Uk foreign office issues turkey warning to tourists over 'highly risky' move

ANYONE PLANNING TO GO TO TURKEY FOR A HOLIDAY THIS YEAR IS BEING URGED TO BEAR IN MIND THE LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE 09:39, 28 May 2025 The UK Foreign Office has issued a new warning for tourists

going to Turkey. Travellers are being urged to avoid a 'highly risky' move while on holiday in the popular destination. The latest travel advice involves taxi safety and explains

what precautions people should take in Turkey. The Foreign Office says: "Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky. "Find a registered taxi, note the

registration number before entering and ensure the fare is metered. App-based taxis and pre-booked taxis are also widely available." As well as a warning about taxi travel, the

Government department offers a number of other tips for holidaymakers. It states: "Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your

personal belongings and make sure they are always secure." There is also an alert over drink and food spiking. "Be wary of strangers approaching you to change money, or to take you

to a restaurant or nightclub. "If strangers offer you food and drink these could be spiked. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them," the warning says. In addition,

there is a section about counterfeit alcohol. The Foreign Office adds: "In Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally

produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol." Tourists are urged to do the following to protect themselves: * buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor

stores * buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels * avoid home-made alcoholic drinks * check bottle seals are intact * check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling Travellers

are also made aware of sexual assaults in the country. The Foreign Office states: "Among the 4.4 million British travellers that visited Turkey in 2024, 56 cases of sexual assault,

including rape, were reported to British consular staff. The majority of cases that have been reported took place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas. Article continues below

"Often these crimes were committed by someone the victim may have met during the day, with a significant number being by hotel or spa staff. There have also been sexual attacks on

minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations." More advice is available here.