UK tourists told to avoid 'exclusion zone' after Foreign Office issues 'do not travel' warning

UK holidaymakers have been warned against travelling to certain parts of Indonesia as a new 'exclusion zone' has been established. The British Foreign Office expanded its 'do not travel' list in a travel update issued on Wednesday, November 6.

The Foreign Office had already cautioned against all travel to several Indonesian regions due to safety concerns. These include all areas within 5km of the Mount Sinabung crater in Karo Regency, North Sumatra.

Tourists are also advised against visiting areas within 3km of the Mount Marapi crater in West Sumatra, or within 5km of the Mount Semeru crater in Lumajang Regency, East Java. Travellers should also steer clear of the south-east area of Mount Semeru along the Besuk Kobokan river, which is approximately 13km from the crater, and 500m from any Besuk Kobokan riverbank.

An exclusion zone remains near Mount Ruang in Northern Sulawesi, which erupted on April 16 this year. UK tourists have been instructed not to travel within 7km of the crater.

Areas within 7km of the Mount Ibu crater have also been designated as no-go zones following an eruption on June 6. In its most recent travel update, the Foreign Office added the areas surrounding Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara to its 'no travel' list, reports Birmingham Live.

The warning states: " FCDO advises against all travel to within 7km of the crater of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province."

"This is an exclusion zone put in place by the local authorities. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on November 3, 2024."

The Foreign Office has issued advice against travel to certain areas to aid Brits in making informed decisions when travelling abroad. Annually, the government assists tens of thousands of UK citizens who encounter difficulties overseas, but it suggests that many of these situations could have been prevented.

'All travel' warnings may be issued due to heightened terrorism risks or if officials believe UK tourists are in 'extreme or imminent danger'. While the Foreign Office's travel advice is not enforceable, ignoring it could potentially invalidate a person's travel insurance.