The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises British travelers to avoid certain areas in popular Eastern Mediterranean destinations like Turkey, Cyprus, and Greece as summer holidays approach. Recent updates highlight risks near conflict zones amid ongoing Middle East tensions, including strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, followed by Iranian responses across the region.
Turkey-Syria Border Restrictions
The FCDO recommends against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border. Fighting in Syria near the Turkish border persists, raising terrorism risks. Roads in Hatay Province leading to the border may close abruptly due to the conflict.
Hakkari Province in Southeast Turkey
Visitors to Hakkari Province must obtain permission from the local Governor’s Office for areas near the Iraq and Iran borders. Travelers with tour groups or agents should confirm if individual permits are required.
Mount Ararat Access Rules
Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey operates as a military zone. Access requires authorization from the Doubayazt government office, along with a fee. Tour participants should verify permit needs with their operators.
Cyprus Security Alerts
Terrorist attacks in Cyprus remain a possibility, the FCDO warns. Early in the regional conflict, a suspected drone struck RAF Akrotiri in the Sovereign Base Areas. British nationals there should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration via their British Bases Cyprus Facebook page. Those in the Republic of Cyprus must adhere to local authority directives. Escalation brings heightened security threats and travel disruptions.
Recent Greece Update
The FCDO has removed prior advisories on mass demonstrations and public service disruptions across Greece, with the update effective from February 28.
