Holidaymakers with winter getaways booked to Turkey may be concerned about the conflict between Palestine and Israel.
Turkey shares a border with Syria, and is in close proximity to both Israel and the Gaza Strip, so UK travel advice to Turkey has been updated in response to the ongoing wars.
Holidaymakers in search of winter sun may understandably be unsure about whether they should travel in the wake of Hamas militants entering Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, and taking untold number of hostages.
Israel has responded, killing thousands of Palestinians with a full-scale attack on Gaza.
So is it safe to travel?
Here is what you need to know.
Is it safe to travel toTurkey right now?
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) travel guidance has been updated and advises against all travel to parts of Turkey.
At present, they are advising against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria, all but essential travel to Sirnak, and all but essential travel to Hakkari province.
They say: “Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there remains a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.
“Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay province leading towards the border may be subject to closure.”
On Sirnak and Hakkari, they say: “This is due to a heightened risk of terrorism in the region. If you’re undertaking essential travel to this province, take extreme care.”
Terrorists are considered “likely” to carry out terrorist attacks on British nationals, and the official advice states: “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.
“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.”
Holidaymakers are also warned to be hyper vigilant, even if visiting other tourist hotspots in Turkey because no travel comes without risks, although flights are still running to some tourist areas.
Advice warns: “Terrorist groups operating in Syria, including Daesh- and Al-Qaeda-linked groups, routinely use kidnapping as a tactic. They’re present in the Syrian border areas. Be particularly vigilant in these locations. Daesh and other terrorist groups may target humanitarian aid workers and journalists. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as protection or secure your safe release.
“The long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers.”
As the conflict between Palestine and Israel is constantly evolving, make sure you check official FCDO advice before your travels.
It’s worth remembering that your travel insurance might be invalidated if you visit an area that the FCDO has advised against travelling to.
How far is Turkey from Israel?
Turkey is 879 km from Israel, or about an hour-and-a-half flight. It lays north of Israel, and the two countries do not share a border but they are close.
Is travel to other countries near Israel safe?
The Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to countries bordering Israel, but advice may change quickly as the violence continues to escalate.
Do you need a visa to enter Turkey?
If you’re visiting Turkey for a holiday or business, you can go for up to 90 days in any 180-day period and you do not need a visa for this.
If you plan to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a longer stay visa or get a residence permit before the end of your 90-day stay.
