The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for UK tourists heading to Turkey, highlighting two key dangers: paragliding accidents and methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol.
According to the FCDO, British nationals have died or been seriously injured while paragliding in Turkey. The advice warns that paragliding is an extreme sport carrying the risk of serious injury or death. Tourists are urged to ensure they receive full instructions and training before participating, and to maintain a safe distance from landing zones.
Additionally, the FCDO reports an increase in serious illnesses caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular destinations, including Ankara and Istanbul. Cases have involved illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit branded alcohol. The advice stresses that even small amounts of methanol can be fatal and cannot be detected by taste or smell.
Tourists are advised to buy alcoholic drinks only from licensed shops, pubs, and hotels, avoid homemade spirits, check bottle seals are intact, and look for signs of poor quality. Anyone who becomes ill after drinking should seek urgent medical attention.
