UK Foreign Office issues warning to anyone going to Turkey | Europe | Travel

Anyone travelling to Turkey this year has been issued a new warning by the UK Foreign Office today.

On Wednesday, the government’s travel guidance service updated its advice for anyone going to Turkey with a fresh warning about one aspect of holidaying in Turkey (which now refers to itself as Turkiye). Specifically, the warning is about taking taxis in Turkey. The Foreign Office raised the alarm about unofficial taxis, calling them ‘highly risky’ and urged holidaymakers to take two steps before getting in and setting off.

It urged tourists to always find a registered taxi, make a note of the registration number before entering and make sure the fare is on a meter. Otherwise, it said, there are app based and prebooked taxis available. For example, you can ask your hotel to book you a taxi at the desk.

The Foreign Office said in an update on its Turkey travel page today: “Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky.

“Find a registered taxi, note the registration number before entering and ensure the fare is metered. App-based taxis and pre-booked taxis are also widely available.”

The advice is in addition to existing guidance covering various other aspects of travel to Turkey.

One other section says: “Regular demonstrations and protests are currently taking place in Istanbul and other cities across Turkey. Demonstrations may become violent. The police response has included use of tear gas and water cannons.

Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey. Demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.

“Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.”

While another warning centres around counterfeit alcohol. The Foreign Office adds: “In Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.

“To protect yourself:

• buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores

• buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels

• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks

• check bottle seals are intact

• check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling”

Another important warning from the Foreign Office relates to carrying ID. It’s illegal not to carry ID at all times when in Turkey.

The Foreign Office adds: “It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks. There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks.”