Travel within six kilometres of the Mount Agung crater in Bali has been restricted by the government due to ongoing volcanic activity.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office tightened its travel advice for the Indonesian holiday island yesterday.
The newly-imposed travel limit around the volcano reflects an exclusion zone put in place by local authorities.
“If you’re in this area, you should leave immediately,” the FCO urged.
“Following several months of increased volcanic activity, Mount Agung in East Bali began erupting on 21 November 2017.
“This has led to periodic closures at Bali and Lombok airports and disruption to flights in the region.
“The current period of increased volcanic activity may continue for some time and further disruption can’t be ruled out; volcanic activity can escalate very quickly with little or no notice.
“In the event of a major eruption, areas beyond 6km may be affected, and the resulting ash plumes and release of particulate and gaseous pollutants into the air may have an impact on health.
“You should continue to monitor local media and keep up to date with this travel advice.”
British travellers planning to visit Bali are being advised to use a checklist and information page from the British Embassy in Jakarta “to make sure you’re fully prepared before you travel”.
Around 330,000 Britons visit Indonesia every year. Most visits are trouble free, according to the FCO.
*The FCO also warned that a volcano in the Philippines is “showing signs of unrest”.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology advises that a hazardous eruption of Mayon volcano in Albay Province is possible within weeks or even days.
“You should follow the advice of local authorities and stay outside of the designated danger zones. An eruption may cause disruption to flights and you should check with your airline before travelling,” the FCO said.