The Foreign Ministry issued new warnings to Britons traveling to popular holiday destinations amid a string of attacks. According to the Foreign, Federal and Development Office (FCDO), holiday makers need to “take extra precautions” when visiting Turkey.
In its advice updated on April 22, FCDO highlighted the risk of sexual assault in Turkey, affecting 56 incidents in 2024. These cases occurred primarily during tourist season in coastal resort areas.
On Gov.uk, FCDO explained: “Of the 4.4 million British tourists who visited Turkey in 2024, 56 sexual assaults, including rape, have been reported to British consul staff.
“The majority of reported cases took place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas.
“Many times, these crimes were committed by someone the victim may have encountered during the day, a considerable number being due to hotel or spa staff.
There were also sexual assaults on minors who visited toilet facilities on their own. Be more vigilant in these situations. ”
We recommend taking the following precautions:
Make sure that children and young people are always accompanied by known and trustworthy people and will not have staff at hotels or field trips.
FCDO said: “If you experience sexual harassment or assault, or feel threatened or unsafe, please report it to the hotel and the Turkish police or Genary as soon as possible.
“Please call 112 for the police. Please contact your nearest British Consulate for consular assistance.”
He also warned that accepting lifts from unofficial taxi drivers is “very dangerous.” “Find a registered taxi and pay attention to your registration number before you enter. App-based taxis are also widely available.”
A separate FCDO, a separate advice, is also urging all trips to Turkey's regions within 10km with Syria due to “increasing risks of combat and terrorism.”
If you don't follow this warning, you will not only put you at risk, but you will also be able to void your travel insurance.
For more information, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey.
