Conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns among holidaymakers with trips booked to the region. Now that the US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding agreement, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has updated its travel information.
After four months of casualties, air strikes, and international flights thrown into chaos earlier this year, world leaders seek to put an end to the Middle East conflict.
Turkey, a popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers, is considered by the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) a generally safe place for travel, yet the UK government is still warning of an “unpredictable” situation and “attacks could resume at short notice”.
This is the latest travel advice for Turkey, plus all the key questions and answers.
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Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any new warnings against travel to Turkey relating to the conflict in the Middle East.
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”.
The FCDO says that the US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.
It says that British nationals should read the “if you are affected by a crisis abroad” document, follow advice from local authorities and sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts.
It also advises that if conflict resumes, to stay away from areas around security or military facilities, keep departure plans and travel documents up to date, and stay indoors if advised to take shelter.
“Before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel,” the FCDO added.
“This included US-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions. Iran has previously targeted civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.”
Are flights going to Turkey?
Flights connecting the UK and major Turkish airports, including Istanbul, Antalya and Ankara, are currently operating as scheduled, according to Flightradar24.
Turkish Airlines said: “Some of our flights to/from Iran and the surrounding region have been cancelled.”
Customers with tickets for Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (Dammam and Riyadh), Syria and United Arab Emirates flights booked before 28 February 2026 for travel until 30 June can make reservation changes free of charge or request a refund, added the airline.
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.
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