Tourists planning to jet off to Turkey for their summer holiday are being advised to avoid some parts of the country in new travel warnings issued by the Government.
Guidance on safety and security risks has been updated and includes advice on some no-go areas and locations where there should be essential travel only. And, with around 1.6m Brits picking Turkey each year as their holiday destination, there are important rules to note.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its guidance on June 28, reports Birmimngham Live, saying: "The safety of British nationals is always our main concern in determining our travel advice." It added that such advice is constantly reviewed for each country or territory to ensure it includes up-to-date information and matters of relevant for Brits visiting or living abroad.
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It added: "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."
Turkey entry rules
The FCDO says that if you are visiting Turkey, your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date of arrival and have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps. If entering Turkey through a land border, travellers are advised to ensure their passport has a dated entry stamp before leaving the border crossing.
Note Turkey is not one of the 30 countries where you will need a new ETIAS travel permit to enter from next year, and that people from Turkey are not eligible for an ETIAS travel permit to go into the EU but will need a visa instead.
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 those 90 day end. 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.
Personal safety and security risks
The FCDO said: "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.
And the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari province. Also, Mount Ararat, in Agrı province, is a special military zone. The snow-capped dormant volcano is a popular place for tours as it is said to be where Noah's Ark came to rest after the Great Flood in the Bible.
Anyone going to Mount Ararat needs 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.
Local laws in Turkey you should know about
- You are legally required to carry some form of photographic ID in the country.
- Be aware that it is illegal to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag (including comments made online) or to deface currency. You could get a prison sentence of between six months and three years.
- LGBTQ+ travellers should know that homosexuality is legal in Turkey but many areas are socially conservative and showing affection in public could result in unwelcome attention, said the FCDO.
- Tourists should dress modestly if visiting a mosque or religious shrine to avoid causing offence.
- Smoking is illegal on public transport and in all indoor workplaces and public places.
- Watch for street robbery and pick-pocketing which are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul.
- Historical items can be found at markets, bazaars and shops but the possession, sale and export of ancient artefacts is illegal and you could be fined and sent to prison for five to 12 years. Some antiquities can be legally sold within Turkey but are illegal to export, so check the law first.
- FCDO advises people not to take photographs near military or official installations
- If planning to drive in Turkey, you need either an international driving permit (IDP) or a valid UK driving licence, along with a green card as a back-up to your insurance documents to show you have the minimum legal level of cover. You are legally required to wear a helmet on mopeds and motorbikes. Be aware that roads can be poor in remote rural areas and accidents are common.
As Birmimngham Live reports, the number of foreign tourists to Turkey surged to 4.5m in May, amounting to a 16.2% year-on-year increase, according to there Culture and Tourism Ministry. The Mediterranean resort of Antalya topped the list of most popular destinations by hosting 1.51m visitors, slightly ahead of Istanbul with 1.5m and followed by the Aegean province of Mugla and northwestern province of Edirne, hosting 380,899 and 349,123 foreigners respectively, according to the ministry figures. For more information on travel to Turkey, visit the FCDO webpage here.
