The FCDO has issued warnings for specific areas in Turkey and Cyprus as the Middle East conflict continues, with Greece travel advice also updated
As the summer draws closer, attention has turned to travel guidance for families arranging overseas trips while the Middle East conflict persists. Since the commencement of the US-Israeli military action against Iran, the Foreign Office has been continuously revising its recommendations for British travellers, with advisories against all journeys to particular regions and limitations elsewhere.
Through its guidance, the FCDO – Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – has issued an alert regarding specific locations within favoured Eastern Mediterranean tourist destinations. It has published a catalogue of prohibited zones in Turkey and Cyprus while travel recommendations for Greece have been modified.
Nations bordering these three sought-after holiday destinations have become entangled in the conflict following combined operations against Iran by the US and Israel a month ago which triggered its counter-response, reports The Express, throwing the Middle East into chaos.
Prohibited zones in Turkey
Turkey-Syria border – the FCDO has recommended against all journeys within 10km of the Turkey-Syria frontier. It cautions: “Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there is a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.”
It further advises that routes in Hatay Province approaching the border may be shut at brief notice owing to the conflict. Hakkari province, south-eastern Turkey – The FCDO states: “In Hakkari province you must get permission from the local Governor’s Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran.” It advises that those travelling with a tour operator or travel company should verify with them whether an individual permit is required, reports Chronicle Live.
Mount Ararat, eastern Turkey – Mount Ararat is classified as a military zone and clearance from the Doğubayazıt government office is required for entry, along with payment of a fee. Once more, the guidance recommends confirming whether an individual permit is necessary if travelling with a tour operator or travel company.
Travel guidance for Cyprus
The FCDO warns: “Terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out”. This caution follows a suspected drone strike on RAF Akrotiri base on the island during the early stages of the Middle East conflict.
British citizens within the ‘Sovereign Base Areas’ are advised to adhere to instructions from the administration’s British Bases Cyprus Facebook page.
British nationals in Cyprus should comply with any directions from Cypriot local authorities.
The FCDO has also noted that regional escalation presents considerable security threats and has led to travel disruption.
Advisory update for Greece
The FCDO has revised its guidance on Greece, removing references to mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services across Greece on February 28. However, it emphasises no travel can be guaranteed safe and provides comprehensive advice online.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
