Travel · Official advice · 20 October 2026
FCDO updates Turkey travel advice, removes Istanbul flood warnings
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has announced an update to its travel guidance for Turkey. Information about heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul has been removed, while advice against travel near the Syria border remains. In-person consular support is severely limited in areas where travel is advised against.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has published revised travel advice for Turkey. The update removes information about heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul from the 'Warnings and insurance' page. Meanwhile, the department advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria due to risks of fighting and terrorism.
British nationals in the Middle East are advised to be prepared for flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. The situation remains unpredictable following strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran since 8 July, despite the memorandum of understanding announced on 17 June. Travelers are urged to sign up for email alerts, follow local authorities, and stay away from security or military facilities.
Travel insurance may be invalidated if travelers go against the advice provided. The department states that it cannot help British nationals enter Turkey from Syria. While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person support is severely limited in areas where travel is advised against.
The announcement does not specify when the current travel restrictions near the Syrian border will be reviewed or lifted.
Written by StreetOwl from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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