Turkey Travel Safety: FCDO Advice Amid Regional Tensions
Turkey Travel Safety: FCDO Advice Amid Regional Tensions

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has not issued new warnings against travel to Turkey related to the Middle East conflict, but it highlights “significant security risks” and potential travel disruption due to regional escalation. Turkey remains a popular destination for British holidaymakers, and flights between the UK and major Turkish airports are currently operating as scheduled.

The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border due to fighting and terrorism risks. It recommends British nationals monitor local and international media, follow local authority guidance, sign up for travel alerts, and keep departure plans under review. Travel documents should be kept up to date.

On 1 March, the FCDO updated advice for entering Turkey from Iran overland, noting the border is open visa-free for UK passport holders for stays up to 90 days. British nationals crossing from Iran must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara before travelling. The FCDO warns that holding a British passport in Iran can lead to detention.

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Turkish Airlines has cancelled some flights to Iran and surrounding regions, offering free reservation changes or refunds for tickets to several Middle Eastern countries booked before 28 February 2026 for travel until 30 June. Since the FCDO has not advised against non-essential travel to Turkey, cancellations for a full refund are not guaranteed and depend on the holiday provider.

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