Britain issues travel warnings for some parts of Turkey

ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News

This image is taken from the UK government's website.

The British Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens against travel to a Turkish town on the border with Syria, while also advising citizens to avoid demonstrations held across the country in support of the Taksim Gezi Park protesters.

In a written statement, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against “all travel to Akçakale and Ceylanpınar” towns near the Syria border, and against all but essential travel to areas within 10 km of Turkey’s border with Syria, recalling the car explosions that took place on May 11.

It also recommended avoiding the ongoing protests in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, Adana, Hatay, Tunceli, and other cities across Turkey. “We advise British nationals to avoid all demonstrations ... in which police have used tear gas and water cannon,” it said.

The statement also urged its citizens not to travel Hakkari, Şırnak, Siirt and Tunceli provinces if not essential, stating that these were the “main provinces affected” by terrorism in the country.

“There is a high threat from terrorism. The [outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party] PKK has carried out frequent attacks throughout the country. Al-Qaeda and other networks have specifically targeted western interests in Turkey. There have also been attacks close to the Syrian border,” said the statement.

Over 2,500,000 British nationals visit Turkey every year, mostly without trouble, it added.