Turkey travel alert as UK Foreign Office updates guidance

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ) has released updated travel guidance for Turkey, specifically targeting security concerns for British holidaymakers and football fans planning to attend a major event this month. The fresh advice centres on the upcoming UEFA Europa League Final (UELF26) and security threats in the region. The FCDO published new details on UELF26 on May 14. The event is set to take place on Wednesday, May 20, in Istanbul . The match will see England's Aston Villa FC face SC Freiburg. Aston Villa FC supporters making the journey to Turkey's biggest city have been warned by the FCDO in its official alert this week. The government body has provided essential information about the event, stating: "Istanbul will stage the UEFA Europa League Final (UELF26) on Wednesday 20 May, with Aston Villa FC and SC Freiburg in the final. If you are travelling to Istanbul for UELF26, read our Travel advice and sign up to FCDO Travel advice email alerts." The guidance also outlined clear instructions for British nationals regarding their movements across the city in the hours building up to the high-profile fixture. "British nationals should plan your movement around the city to arrive at the dedicated fan zone in Gezi Park, Taksim Square or the stadium well in advance of the match starting," the FCDO said. Alongside match day logistics, visitors have been issued with vital safety guidance for navigating large crowds and public spaces. This includes heeding the advice of local officials and keeping a close eye on personal belongings, reports the Liverpool Echo . Visitors are advised to "follow the instructions of the local authorities". The FCDO also says: "Take care of your personal possessions, including passports, especially in crowds and on public transport" For those seeking further official information on the UELF26 event, the FCDO has directed fans towards dedicated resources. Additional details are available on the Aston Villa FC website and the UEFA event guide for UELF26. The FCDO also underlines the importance of ensuring travel insurance policies remain valid. All travellers are urged to adhere to official guidance, or they risk having their policy declared void. It is worth bearing in mind that straying from FCDO advice could leave you uninsured, as it states: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO." Concerning wider security risks across Turkey, the FCDO advises against travel to certain high-risk areas, particularly those in close proximity to a neighbouring conflict zone. The FCDO recommends against all travel to areas within 10km of the Syrian border owing to ongoing conflict and an elevated terrorism threat. It states: "FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. "Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in areas where we advise against travel." The government department has also issued guidance on regional escalation, stressing the importance of being prepared for security threats and travel disruption. It warns: "Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption." The FCDO urges British nationals to read if you're affected by a crisis abroad, which includes advice on 'how to prepare for a crisis' with recommendations on what you could include in your emergency supplies and 'what to do in a crisis'. As well as: The FCDO also stressed the importance of remaining vigilant at all times, taking proactive steps, and ensuring documents are in order. Travellers are urged to follow guidance from local authorities, sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts, keep track of local and international news sources for the latest information, and stay away from areas near security or military installations.