The government agency has issued fresh advice for the country.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has given an update for travel to Turkey. The country is a popular choice for Brits looking for sunshine with more than four million visitors from the UK last year.
Tourists have long been attracted to its vibrant cities like Antalya and Istanbul, but the Foreign Office has now issued fresh advice for some British nationals about entering the country. The advice is for Brits who want to enter Turkey from Iran.
On Friday, June 20, it issued an alert about Turkey, which reads: “If you are a British national wanting to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you will need to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.
“You will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). This is required by the Turkish authorities.
“The usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk.
“In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.” Elsewhere, government guidance explains that “if you are affected by a crisis abroad [you should] call the FCDO on (+44) (0)207 008 5000,” reports Coventry Live.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides travel guidance to help British nationals make informed decisions about foreign travel, with a focus on their safety and security.
It offers information on potential risks and advice on how to stay safe while abroad. It is responsible for regularly updating its advice.
Brits have been warned previously of passport requirements for the country.
To enter Turkey, you must ensureensure your passport has an ‘expiry date’ of at least 150 days beyond your arrival date and includes at least one blank page for visa stamps.
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If your travel document is substandard or you try to enter with a passport reported as lost or stolen, you’ll be denied entry at the border.
In March tourists were issued advice from the FCDO regarding ongoing protests and demos in the country.
They warned that “demonstrations may become violent. The police response has included use of tear gas and water cannons.”
Recent tensions in the region, sparked by events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, have led to significant protests outside diplomatic missions associated with the conflict, especially Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
The FCDO strongly urges all UK tourists in Turkey to “avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.”
Additionally, the government body cautions: “FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border.” This advice is still in place due to ongoing conflict in Syria.
