FCDO Update Advice on Turkey with Terrorism Warning

As of last week, an FCDO update has been released quite abruptly warning UK travellers to be vigilant when travelling to and around Turkey due to the threat of possible terrorism in select areas of the country.  

On Sunday, the 29th of January, the FCDO update was posted to the Foreign Travel Advice page warning travellers of the threat of terrorism that is currently alight in Turkey. “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey,” stated the update, with a specific focus on major western hot spots and a threat to the aviation sector within the country.  

The FCDO update advises specifically for air passengers to be aware of the risks and stresses the “heightened risk” of terror attacks targeting the aviation sector. All consumers are advised to follow instructions from airport staff and be aware of any future updates. Outside of the aviation sector, the places stated most likely to be subject to attacks were major cities like Ankara and Istanbul, alongside the southeast of Turkey that borders Syria, Iraq, and Iran.  

The FCDO update read, “There is a potential that citizens from western countries may be targets or caught up in attacks, particularly in the major cities. Attacks could be indiscriminate, and occur without warning, including in places visited by foreigners, affecting public buildings, places of worship, major events or large public gatherings. 

“You should be especially vigilant and where possible avoid places frequented by westerners, including diplomatic premises, places of worship, and around significant religious occasions and public holidays; terrorist groups sometimes call for attacks around these times.” 

The advice added, “There is a heightened risk of terrorist attack against the aviation industry in Turkey. You should co-operate fully with security officials at airports. Be vigilant, monitor media reports and keep up to date with this travel advice.” 

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