Turkey travel warning as alert issued over attacks in coastal tourist resorts

A warning has been issued to holidaymakers planning to go to Turkey this summer over attacks in tourist hotspots.

The Foreign Office has issued the alert after new figures for sexual assault and rape on travellers in Turkey were revealed. Officials say that in 2023, holidaymakers sought advice from the UK embassy on dozens of occasions after an attack.

The figures are for sexual assault, including rape, which were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. And officials explained that in most of the cases that happened in the summer holidays, the victim was attacked in tourist hotspots.

The Foreign Office said some of the attacks were on children in toilets as it urged parents to be vigilant, reports the Mirror. In the update, the Foreign Office said: “In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey.

“Most cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas. Crimes were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel and spa workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.”

Some victims had their drinks spiked. The Foreign Office advice on this is to buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them, and be wary of strangers approaching you to change money, taking you to a restaurant or nightclub or offering you food and drink as these could be spiked.

Buying drinks from reputable sources is a good idea. Officials added: “In a small number of cases, counterfeit branded bottles of alcohol have caused deaths of tourists. If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.”

The Foreign Office says crime levels are “generally low”, but adds that street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Holidaymakers are also warned to travel by registered yellow taxi, “make a note of the registration number before getting in” and never accept lifts from strangers.