MAPPED: The most dangerous countries in Europe this year – will your holiday be affected?

The most dangerous places in the world were recently revealed, with a number of destinations that many Britons may not think about visiting.

They included Syria, India and North Korea; countries not popular with tourists from the UK.

However with many planning their 2018 holiday, which countries in Europe may not be safe to travel to?

From political tensions to anti-tourist sentiment, a number of countries in Europe come with a warning from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for British holidaymakers.

Russia

In light of the recent Salisbury attack, the risk to British travellers in Russia has reached a new high.

Despite it not being the most popular tourist destination, it is hosting the World Cup 2018 meaning football fans will be flocking to the country this year.

FCO has recently updated their advice to warn that “due to heightened political tensions between the UK and Russia,” there is a chance of “anti-British sentiment or harassment”. There have been no reports as of yet for British travellers facing any difficulties, but have an advice section called “Be on the Ball” for football travellers.

Mark Colonnese, Director at Aquarium Software, travel insurer technologists, explained: “Fans should be on alert for potential anti-British sentiment and look to stay out of trouble.

“Falling foul of the law or being under the influence of alcohol can invalidate your insurance, so football fans need to exert extreme caution.”

Ukraine

Whilst Ukraine may also not be the number one choice for British travellers, it is one of the cheapest places in Europe with a night’s stay costing just £64.

However certain destinations such as Crimea, as well as Donetsk oblast and Luhansk oblast which border Russia are advised against all travel by FCO.

They cannot offer any consular service in these destinations meaning UK citizens would have no help if falling into trouble there. Political tensions remain high and warn that events in the country are “fast moving”.

Mr Colonnese reiterated: “Local laws vary markedly, and you should also swot up on whether activities seen as innocuous in the UK could land you in hot water and render your insurance invalid – for example taking photos in public places.”

Georgia

The country which borders Europe and Asia recently hit the news after a viral video of a ski lift malfunction injured twelve.

However the country regularly features as a beautiful holiday destination off the beaten track. Whilst most of the country is safe, there are a few destinations that travellers should be aware of.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia are advised against all travel, as the British government “doesn’t recognise the unilateral declarations of independence made by the de facto authorities,” meaning no diplomatic protection or support for British citizens.

A warning from Mr Colonnese also states that, similar to Ukraine, activities which seem commonplace could be breaking the law in the country, with the FCO also warning about entering with certain drugs that could face prosecution.

Spain

As the most popular destination for British travellers, many may not realise some of the risks that could face tourists in the country.

Despite a number of terrorist attacks throughout Europe also affecting Spain, with the Catalonia attacks last year which killed 13 people, anti-tourist marches also threaten the region.

Whilst the FCO has yet to update the warning regarding this particular problem, two of the anti-tourist groups have warned of an increase in protests this summer.

FCO currently warn again “confrontational demonstrations” as well as the risk of terrorist attack.

“Even traditional destinations closer to home in Europe, like Spain, can pose their own risks from both terrorism and civil unrest,” advises Mr Colonnese.

“It takes seconds to check the FCO website on where you are intending to visit and a call to your insurer will also make sure you have the cover you need should the unexpected happen.”