UK warns tourists to leave protest areas in Turkey

The Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel warning for Turkey due to ongoing protests and demonstrations. These events are taking place in major cities, including Istanbul, and could potentially become violent. The police have been using tear gas and water cannons to manage the crowds. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is advising British holidaymakers to monitor local media and plan their trips carefully. They recommend avoiding crowds and any demonstrations, as local transport services may be disrupted. In addition to the protests, tensions related to the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have also influenced the atmosphere in Turkey. Huge protests have been organized, especially outside Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul. The FCDO specifically urges tourists to leave any area where a demonstration is happening and has advised against traveling within 10 kilometers of the Turkey-Syria border. Travelers to Turkey should ensure that their passports are valid and have at least 150 days left before expiration, along with a blank page for entry. The government has reminded visitors to be cautious about drinking alcohol, as there have been cases of illness from counterfeit spirits. The FCDO provides tips for safely purchasing alcohol, including buying only from licensed sources and checking the quality of labels.