Foreign Federationsand Development Office (FCDO) recently updated its travel advice page for Türkiye. The Mediterranean destination is loved by British vacationers, and in 2024 Turkey welcomed over 4 million British people. FCDO currently provides guidance Important information for British tourists is warning planners visiting Turkey.
An update made on Friday, June 20th said, “If you are a British citizen who wants to cross the land border from Iran to Turkey, we will show you whether you would like to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before traveling to the border and bring the head of a relative from Iran or the UK.
“You will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel documents used to enter Turkey), which is necessary by the Turkish authorities.
“The usual entry requirements apply, including that British citizens can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in 180 days. If you intend to leave the land in Iran, you will do so at your own risk.
“In Iran, having a British passport or knowing your connection to the UK could be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain you.”
It comes as a result of an ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, and if Iran is involved in the country, it will alert the UK, France and the US. The US is currently attacking Iran's nuclear site.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advises all trips to some parts of Türkiye. The British say they should not move within 10km of the Syrian border “due to the increased risk of war and terrorism.”
“In Hakkari Province (southeast Turkey), permission must be obtained from the local governor's office to visit areas near the Iraq-Iran border. If you are visiting a travel agent or tour group, please check if a separate permit is required.
Mount Ararat, a special military zone in Agri Province, requires permission from the Dogbayatzit government office and is paid for it. British people traveling with travel agents or tour groups will be urged to confirm whether individual permission is required.
It is important that “extra warning” be made when traveling to the area, as well as being updated by local media and following advice from local authorities.
