Turkey Foreign Office advice explained and is it safe to visit
The latest Foreign Office advice for holiday goers travelling to Turkey this summer.
Millions of people planning holidays to countries near Isreal and Iran may be worried about safety due to rising tensions in the region. On June 22, the US launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites as part of ongoing conflict between Isreal and Iran.
Since then, there have been no further US strikes and American officials have said they do not want a wider war. On Monday, Iran fired missiles at a US base in Qatar, calling it a response to earlier US attacks. By Tuesday, a ceasefire between Israel and Iran had been announced by the US president.
One popular holiday destination that sits relatively close to Iran and Israel is Turkey, but the country has not been involved in the recent military action.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly shares travel safety advice, and for Turkey the FCDO currently advises against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border due to ongoing fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism, the Echo reports.
Conflict continues in parts of Syria near the Turkish border, and roads in Turkey's Hatay Province may be closed at short notice.
In Turkey's Hakkari Province, located in the southeast, visitors must obtain permission from the local Governor's Officer to enter areas close to the borders with Iraq and Iran. The FCDO says: "If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit."
Those in the region are urged to keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities. Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province of eastern Turkey, is a special military zone. You must have permission from the Doğubayazıt government office and pay a fee if going.
If you're travelling with a tour group or travel agent, double check whether you'll need a separate permit. Anyone visiting the area is advised to "take extra care" and stay updated with advice from local authorities.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). For every country, the travel agency says before you travel check that:
your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
Additional advise from the Foreign Office states: "If you are a British national wanting to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you will need to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative."
If you plan to leave Iran by land, be aware that you do so at your own risk. In some cases, simply holding a British passport or being seen as having links to the UK can lead the Iranian authorities to detain you.
Meanwhile, regular protests are taking place in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey. The Foreign Office has warned that these demonstrations can turn violent, and police respond by using tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds..
If you choose to travel, make sure to thoroughly research your destination and have appropriate travel insurance. The Foreign Office currently has no safety concerns for popular Turkish holiday spots like Istanbul, Marmaris and Bodrum.
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