Some tourists may be a little worried about travelling to Turkey at the moment.
This is because, last week, a travel warning was issued to anyone thinking of planning a holiday to Turkey or already enjoying some time in the sun there.
The country’s vibrant cities like Antalya and Istanbul attract millions of travellers each year. But, on March 24, the Foreign Office released new advice for those visiting Istanbul and other Turkish cities as a result of ongoing protests and demonstrations.
The travel authority warned that “demonstrations may become violent. The police response has included use of tear gas and water cannons.” The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) offers travel advice to help British nationals make decisions about foreign travel to better their safety and security. It often shares tips and any potential risks associated with how to stay safe while abroad.
But, even though some people may be nervous, a woman who lives in Turkey and who attended the protests, said there are some key things people need to know if planning a trip to the holiday hotspot.
A Scottish woman, who now lives in Turkey, known as yourlassieinturkiye on TikTok, admitted she attended what she described as a “peaceful protest” last week, and she said there’s “nothing to be worried about”. According to her, people are just trying to “express their support” for the Mayor of Istanbul.
She noted the protests taking place are “peaceful”, and admitted she has seen “no trouble whatsoever”. She shared a video of herself relaxing on the beach, and she admitted it’s “nice and peaceful”.
In Kuşadası, where she is, she said life is pretty much as normal, and she wants people to be aware of this if they’re planning on visiting soon. She said, if you have a trip booked soon, everything is pretty much the same as it was a year ago.
She added: “Come to Turkey. Please don’t let the news of Istanbul put you off in any way, shape or form. If you’re booked to come, continue to go ahead with your holiday, and I hope you have an absolutely fantastic time.”
However, it’s important to note this is just the thoughts of one local, and further advice has been issued to travellers. For those travelling to Turkey at the moment, the FCDO has issued essential advice.
Recent tensions in the region, stimulated by events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, have led to significant protests outside diplomatic missions connected with the conflict, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.
The FCDO has advised all UK tourists in Turkey to “avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops” and noted “local transport routes may be disrupted.” Additionally, the government body warns: “FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border.”
To enter Turkey, you should make sure your passport has an “expiry date” of at least 150 days beyond your arrival date. It should also contain at least one blank page for visa stamps. If your travel document is substandard, or you try to travel with a passport reported as lost or stolen, you’ll be refused entry at the border.