UK tourists in Turkey face a risk of "fines" or even a "prison sentence" as temperatures rise in a holiday hotspot. The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all travel to Sirnak City and the Hakkary Province.
“FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism,” it said. British holidaymakers and tourists have also been warned about additional dangers in the region as the weather gets hotter.
A statement on the FCDO website reads: “Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.
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“You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Barbecues are prohibited in these areas.” It added: “Follow the directions of local authorities. If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112."
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel," it says. The Foreign Office also says: "Many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors.
"These can be a high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Gaziantep and neighbouring provinces in the south-east of Turkey in February 2023. Strong earthquakes may continue to affect the region and it remains heavily damaged."
The warning comes ahead of the spring and summer getaway as UK tourists leave Britain on holiday. The Foreign Office states: "Follow any advice given by the local authorities. See the US Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake."
