Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Latest Foreign Office advice amid US-Iran ceasefire
Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights across the Middle East, but flights to and from the UK continue to operate
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Conflict in the Middle East over the past month has raised concerns among holidaymakers who have trips booked to the region, after some countries were hit by strikes and international flights were thrown into chaos.
Turkey, a popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers, is considered by the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) a generally safe place for travel, yet the UK government is still warning of “significant security risks” caused by regional escalation that “has led to travel disruption”.
This is the latest travel advice for Turkey, plus all the key questions and answers, after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.
Read more: LIVE: Iran-US war latest
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any new warnings against travel to Turkey relating to the conflict in the Middle East.
There is an existing restriction advising against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to “fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”.
The FCDO does say, however, that “regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”
It advises that British nationals should read its crisis abroad advice, follow information given by local authorities and sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.
It adds that people should monitor local and international media for the latest information, stay away from areas around security or military facilities and keep departure plans under review. Travel documents should remain are up to date.
On 1 March, the FCDO issued new advice for entering Turkey across the land border from Iran.
It said: “The border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days). If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border.”
The FCDO adds: “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.”
Are flights going to Turkey?
Flights connecting the UK and major Turkish airports, including Istanbul, Antalya and Ankara, are currently operating largely as scheduled, according to Flightradar24.
While schedules appear to be largely undisturbed, flights to and from the country may be subject to some delays.
Turkish Airlines said: “Some of our flights to/from the following destinations have been cancelled: Bahrain, Dammam and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria and United Arab Emirates.”
“The current situation in the region's airspace is being monitored in real-time and additional flight cancellations may occur.”
Can I cancel my holiday?
As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Turkey, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it’s best to contact them if you’re looking to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes.
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