British holidaymakers have been issued a warning about going to Turkey this summer due to the threat of terror attacks in popular tourist hotspots.
The Foreign Office warned holidaymakers on Thursday that terrorists are ‘very likely’ to try to carry out attacks in Turkey (now known as Turkiye officially) with ‘most’ attacks having taken place in popular tourist destinations like Ankara and Istanbul.
It also said tourists must avoid going within 10km of one of the country’s borders, with Syria, due to the threat of terrorism. It stressed that all travel to ‘parts of Turkey’ is now being advised against, and your travel insurance could be invalid if you continue to go on your holiday to an affected area and ignore the Foreign Office advice.
In its latest advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Turkey.
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
“FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
“While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in areas where we advise against travel.”
The do not travel warning does not apply to areas away from the border zone, such as popular tourist destinations including Ankara, Antalya, Istanbul and Bodrum, but the FCDO said that many terror attacks have taken place in popular tourist destinations.
It said: “Most terrorist attacks have occurred in south-east Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
“There have been several attacks involving knives, firearms and explosives. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as: public buildings; places of worship; airports, large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions.”
There are still other rules holidaymakers should follow when travelling anywhere in Turkey, the Foreign Office said.
It added: “To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least one blank page.
“If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing.
“Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
“You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.”