UK updates wildfire travel advice for five European hotspots

Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for five European countries in response to escalating wildfire risk, as heat-fuelled blazes continue to disrupt holidays and strain emergency services across the continent.

Heightened alerts as Europe endures severe wildfire season

Across Europe, prolonged heat and drought have led to one of the most intense wildfire seasons in recent years, with major incidents reported in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Greece. Published coverage from European monitoring agencies indicates that hundreds of thousands of acres of forest and scrubland have already burned in 2026, with evacuations, transport disruption and poor air quality affecting both residents and visitors.

Climate monitoring bodies describe a pattern of hotter, drier summers that is expanding traditional fire seasons and pushing high-risk conditions further north and east. Forecasts for August signal temperatures remaining above seasonal norms across much of the Mediterranean and southeastern Europe, increasing the likelihood of further large fires and rapidly changing local conditions.

Against this backdrop, the FCDO has adjusted and reiterated parts of its safety and security guidance for several popular holiday destinations. The updates focus on the potential for fast-moving wildfires, the impact on local infrastructure and the need for travelers to follow the instructions of local emergency services when alerts are issued.

Spain and Portugal: peak-season fire danger on Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts

Spain and Portugal remain at the center of the current wildfire emergency, with national meteorological agencies reporting repeated episodes of extreme fire danger in inland and coastal regions. Media reports describe large-scale evacuations from villages and campsites, temporary closures of nature parks and rural roads, and significant pressure on firefighting resources.

The FCDO’s recent updates for both countries emphasize that fires can start and spread quickly in hot, windy conditions, particularly in forested and rural areas that attract hikers and campers. Travelers are advised to stay away from active fire zones, comply with local access restrictions to woodland or scrub, and avoid activities that risk ignition, such as barbecues or using disposable grills outside designated areas.

Holidaymakers heading to popular resort belts, including parts of Spain’s Mediterranean coast and Portugal’s Algarve, are encouraged to check regional civil protection announcements and weather alerts regularly. Reports indicate that even when beach areas remain open, smoke from inland fires can temporarily affect air quality and visibility, and may interrupt road and rail links used for transfers and excursions.

France: fires approach tourist regions and transport corridors

In France, wildfires have been reported in several southern and western departments, including zones within reach of major tourist hubs and key motorway and rail corridors. Coverage from European news outlets highlights incidents near coastal resorts and historic towns, where firefighters have worked to protect residential zones and infrastructure as flames approach.

According to publicly available updates on the French section of the FCDO’s travel advice, travelers are urged to follow local announcements closely during periods of very high or extreme fire risk. Restrictions may include bans on access to certain forests, closures of hiking trails and temporary limits on road traffic in affected areas. Authorities may also impose local curbs on campfires and outdoor cooking.

Visitors planning road trips through regions such as southwestern France are advised to build flexibility into their itineraries. Wildfires can lead to unplanned detours, slower traffic and short-notice changes to public transport schedules, particularly in heatwave conditions where multiple incidents can occur at once.

Italy and Greece: Mediterranean hotspots under sustained pressure

Italy and Greece, two of Europe’s most visited summer destinations, are again facing sustained fire pressure in 2026. Italian and Greek meteorological services have issued repeated high-risk bulletins for parts of their coastlines and islands, with dry vegetation and strong winds allowing small ignitions to develop rapidly into larger blazes.

FCDO updates for both countries draw attention to the wildfire hazard in popular holiday regions, including hillside suburbs, island interiors and national parks. Travelers are encouraged to pay attention to signage indicating fire danger levels, respect any local bans on visiting forests during peak heat, and keep clear of firefighting operations on land and at sea.

Reports from previous seasons show that wildfires in Italy and Greece can affect not only rural communities but also resorts and archaeological sites, leading to temporary closures and evacuations. Visitors are therefore advised to check with accommodation providers and tour operators for the latest local information, particularly during red-flag heat and wind events.

What the updated Foreign Office advice means for UK travelers

The FCDO’s current approach focuses on highlighting practical steps travelers can take rather than discouraging travel outright to the affected European countries. The guidance stresses that conditions can change quickly, and that local instructions may vary from one region to another, even within the same country.

Key messages in the wildfire sections of the advice pages for Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece include monitoring local and national weather alerts, staying informed through trusted local news sources, and being prepared to alter plans if fires develop near planned routes or accommodation. Travelers are also reminded to keep travel insurance details and key documents easily accessible in case of evacuation or relocation.

For those planning trips in August and September, experts cited in European climate and weather coverage anticipate a continuation of warmer-than-average conditions across much of southern Europe. This outlook suggests that wildfire risk is likely to remain elevated through the late summer period, increasing the importance of checking official travel advice regularly before and during travel.