Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Foreign Office updates advice for tourists
Holidays have been operating as normal in Turkey
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Conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns among holidaymakers with trips booked to Turkey.
Turkey, a popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers, is considered by the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) a generally safe place for travel, yet the UK government is still warning of an “unpredictable” situation with attacks that “could resume at short notice”.
Aside from ongoing conflict in the region, there are other factors that travellers need to bear in mind when visiting.
Last week, police detained dozens of demonstrators who staged a protest outside a courthouse in Istanbul to demand the release of LGBTQ+ activists taken into custody during a sweeping crackdown days earlier.
Although same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey, this summer, an LGBTQ+ cruise ship that tours the Mediterranean was refused permission to dock at the port of Kusadasi.
The FCDO also changed its advice on comments about the nation and flag for travellers on Friday.
Here is the latest travel advice for Turkey, plus all the key questions and answers.
Read more: How war in the Middle East has changed the way we travel
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any new warnings against travel to Turkey relating to the conflict in the Middle East.
There is an existing restriction advising against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to “fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”.
The FCDO says that the US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, but the situation “remains unpredictable”.
“British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” the FCDO added.
Travellers are advised to read the “if you are affected by a crisis abroad” document, follow advice from local authorities and sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts.
Is Turkey’s land border with Iran open?
According to the FCDO, Turkey’s land border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days).
“If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border,” it said.
The usual entry requirements apply; however, entering Iran is “at your own risk”.
The Foreign Office warns: “In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”
What else do travellers need to know?
On Friday, the FCDO told British travellers that it is “illegal to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag”.
It said: “Insulting the President or the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is also a criminal offence. These laws can apply to comments or images online no matter where you were or when you posted them.
“Defacing Turkish banknotes is also illegal. Offences under these laws are punishable by a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.”
Although same-sex activity is legal in Turkey, the FCDO warns that many parts of Turkey are “socially conservative and showing affection in public could receive unwelcome attention”.
On Sunday, Turkish authorities cracked down on multiple LGBTQ+ groups and individuals, detaining dozens of members, breaking into association offices and raiding popular hangouts.
The crackdown aimed to “protect children, the institution of the family, and public order,” justice minister Akin Gurlek said.
A Virgin Voyages cruise ship with LGBTQ+ passengers was turned away from docking in Turkey in July after local authorities declared its passengers “incompatible with the fabric of our society and our moral values”.
Are flights going to Turkey?
Flights connecting the UK and major Turkish airports, including Istanbul, Antalya and Ankara, are currently largely operating as scheduled with some delays, according to Flightradar24.
Can I cancel my holiday?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Turkey, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. Turkey’s main tourist destinations – Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum – are also a fair distance from the borders with Syria and Iran.
The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
Read more: How war in the Middle East has changed the way we travel
