The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a travel warning to Brits planning to travel to Turkey, or those already in the country urging them to “leave the area”
A fresh travel warning has been issued for tourists either planning a holiday to Turkey or already soaking up the sun there. Turkey, with its bustling cities like Antalya and Istanbul, is a magnet for millions of globetrotters each year.
On March 24, the Foreign Office issued advice to travellers about ongoing protests and demonstrations in Istanbul and other Turkish cities. The travel authority cautioned that “demonstrations may become violent. The police response has included use of tear gas and water cannons.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides travel guidance to assist Brits in making informed choices about overseas trips, focusing on safety and security. It offers insights into potential hazards and tips on staying safe abroad.
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If you’re heading to Turkey amidst these demonstrations, the FCDO recommends you should:
- monitor local media
- plan ahead to avoid disruption
- avoid crowds and demonstrations
Tensions have escalated in the region due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This has led to large-scale protests outside diplomatic missions linked to the conflict, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The FCDO strongly advises all UK holidaymakers in Turkey to “avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.” The government body also warns: “FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border.”
To gain entry into Turkey, make sure your passport has an ‘expiry date’ that’s at least 150 days beyond the day you land and at least one blank page for stamps. If your travel document isn’t up to scratch or you attempt to enter with a passport flagged as lost or stolen, you’ll be turned away at the border.
Separately, a travel advisory for Turkey popped up on the government’s website back in February. The Foreign Office issued a stark warning: “In Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.”
They suggest those with concerns should seek guidance from their tour operators or the Turkish authorities.
Should you or someone you know fall sick from consuming alcohol in Turkey, it’s crucial to get “urgent medical attention” immediately for everyone’s well-being. The FCDO has shared five tips to help you stay safe when purchasing alcohol in the country. These safety measures include:
- buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores
- buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels
- avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
- check bottle seals are intact
- check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling
