Foreign Office issues Turkey travel warning as 1.6million Brits prepare to visit
Holidaymakers heading to Turkey this year have been warned about 'off-limit' areas in updated Foreign Office advice.
The government organisation has reiterated the threat of possible terrorist threats to visitors to the country ahead of the tourist season, when 1.6million Brits will head to Turkey.
While much of the advice is the same, it underscores political tensions in the country and the potential for violence to break out in areas - and the fragility of parts of the country after the devastating earthquake earlier this year.
It should be noted that the vast majority of the millions of holidays made to Turkey each year are completed without incidence.
On June 28 the Foreign Office updated its advice to warn of a "high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals" in Turkey, "including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times."
Rishi Sunak must suspend Dominic Raab during bullying inquiry says union chief
This summer 1.6 million Brits will head to Turkey (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)"Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey. Most terrorist attacks have happened in Southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Citizens from western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in major cities."
As in all other countries, terrorists are most likely to target places visited by tourists, such as public buildings, places of worship, major events and large public gatherings.
People have been urged to "take particular care during dates of significance to terrorist groups", including August 15, March 30 to April 20, and December 19.
The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria, which is in the south east of the country and a long way from the areas most regularly visited by tourists.
The organisation says there is fighting in Syria close to the Turkish border and that the conflict means roads in Hatay province going towards the border may be subject to closure.
Terrorist groups in neighbouring Syria routinely use kidnapping as a tactic and are active in the border areas so you should be particularly vigilant in these locations. All but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari province is advised against.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office told Birmingham Live: "The safety of British nationals is always our main concern in determining our travel advice.
"We constantly review our travel advice for each country or territory to ensure it includes up-to-date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living there.
"The changes to the terrorism section of each Travel Advice page reflect the fact that global terror threat is now more diverse and not limited to those inspired by Islamist ideologies.
The threat of terrorism is higher in city centres like Istanbul (Getty Images)"FCDO travel advice provides information to help British nationals make informed decisions about foreign travel but we cannot enforce it and it remains a decision for individuals whether they feel it is safe for them to travel to a particular country. "
Rishi Sunak blasted for Tory 'addiction to sleaze' and being 'weak' over Raab
The Foreign Office notes that if you are visiting Turkey, your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive and have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps.
If entering Turkey through a land border, make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing.
People visiting Turkey for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period do not need a visa. But if you plan to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days, you need a longer-stay visa or should get a residence permit before the end of your 90-day stay.
If you plan to work in Turkey, make sure you have the correct documentation.
If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.
For more information on travel to Turkey, visit the FCDO webpage.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
