The FCO warns against all but essential travel to Turkey
Following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, who was taken down in a US strike in Baghdad on 3 January, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all travel to areas within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria, as well as all but essential travel to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and against all travel to the rest of Iraq
UK public sector information website GOV.UK has urged all British nationals in Turkey to ‘remain vigilant’ and keep up to date with the latest media developments.
In addition to advising against any travel to areas within 10 km of the Turkish border with Syria, the FCO has advised against all but essential travel to all other areas of Sirnak, Kilis (including Kilis city) and Hatay provinces, as well as the provinces of Diyarbakir, Tunceli and Hakkari.
“If you’re in Iraq or decide to travel, make sure you have robust contingency plans in place and keep these under review,” GOV.UK warns. The website notes that travellers within the region should also keep up to date with the latest developments across the country and that they should avoid any rallies, marches or processions, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey,” the website reads. “Terrorist groups, including Kurdish groups, Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) and far left organisations, continue to plan and carry out attacks. Further attacks could be indiscriminate. Most attacks have taken place in the south-east of the country, and in Ankara and Istanbul. While there is a potential that citizens from western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in the major cities, attacks are most likely to target the Turkish state, civilians and demonstrations. You should be vigilant, follow the advice of local security authorities, monitor media reports and keep up to date with this travel advice.”
Read the GOV.UK’s travel advice in full here.