UK: Foreign Office issues new warning as countdown to war continues
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is warning UK travellers that they should avoid travel to south-eastern Turkey unless it is essential.
Clearly mindful of the imminent prospects of war in Iraq, the FCO has also told Britons already in the mainly-Kurdish region of Turkey that they should consider leaving.
The FCO website, at www.fco.gov.uk/travel, reads: “The vast majority of visits to Turkey are trouble-free. Turkey is one of a number of countries where there is a threat from domestic terrorism and an increased risk from international terrorism, which the Turkish authorities are tackling with vigour and so far, in the tourist areas, effectively.
“We advise against any non-essential travel, including holiday travel, to south eastern Turkey. Developments on Iraq and any further increase in regional tension could affect our travel advice. You should check it daily and follow developments closely.”
As reported by News From Abroad, the FCO has recently issued similar advice for countries including Israel and Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Syria and Saudi Arabia.
