Foreign office issues fresh warnings to brits heading to turkey

The UK Foreign Office has today issued a fresh caution to Brits planning to visit Turkey, advising extra care when using taxis in the country which now identifies itself as Turkiye. On

Wednesday, a new advisory posted on the government's travel guidance service highlighted concerns specifically regarding unofficial taxis, labelling them as 'highly risky' and

advising prospective holidaymakers to take precautionary measures. Holidaymakers are advised by the Foreign Office to only travel in registered taxis, noting down their registration number

beforehand and ensuring that the taxi operates with a fare meter. In cases where a metre isn't used, tourists also have the option of app-based or pre-booked taxis, such as those that

can be arranged through hotels, reports the Express. Today's update on the official Turkey travel page of the Foreign Office warned: "Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial

taxis is highly risky." It further instructed: "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." This guidance comes alongside other existing precautions for those visiting Turkey, addressing various other travel considerations. Additional sections

of the advice warn: "Regular demonstrations and protests are currently taking place in Istanbul and other cities across Turkey. Demonstrations may become violent. The police response

has included use of tear gas and water cannons. Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey.

Demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul." Ongoing events

in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have heightened tensions in the region and throughout Turkey. Protests persist outside diplomatic missions linked to the conflict in major

cities, especially targeting Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul. "Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be

disrupted," the advice says. Another alert centres around the risks of counterfeit alcohol. According to the Foreign Office, "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. To protect yourself: * 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

There are also warnings about carrying a form of identification at all times while in Turkey. Additionally, the Foreign Office advises: "It is illegal not to carry some form of

photographic ID in Turkey. Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks. There are also several

police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks."