Foreign Office updates Turkey 'no travel' list - and tells UK tourists 'get insurance'

The Foreign Office has updated its advice for UK tourists travelling to Turkey and has told holidaymakers to 'get appropriate travel insurance' before their trip

The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice for Brits planning a trip to Turkey, with an emphasis on securing proper travel insurance. While the guidance previously discouraged visits to three specific Turkish areas, two of these locations—Sirnak city and Hakkari province—have been cleared from the 'no travel' list.

Nonetheless, all travel within 10km of the border with Syria remains ill-advised due to the threat of terrorism and conflict.

Officials have outlined that extremist groups in Syria not only present a risk of attacks in Turkey but have historically targeted border crossings and adjacent regions on the Syrian side. Most incidents, including terrorist actions, have unfolded in southeast Turkey as well as major cities like Ankara and Istanbul.

In-person consular aid is notably limited within areas where travel is not recommended, but travellers can make use of round-the-clock consular support through phone or online channels. It's crucial for UK tourists to acknowledge that disregarding Foreign Office directives may lead to invalidated travel insurance, leaving them unable to file claims.

The advice concludes by strongly urging holidaymakers: "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.", reports Birmingham Live.