An urgent warning has been issued to British holidaymakers who are planning to take a summer trip to Turkey this year.
The Foreign Office's advice was updated this week ahead of the holiday season that sees 1.6 million UK tourists head to Turkey, reports Birmingham Live. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said that guidance had been updated on June 28, 2023.
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."
Terrorist groups are likely to target places that are tourist hotspots, like public buildings, places of worship and areas where major events and gatherings are planned.
Some attacks can be planned around religious occasions and public holidays, so tourists have been warned to take extra care.
Those visiting Turkey are urged to "take particular care during dates of significance to terrorist groups" - which include August 15, December 19, and March 30 to April 20.
The FCDO advises tourists against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border, as they note that there is fighting close to the parting between the two areas.
The conflict means that roads in Hatay province heading towards the border may be subject to closure for safety reasons.
Terrorist groups in neighbouring Syria routinely use kidnapping as a tactic and are active in the border areas - so visitors should be paying close attention in these locations.
The FCDO also advises against all travel to Sirnak city and the Hakkari province, unless absolutely essential.
In addition, Mount Ararat, in Agrı province, is a special military zone.
If you are visiting Mount Ararat, you will need access permission from the Dogubayazıt Government Office and must pay a fee in the local Governor's Office.
Those who have booked through a travel agents or touring group will need to confirm with them if you need an individual permit.
More advice from the FCDO notes that those visiting Turkey will need a passport that is valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country.
You will also need a full blank page in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
For those entering Turkey through a land border, you should make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing.
People visiting Turkey for tourism or business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period will not require a visa.
However, if you plan to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, you will need a longer-stay visa or a residence permit ahead of the end of the 90 days.
If you plan to work in Turkey, make sure you have the correct documentation.
Those who hold a different form of British nationality, like a British National (Overseas), you should check your visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.
For more information on travel to Turkey, visit the FCDO webpage.
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