Foreign Office advice on whether it is safe to travel to Turkey

WorldTravel
3 Mar 2026 • 6:35 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises that Turkey is generally safe for travel but warns of "significant security risks and travel disruption" due to escalating Middle East conflict.
  • No new FCDO advice against travel to Turkey has been issued, apart from an existing restriction for areas within 10km of the Syrian border.
  • British nationals intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey must contact the British Embassy in Ankara beforehand due to risks of detention by Iranian authorities.
  • While flights between the UK and major Turkish airports are mostly operating, Turkish Airlines has cancelled services to several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Iraq.
  • Travellers cannot claim full refunds for cancelling trips to Turkey based on safety concerns unless the FCDO's official travel advice changes, with cancellation terms dependent on holiday providers.

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