An update to Turkey’s Foreign Office page has been published regarding crossing the border from Iran into Turkey
The FCDO has issued a travel update to UK tourists heading to one major holiday hotspot.
Travellers heading to Turkey this year have been waned over border crossing requirements between Iran and Turkey.
The update on June 20 read: “If you are a British national wanting to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you will need to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.
“You will need to provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). This is required by the Turkish authorities.
“The usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
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“If you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk. In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”
The government website also adds elsewhere that: “if you are affected by a crisis abroad [you should] call the FCDO on (+44) (0)207 008 5000,” the Express reported.
The Foreign Office page for those who are looking to visit Iran from Britain strictly states the body “advises against all travel to Iran.”
Guidelines written on the website explain: “FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying.
“British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention.
“Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”
There is a detailed explanation of the decision from the FCDO to advise against all travel, with the body referencing the “political situation” in the country.
It states: “Israel continues to operate militarily against Iran. Reports suggest that a wide range of military, nuclear and civil installations across the country have been hit.
“Major cities have been affected, and the Israeli Defence Forces have issued evacuation warnings for some residential districts. A significant Iranian military response is ongoing.
“Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw UK staff from Iran. Our embassy continues to operate remotely.
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“The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. We continue to advise against all travel to Iran.”
If you are already in the country, the FCDO adds having a British passport or connections to the UK could be enough for authorities in Iran to detain you.
The page explains: “Air, sea and land routes are under the control of the Iranian authorities. You should not assume that ports and borders will remain open.
“There is a very high risk of arrest, questioning and detention for British nationals and British-Iranian dual nationals.
“Holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you. If you are detained in Iran, you could face months or years of imprisonment.”
