Foreign Office updates Turkey advice as Scottish tourists told ‘leave the area’

The UK Foreign Office has issued an updated travel advisory for Scots planning a holiday in Turkey. The government is advising against travel to certain regions of the country, while tourists visiting areas deemed safe have been cautioned about specific crimes and given safety advice.

Turkey ranks as one of the top holiday destinations for Brits after Spain, with nearly four million UK tourists visiting in 2023. Its beautiful beaches, mountain ranges, delectable cuisine and captivating cities are major attractions – but it’s crucial that holidaymakers adhere to official travel advice when heading overseas.

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Currently, the British Foreign Office strongly advises against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border due to ongoing conflict and an increased risk of terrorism. It also recommends avoiding all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hikkari Province.

Travelling against these advisories could result in travel insurance becoming void, reports Birmingham Live.

While popular tourist spots like Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum are generally considered safe for travel, the Foreign Office has warned travellers about political demonstrations and crimes such as pickpocketing and food and drink spiking. They’ve also provided guidance on staying safe when using public transport.

The UK government has issued an updated travel advisory for Turkey on May 1, covering health, wildfires, crime, outdoor activities and adventure tourism. Here’s a summary of the current advice….

Terrorist attacks and protests.

Holidaymakers are advised to ‘stay aware of their surroundings at all times’ due to a high global threat of terrorist attacks, including from groups and individuals who target the UK and British nationals.

Most terrorist incidents have taken place in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Those visiting these areas are urged to stay informed through local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Attacks could occur in tourist spots including public buildings, places of worship, airports and large public gatherings.

The conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has led to increased tensions and sporadic demonstrations can occur in cities which may turn violent, warns the Foreign Office. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to break up protests and tourists are advised to steer clear of all demonstrations and ‘leave the area’ if one develops.

Crime.

Brits jetting off to popular holiday destinations are being cautioned by the Foreign Office about a spike in crime, particularly in bustling tourist spots. Travellers should stay alert for street thefts and pickpocketing incidents, ensuring their valuables are kept safe at all times.

Additionally, there have been reports of drink and food tampering, prompting advice for tourists to always purchase their own beverages and maintain visibility of them at all times. It’s also recommended to be cautious of any unfamiliar individuals who offer to exchange money, invite you to restaurants or clubs, or propose food or drinks.

In a concerning statistic, British consular staff in Turkey dealt with 42 sexual assault reports, including rape, in 2023, with most incidents occurring during the summer in coastal areas frequented by tourists. Often, these crimes took place at night and were perpetrated by someone the victim had encountered earlier that day, sometimes even hotel employees.

As such, holidaymakers are advised to exercise increased caution in these scenarios.

Moreover, accepting rides from unknown individuals is strongly discouraged. The Foreign Office advises securing a registered taxi and taking note of its registration number before getting in.

When it comes to outdoor pursuits, Brits are urged to ensure that proper safety measures are in place, especially if engaging in extreme sports. The guidance from the Foreign Office is clear: “Only use reputable operators. Make sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all activities you do.”

When it comes to quad biking on your holiday, make sure you’re covered with specific travel insurance because the standard insurance from hire companies typically only includes third party cover. If you damage the vehicle, you could be facing hefty charges and even arrest if you can’t pay up.

Helmets are a must for both drivers and passengers, and not wearing one might mean your insurance won’t cover you. Plus, if the local police catch you without a helmet, expect a fine and to say goodbye to your licence.

Wildfires.

Turkey’s summer is notorious for wildfires, and the government’s latest advice doesn’t take this lightly. It warns: “You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Barbecues are prohibited in these areas. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.”