Belize and Mexico Hurricane Dean travel warnings

Holidaymakers are being warned to avoid all travel to coastal areas of Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico due to Hurricane Dean.

In Mexico, the Foreign Office is reporting the local authorities have asked no more tourists travel to the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, until the hurricane has passed.

Some tour operators are also helping holidaymakers who want to leave.

"All Britons in the Yucatan peninsula, Gulf coast or central, eastern and northern parts of Mexico should monitor local and international weather updates and follow the advice of the local authorities," the Foreign Office advised.

For holidaymakers in Belize, the Foreign Office advises moving further inland and to follow advice from local authorities.

The government has imposed curfews for the northern districts of Corozal and Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) from 20:00 yesterday until further notice, and closed the airport at midday yesterday.

"The government are now ordering the evacuation of all coastal areas advising the public to move inland, especially in the northern districts," the Foreign Office explained.

The High Commission in Belize has a dedicated 24-hour phone line to deal with calls relating to Hurricane Dean: (+501 822 2146 ext 2013). In Mexico, the British Embassy has also set up a 24-hour phone line for Britons affected by Hurricane Dean: (00 52) 55 5242 8599.

The hurricane has already hit the Caribbean islands of St Lucia and Jamaica in the last three days, and has also been growing in force.

It was classed as a Category 2 hurricane when it hit St Lucia at the weekend, a Category 4 hurricane after striking Jamaica yesterday and is now at the maximum force - Category 5.

For the latest travel advice for Belize and Mexico see www.fco.gov.uk