As conflict in the Middle East continues between the US, Israel and Iran, concerns surrounding the safety of travel to the region have risen.
Turkey, a popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers, shares its eastern land border with Iran.
Although the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) considers Turkey generally safe for travel, holidaymakers have been warned that regional escalation poses “significant security risks and has led to travel disruption” in the region.
Here’s the latest travel advice for Turkey, plus all the key questions and answers.
Read more: LIVE: Iran-US war latest
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
As of Monday morning 16 March, the UK Foreign Office has not issued any new advice against travel to Turkey.
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”.
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.”
What is government advice if you are already there?
Travellers already in Turkey have been told to follow advice from the local authorities by the FCDO. The Foreign Office advises signing up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, staying away from areas around security or military facilities and monitoring local and international media for the latest information.
People in Turkey should also keep their travel documents up to date and stay indoors or find the nearest safe building if advised to take shelter.
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 FlightRadar.
However, flights to and from the country may be subject to widespread delays and cancellations.
Turkish Airlines said: “Some of our flights to and 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.”
The Turkish flag carrier extended its suspension of flights to the Middle East until 20 March last week.
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.
