Even the most optimistic of those among us will admit that hopes of a holiday abroad remain slim at best.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) currently advises British nationals against all but essential travel while the coronavirus pandemic very much remains prevalent.

Thousands have had their meticulously booked holidays cancelled, while even more are holding out hope of hopping on a flight and welcoming the return of a semblance of normalcy to their lives.

SurreyLive has listed all the latest FCO travel guidance you need to know for some of the most popular holiday destinations below.

Portugal

Around 2.5 million British nationals visited Portugal in 2019. Most visits are trouble-free.

If you’re living in or moving to Portugal, read the  Living in Portugal guide  in addition to this travel advice.

Beware of street crime. Thieves tend to target money and passports so don’t keep them all in one place.

Walking the levadas (ancient irrigation channels) is a popular activity in Madeira, but the walks can be challenging if you are inexperienced.

Terrorist attacks in Portugal can’t be ruled out.

There’s an increased risk of forest fires during summer months and when the weather is hot and dry.

You can contact the emergency services by calling 112.

From 4 July, Madeira and the Azores are exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.

USA

The USA has put measures in place to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). As of 16 March, it will not be possible for many British nationals to enter the USA if they have been in the UK, Ireland, Schengen zone, Iran or China within the previous 14 days.

Around 3.8 million British nationals visit the USA every year. Most visits are trouble free. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

There have been widespread protests across the USA since 27 May 2020, some of which have turned violent. Curfews have been enforced in many cities as a result. There is potential for further protests and curfews. You should follow the instructions of local authorities. If you do attend any peaceful protests, you should be mindful of your surroundings and move away if there are signs of trouble.

Snow storms during winter can cause delays and cancellations throughout the major airline hubs in the USA.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should monitor media reports and remain vigilant at all times.

You should be alert to the dangers of car and street crime.

The Atlantic hurricane season normally runs from 1 June to 30 November. The Pacific hurricane season runs from 15 May to 30 November.

Forest and brush fires (wildfires) are a danger in many dry areas.

Mexico

Over 576,971 British nationals visited Mexico in 2017. Most visits are trouble-free.

The security situation can pose a risk for foreigners. Be alert to the existence of street crime as well as more serious violent crime like robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking. In certain parts of Mexico you should take particular care to avoid being caught up in drug related violence between criminal groups.

Tourist destinations

Major tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta have mostly not seen the levels of drug-related violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico. However, since 2017 there have been a number of reported shooting incidents and other incidents of violence in the main tourist destinations, including in locations popular with tourists.

There has also been a recent increase in violence in the State of Veracruz, including the city of Veracruz. If you’re visiting any of these areas, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator.

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November and affects both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Be aware that effects of tropical storms and hurricanes can span hundreds of miles from the centre of the storm, causing flooding, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport.

UK health authorities have classified Mexico as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.

Protests regularly affect Mexico City and other parts of the country. You should avoid demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities if you’re in an area where a protest is taking place.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Mexico, attacks can’t be ruled out.

Croatia

Approximately 860,000 British nationals visited Croatia in 2018. Most visits are trouble-free.

If you’re living in or moving to Croatia, visit our  Living in Croatia guide  in addition to this travel advice.

If you’re travelling to Croatia by road or rail, you can find information on road border crossings and international rail journeys on the  Croatian Automobile Association (HAK) website.

Carry your passport with you at all times. You must be able to show some form of identification if required, including when checking into hotels.

Land mines are still a danger in some isolated areas.

Terrorist attacks in Croatia can’t be ruled out.

Canary Islands (Spain)

If you’re living in or moving to Spain, read the  Living in Spain guide  in addition to this travel advice.

Some cities in Spain operate low emission schemes and apply vehicle restrictions to city centres.

There have been several deaths as a result of falls from balconies. Don’t take any unnecessary risks, especially when under the influence of drink or drugs.

Be alert to the existence of street crime. Thieves tend to target money and passports so don’t keep them all in one place. Keep a copy of your passport somewhere safe.

Temperatures regularly reach over 40ºC in Spain during the summer months. These temperatures bring an increased risk of forest fires.

There have been reports of an increase in holidaymakers being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness during their stay. You can find more information about the action you can take if you have suffered a personal injury on the  Citizens Advice website.

You should only consider pursuing a complaint or claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness. If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Spain.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Around 1.5 million British nationals visit the UAE every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

Following the attack on the coalition base at Taji in Iraq on 11 March, and subsequent US airstrikes, tensions may be raised across the region. There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and  this travel advice.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Qatar in 2017. All air and sea points of entry between UAE and Qatar were closed on 6 June 2017.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the UAE.

If you’re planning to travel with prescribed or over the counter medicines for personal use, you’ll need to meet the UAE’s specific requirements for your medicine to be allowed into the country.

The UAE is a Muslim country. Laws and customs are very different to those in the UK. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK.