Is it safe to visit Turkey? Latest travel advice

Turkey, which straddles Europe and Asia, is many hundreds of miles away from Israel, but holidaymakers may still have concerns about safety in the country due to its borders with Iran and Syria, and the rise of violent protests in the country related to the Hamas-Israel war.

Every autumn and winter, thousands of British holidaymakers travel to Turkey to make the most of its temperate climate and quieter beaches. In Bodrum, November daily highs still average 20C, which is warmer than most of the Greek islands and much of the Western Mediterranean.

This year, travel operator Tui extended its holidays to November amid increasing demand for late-season getaways.

But is it safe to visit? Below we outline everything you need to know, from Foreign Office advice, to the rise of political demonstrations, to your rights if you do decide to cancel your holiday.

Is Turkey involved in the Hamas–Israel conflict?

To date, Turkey has not been involved in the Hamas-Israel conflict. However, Israel’s National Security Council has advised its citizens to leave Turkey “as soon as possible” and, on October 19, Israel recalled its diplomats from Turkey.

In a call with Rishi Sunak, president Tayyip Erdogan invited the west to “effectively object to the human rights violations in Gaza” and to “remember and fulfil the promises made to Palestine over the years,” according to Politico.