Kaputas Beach between Kas and Kalkan, Antalya, Turkey(Image: GettyImages)
With the summer holiday season fast approaching, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel guidance for Brits heading to popular Eastern Mediterranean destinations.
The FCDO has revised its list of “no-go” zones across Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece, as millions of holidaymakers finalise their summer plans.
Tensions in the wider region have escalated further following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran a month ago, with Iran retaliating by targeting sites across the Middle East, heightening concerns for travellers.
No-go zones in Turkey
Turkey-Syria border
The FCDO is advising against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border. “Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there is a heightened risk of terrorism in the region,” the FCDO said.
The FCDO also cautioned that roads in Hatay Province near the border could be closed at short notice owing to ongoing hostilities, reports the Mirror.
Hakkari province, south-east Turkey
“In Hakkari province you must get permission from the local Governor’s Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran,” the FCDO said. Those travelling with a tour operator or travel agent were urged to check whether an individual permit would be required.
Mount Ararat, eastern Turkey
Mount Ararat is designated as a special military zone, requiring visitors to obtain authorisation from the Doğubayazıt government office and pay the necessary fee. “If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit,” the FCDO advised.
No-go zones in Cyprus
The FCDO has cautioned that “terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out” with one location particularly vulnerable to targeting.
During the early stages of the Middle East conflict, RAF Akrotiri on the island nation experienced a suspected drone strike.
The FCDO stated: “British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.”
It added that regional tensions present considerable security threats and have resulted in travel disruption.
No-go zones in Greece
The FCDO has revised its guidance on Greece, removing details about mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services across Greece on 28 February.
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