THE Foreign Office has updated their travel advice for tourists visiting Turkey following the US airstrike in Iran.
The attack led to the death of General Qasem Soleimani, resulting in protests in the country.
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Tourists are now being told to “remain vigilant” due to the attack, as tensions remain high – with the same advice issued for Egypt and Dubai too.
Turkey borders Syria, Iraq and Iran, leading to fears of reprisals against tourists.
The government have warned: “Following the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a US strike in Baghdad on 3 January, British nationals in the region should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.”
Currently in place are warnings against all travel in the southern region of the country along the Syrian border.
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The travel advice was last updated in October 2019, after Turkey launched an attack on the border.
All but essential travel is advised against along the Iraq border as well as in the provinces of Diyarbakir and Tunceli.
Terrorist attacks in the country remain “very likely” with previous attacks including the 2017 Istanbul nightclub shooting, which killed 39 people.
The majority of British holidays, however, are in the north of the country including Bodrum, Antalya and Istanbul, and are without incident.
In 2018, over 2.3 million Brits visited the country, with cheap package deals and holidays popular with families.
The destination remains popular for 2020 – with British Airways launching new flights to Antalya this summer.
Holidays are on the rise in Turkey as tourists shun other locations such as Spain for cheaper trips and booze.
However, visitors are advised to print their e-visas as some travellers claimed they were ‘turned away at the airport’.
