The UK Foreign Office has put out a new travel warning and suggested UK citizens avoid travelling close to the Turkish-Syrian border.
The new travel warning says to avoid all travel in the 10-km radius of the Turkey–Syria border because security threats are rising significantly in the area. This warning is due to the possibility of terrorism and conflict occurring in this area.
This warning is primarily aimed at the southeastern Turkey, but the rest of the country is open to travel and tourist destinations like Antalya, Bodrum, and Cappadocia do not have any reason to suspect an increase in worrying activity.
The advisory warns agist potential demonstration and protests occurring in larger Turkish cities, such as Istanbul and Ankara due to increased tension in the Middle East, and advises traveller to avoid busy areas and crowds and any politically motivated gatherings.
The foreign office also reminded traveller that natural disasters and hazards, like fires, floods and earthquakes that had occurred in Turkey within the past few years are still an ongoing risk to traveller visiting Turkey. There also have been warnings surrounding alcohol consumption and purchasing, as dangerous alcohol and drunk have occurred.
Travellers are reminded to be alert to possible threatening environments, social and otherwise, and carry out the suggested pre-emptive measures, seek as much formal advice an instruction as possible!
#Turkey FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari province, but continues to advise against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria. In addition, this travel advice was reviewed for accuracy: https://t.co/IOZcYZiubM pic.twitter.com/RgltDMh4Fh
— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) October 8, 2024
Entry Rules and What Travellers Should Watch For
There has also been an update to entry requirements especially for those travellers arriving by land crossing into Turkey from Iran. The Foreign Office specifically noted that any one crossing into Turkey from Iran is to be aware of new checks and processes that are in place.
Travelling by air into primary Turkish cities is not influenced by this announcement, however, visitors are encouraged to confirm the status of flights prior to departure to avoid possible immediate changes.
Despite the warnings, tourism appears to be functioning normally in most areas of Turkey. Hotels, transport services and tourist sites remain open, particularly in Western and Southern Turkey, and holiday companies continue to operate tours and programmes as planned.
All travellers should have sufficient travel insurance that covers circumstances beyond their control that disrupt their travel plans due to possible civil unrest and/or natural disasters.
The UK government encourages all British nationals visiting Turkey to register with the Foreign Office and to pay attention to official advice during their stay. It is also recommended to always keep emergency contact information easily accessible, including nearest British consulate information.
Following this advice, helps tourists to remain aware and limit potential risk to themselves during their trip to Turkey.
