The Foreign Office has updated its advice for anyone travelling to Turkey. From its hot summers to stunning beach resorts, Turkey is a popular destination for millions of British holidaymakers year after year. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) recently changed its advice for those heading to Turkey, as well as for 13 other countries.
Key Updates to Travel Advice
The FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Over the past few months, officials had advised against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. However, advice was updated on Thursday (June 18) after US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian signed an initial agreement to end the war.
A memorandum of understanding has been announced in relation to the conflict in the Middle East. But the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice.
Guidance for British Nationals
In its latest advice, the Foreign Office said British nationals should:
- Read “If you’re affected by a crisis abroad” on GOV.UK, including guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis
- Follow advice from local authorities
- Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
- Monitor local and international media for the latest information
- Stay away from areas around security or military facilities
- Keep departure plans under review and ensure travel documents are up to date
- If advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter; an interior stairwell or a room with few external walls or windows may provide additional protection, as the greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts
Officials added: “Before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel. This included US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Iran has previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.”
Countries Included in the Warning
Other countries included in the warning are Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Cyprus, Turkey, Yemen, and Jordan.
Background of the Peace Agreement
US President Donald Trump said overnight he had signed the agreement during a dinner at France’s Palace of Versailles, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, following a trip to the G7 summit in France. The initial peace deal – which was first heralded by Mr Trump on Sunday as he celebrated his 80th birthday – sees Iran agree not to develop or buy nuclear weapons and requires that Iran’s highly-enriched uranium be downgraded on site as a minimum. In return, the US will move to waive some wide-ranging sanctions against Iran, immediately allowing Iran to sell its oil freely.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you. If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
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