Before the May half-term, which will see thousands of Brits heading abroad, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an update on travel to Turkey
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Turkey(Image: Getty Images)
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits heading on holiday to Turkey.
Turkey has long been a holiday hotspot for British travellers, thanks to its affordability and welcoming Mediterranean climate. There are sprawling resorts, golden sand beaches, and turquoise waters to lap up the balmy rays, as well as vibrant cities offering a cultural blend of historic landmarks, mosques, and bazaars.
One of Turkey’s most popular cities to visit is Istanbul, brimming with striking architecture, bustling streets, a thriving street food scene and ancient landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Yet for anyone planning a trip to the only metropolis in the world spanning two continents, Europe and Asia, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to Brits, particularly football fans.
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In an update this week, the FCDO stated: “Istanbul will stage the UEFA Europa League Final (UELF26) on Wednesday 20 May, with Aston Villa FC and SC Freiburg in the final.
“If you are travelling to Istanbul for UELF26, read our Travel advice and sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.”
They went on to advise that any Brits heading to Istanbul during this time should:
- “Plan your movement around the city to arrive at the dedicated fan zone in Gezi Park, Taksim Square or the stadium well in advance of the match starting
- Follow the instructions of the local authorities
- Take care of your personal possessions, including passports, especially in crowds and on public transport.”
Additional information can be found on the Aston Villa FC website and in the UEFA event guide for UELF26.
Holidaymakers heading to Turkey are also encouraged to check that their passports are valid before heading to the airport, or face being turned away. The FCDO outlined: “To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.”
They further added: “If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing.”
“Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.” Anyone who needs to renew their passport can do so through the government website.
The FCDO warned: “You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.”
British citizen passport holders can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for a holiday or business. Those with a different type of British passport will need a visa to enter the country and “should check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.”
For more information on travel to Turkey, visit the Foreign Office website.
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