The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Turkey following an Iranian drone attack on Kuwait International Airport that injured multiple people and disrupted flights. While Turkey remains a popular destination for British holidaymakers, the FCDO warns of “significant security risks” due to regional escalation that “has led to travel disruption.”
The FCDO has not issued new warnings against travel to Turkey specifically, but maintains an existing restriction advising against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border due to fighting and terrorism risks. It advises British nationals to monitor local and international media, avoid security or military facilities, and keep departure plans under review.
On 1 March, the FCDO issued new guidance for entering Turkey from Iran overland. The border remains open visa-free for UK and Iranian passport holders for stays up to 90 days, but British nationals must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara before travelling to the border. The FCDO warns that holding a British passport in Iran can lead to detention.
Flights between the UK and major Turkish airports (Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara) are operating as scheduled, though some delays may occur. Turkish Airlines has cancelled some flights to/from Iran and surrounding regions, offering free reservation changes or refunds for tickets booked before 28 February 2026 for travel until 30 June to affected destinations.
As the FCDO has not advised against non-essential travel to Turkey, holidaymakers cannot cancel trips for a full refund under special circumstances. Refunds depend on the provider, and travel insurance claims for safety concerns are unlikely unless government advice changes.
