Lifestyle Trend: Turkey, Cyprus and Greece ‘no-go zones’ as Foreign Office updates travel warnings You Should Know

If Brits are set to travel to the Mediterranean hotspots soon, there are some areas they need to avoid.

With the Easter holidays just around the corner and the long summer months just after that, many Brits will be counting down the days until they can jet off to a warm and sunny destination and skip out on the UK’s unpredictable weather.

However, with continued conflict going on in the Middle East, as well as between neighbouring countries, there are some areas that travellers should avoid at all costs. Thankfully, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has continued to update its travel warnings for holiday hotspots across the globe.

Currently, there are some ‘no-go zones’ in countries such as Greece, Turkey and Cyprus which holidaymakers need to be aware of. However, it should be noted that these warnings can change depending on the escalation of conflict, so it advised that Brits lookout for updates the closer they get to their travel date.

As well as current concerns surrounding the conflict between Iran, the US and Israel, the Foreign Office can urge British nationals to avoid certain destinations due to political conflicts, safety concerns, or natural disasters, reports the Mirror.

Travellers should also be aware that if they go against the advice of the governmental body, then their travel insurance could be invalidated. This is especially applicable to “against all travel” or “against all but essential travel” warnings.

Turkey

Turkey-Syria Border

The Foreign Office is currently advising against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border as fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border. It also warns: “There is a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.”

On top of this, the FCDO states that as a result of the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may be closed at short notice.

Hakkari Province

The Hakkari Province is located in south-east Turkey. In this province you must get permission from the local Governor’s Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran.

The Foreign Office also advises: “If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.”

Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province, is a special military zone. Therefore, travellers must have permission from the Doğubayazıt government office and pay a fee. Again, if you are travelling with a tour group, confirm if you need a permit and make sure to take extra care while in the area.

Cyprus

The Foreign Office currently warns that terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out and that “attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals”.

Additionally, near the beginning of the Middle East conflict, the RAF Akrotiri was confirmed to have been a target of a suspected drone impact.

The FCDO said: “British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.”

On top of this, regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. British nationals are being urged to monitor local and international media for the latest information and keep departure plans under review.

Greece

The FCDO’s latest update reads: “Removal of information about mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services across Greece on February 28.”

However, it still does warn that no travel is guaranteed to be safe. Therefore, if Brits do choose to travel, it is crucial that your research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. It advises: “Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.”