UK Foreign Office amends travel advice to Syria

"We have changed our travel advice for Syria. We are continuing to advise against all but essential travel to Syria but we are now also informing British Nationals already in the country to consider leaving by commercial means." A Foreign Office spokesperson said:   “In light of the deterioration in the security situation in Syria we have amended our Travel Advice to inform British Nationals that they should consider leaving Syria by commercial means. The safety of British Nationals is always our primary concern. At present there is relative freedom of movement with all major roads and airports remaining open and with commercial airlines still running scheduled services with capacity available: it should therefore be possible for British Nationals to leave if they choose to do so.”   Recent weeks have seen continued protests across Syria, along with violent clashes between the security forces and protestors.  Further protests are likely on Friday 22 April which could see renewed violent clashes.  As well as informing British nationals now to consider leaving, we also advise those in country to exercise caution and maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and on the roads, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.