Latest Foreign Office travel advice for Brits heading to Turkey with 'take care' warning
The Foreign Office has issued updated travel guidance for Brits planning holidays to Turkey.Turkey has remained a favoured destination for British holidaymakers, owing to its reasonable prices and pleasant Mediterranean weather. There are many resorts, pristine sandy shores, and crystal-clear waters perfect for soaking up the warm sunshine, alongside bustling cities providing a cultural fusion of historical sites, mosques, and markets.Among Turkey's most sought-after cities is Istanbul, packed with impressive architecture, lively streets, a flourishing street-food scene, and ancient monuments, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, reports the Mirror. However, for Brits planning a visit to the only city in the world straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released an alert, especially for football supporters.READ MORE: UK's best 'rainproof' seaside town is just 2 hours from London by trainREAD MORE: Spain tourists say 'it's a joke' as unlikely issue hinders holidaysIn an announcement this week, the FCDO confirmed: "Istanbul will stage the UEFA Europa League Final (UELF26) on Wednesday 20 May, with Aston Villa FC and SC Freiburg in the final. If you are travelling to Istanbul for UELF26, read our Travel advice and sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts."The advice went on to note that any Brits heading to Istanbul during this time should:Plan your movement around the city to arrive at the dedicated fan zone in Gezi Park, Taksim Square or the stadium well in advance of the match startingFollow the instructions of the local authoritiesTake care of your personal possessions, including passports, especially in crowds and on public transport.Additional information can be found on the Aston Villa FC website and in the UEFA event guide for UELF26.Travellers heading to Turkey are also strongly advised to ensure their passports are valid before arriving at the airport, or risk being refused entry. The FCDO stated: "To enter Turkey, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page."They further added: "If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements." Anyone who needs to renew their passport can do so through the government website.The FCDO warned: "You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen."British citizen passport holders can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for either leisure or business purposes. Those holding a different type of British passport will require a visa to enter the country and "should check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel."For more information on travel to Turkey, visit the Foreign Office website.Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
