Turkey: Latest FCDO advice for tourists as 115 IS suspects ‘planning attacks’ detained | World | News
In its updated Türkiye travel advice, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) maintains that there is a risk of a terrorist attack in the country. Türkiye is a popular destination with many British holidaymakers, offering both mild temperatures in seaside resorts in autumn and winter and a cheaper cost of living than the UK.
However, the FCDO advises Britons not to travel to the part of the country within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border. In all other regions, it is urging Britons to check travel advice before setting off. FCDO advice was last updated on 10 December, but is still considered valid on 25 December. The FCDO advice also states there is a “high level” of a terrorist attack affecting UK interests and British citizens globally.
He also says the following about terrorism in Türkiye: “It is possible that terrorists will try to carry out an attack in Türkiye. Most of the terrorist attacks took place in the Southeast, Ankara and Istanbul.
“You should be aware of your surroundings, follow local media news and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The FCDO advice also states that attacks involving “knives, firearms and explosives” can occur “indiscriminately, including in locations visited by foreign nationals”.
While the office said it “cannot guarantee that any travel is safe”, millions of Britons travel to the country every year. In 2024 alone, a total of 4.4 million British tourists visited Türkiye, an increase of 16.6% compared to the previous year.
The FCDO’s advice was given before it was revealed that authorities in Türkiye had detained 115 suspected members of the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS).
This follows coordinated raids across Türkiye targeting alleged conspiracies linked to Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said that authorities issued arrest warrants for a total of 137 suspects who were allegedly preparing to attack in Türkiye during the holiday period.
Turkish police raided 124 addresses across Istanbul. While 115 people were detained, efforts are continuing to capture the remaining 22 people.
In the statement made by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, December 25, the following statements were made: “It has been learned that the ISIS Armed Terrorist Organization is planning to carry out actions against our country, especially non-Muslim individuals, within the scope of the upcoming Christmas and New Year events.
“They were in contact with conflict zones within the scope of the terrorist organization’s activities.”
During the operation, police teams seized guns, ammunition and documents that the authorities described as organizational documents.
In 2017, dozens of people lost their lives in the attack carried out by ISIS on the Reina nightclub in Istanbul during New Year’s celebrations.
