The Foreign Office has updated its advice for anyone travelling to Turkey this summer, with areas ruled 'off-limits. The advice was updated this week ahead of the key summer season that sees 1.6million British tourists visit the country.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) told BirminghamLive that guidance had been updated on June 28. A spokesman said: "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. 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. "
The FCDO advice now reads: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
"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."
Terrorists may target places visited by tourists, such as public buildings, places of worship, major events and large public gatherings., and sometimes plan attacks around religious occasions and public holidays. People are urged to "take particular care during dates of significance to terrorist groups", including August 15, March 30 to April 20, and December 19.
The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria. It 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
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari province. In addition, Mount Ararat, in Agrı province, is a special military zone.
If going to Mount Ararat, you need access permission from the Dogubayazıt Government Office and must pay a fee in the local Governor's Office. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, you should confirm with them whether you need an individual permit.
The FCDO says 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.
The FCDO says 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.
