Foreign Office issues urgent warning to holidaymakers travelling to Turkey

It's traditionally one of the most popular tourist destinations for thousands of Brits, but many holidaymakers stayed away from Turkey after a spate of deadly terror attacks in 2015 and 2016.

Turkey bounced back as package holiday favourite last year - but in what could be a massive blow to the country's tourism industry, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued an urgent warning to holidaymakers travelling there this summer.

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The FCO says that terrorists are "very likely" to carry out attacks in Turkey with the majority occurring in the south and east of the country in Ankara and Istanbul.

In a statement the FCO has said: "Presidential and parliamentary elections will take place on 24 June, 2018.

'This may result in rallies and demonstrations around the country.

'You should avoid large gatherings and follow the advice of the local authorities."

Is Turkey a terror risk?

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"Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey,' according to the FCO.

"A number of terrorist groups are active. Since 2015 there has been an increase in PKK (Kurdish separatist) terrorist activity in south-east Turkey.

"There have been a number of attacks by other groups including suicide attacks by Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), attacks by the far left DHKP(C) and the Kurdish separatist group TAK, including in cities such as Ankara and Istanbul.

"Terrorist groups, including Daesh and the TAK, have publicly threatened to attack tourist sites in Turkey.

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"Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect places visited by foreigners.

"There is a heightened risk of terrorist attack against the aviation industry in Turkey. You should co-operate fully with security officials at airports.

"Be vigilant around significant religious occasions (including the holy month of Ramadan) and public holidays; terrorist groups sometimes call for attacks around these times."

What is the travel advice for Turkey?

The FCO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

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The remaining areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces.

The provinces of Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari.

British nationals travelling in Hatay Province (within which the FCO already advise against all but essential travel) should be aware that as a result of the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads leading towards the border may be subject to closure.

Should cancel my holiday to Turkey?

No, but the Foreign Office says 'you should be vigilant, follow the advice of local security authorities, monitor media reports and keep up to date with this travel advice'.

If you're abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London on 020 7008 1500 (24 hours).

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