The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued guidance to Irish holidaymakers planning to travel to Turkey this year.
Turkey is a popular holiday destination due to its budget prices and great weather, however the DFA has warned that “the threat from terrorism remains high”. Its general advice, which it updated on January 17, is to “exercise a high degree of caution at all times”.
A spokesperson said: “The threat from terrorism in Turkey remains high, with bomb attacks in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. Although some attacks have targeted security forces, there have also been random attacks in areas frequented by tourists. Terrorist attacks are, by their nature, random and indiscriminate and cannot be predicted in advance. You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in public places that are frequented by foreigners.”
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One terrorism attack in the Beyoglu area of Istanbul in November killed six people and left dozens more injured. The DFA says the south east of the country is “particularly serious” and “should be avoided”.
They continued: “We strongly advise against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border between Turkey and Syria and to Diyarbakir city. We advise against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of provinces of Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Şanliurfa, and Sirnak. In addition, we recommend against all but essential travel to the Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari provinces.
“While areas popular with Irish travellers are located at a substantial distance from these regions, vigilance is also required in tourist areas in major cities. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can turn confrontational.
"The police will take measures such as the use of tear gas to control protesters. Stay away from military sites – taking photos of, or near, military or security installations and some public buildings, may be prohibited.”
Separately, the DFA has also issued a warning about bars and nightclubs, saying some Irish citizens have been “intimidated into paying extortionate bills”. The spokesperson said: “Violent crime against tourists in Turkey is rare but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul.
"The Embassy in Ankara has also been made aware of a number of cases of tourists being intimidated into paying extortionate bills at bars and nightclubs in Istanbul. Remain vigilant when frequenting such establishments. There have been a number of cases of theft from apartments and cars in some of the coastal resorts, as well as in Istanbul and Ankara.
"Take heed of your local tour operator representative's advice, and wherever you are, take sensible precautions."
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