have updated guidance.
The Canadian travel advice website and New Zealand’s SafeTravel site urge travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the UK.
