The FCDO advises against all travel to some parts of Turkey
It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest advice(Image: Getty Images/David Hanson)
The Foreign Office has issued an update for anyone travelling to Turkey due to a “high threat” of terrorism. Officials have renewed the advice amid ongoing concerns of terrorist attacks in the region. Turkey is a popular holiday destination for millions of Brits so it’s important to be aware of the latest advice.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. The FCDO still advises against against all travel to some parts of Turkey in an update shared on May 8.
Tourists should avoid travelling within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. In its most recent advice, the Foreign Office said: “Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”
Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Officials said: “You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
“There have been several attacks involving knives, firearms and explosives. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals such as public buildings, places of worship, airports, large public gatherings including major events, public holidays, religious occasions.”
FCDO highlighted recent attacks:
in April 2026, two police officers were injured after three gunmen opened fire near a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbulin September 2025, three police officers were killed and three people injured in an attack on a police station by a lone gunman in Izmirin October 2024, five people were killed and 22 injured in an attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries’ facility in Kahramankazan, 40km northwest of central Ankarain February 2024, one person was killed in an armed attack on the Çağlayan courthouse in Istanbul by the terrorist group DHKP/Cin January 2024, one person was killed by two gunmen in the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Sariyer, in an attack claimed by Daeshin 2022, six people were killed in an explosion in central Istanbul
Extremist groups based in Syria, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups, have the capacity to carry out attacks in Turkey. Daesh has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border.
In addition to terrorism concerns, the FCDO also updated advice for children in Turkey. There are reports of hotels refusing to check-in children aged 17 and under who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Parents must provide written consent and are urged to check with the accommodation provider in advance..
Advice was also updated for anyone planning a trip to Turkey for 2027. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims in Turkey, and is likely to begin between early February and early March in 2027. It will last for 29 or 30 days.
During this time, it may cause offence if you eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car, play loud music or dance or swear in public.
You should also check opening hours of shops and restaurants and be aware you may be separated from Islamic guests if you are eating in restaurants during fasting hours. You should also take into consideration local dress codes.
