The Foreign Office today issued an update warning people travelling to Turkey about a potentially lethal problem with alcohol there. Officials have updated their advice after a number of deaths caused by people drinking illegally produced local spirits.
In the advice they urge any UK holidaymakers to never drink apart from licensed bars and hotels and other trustworthy outlets. The advice on the Foreign Office website said: ”In Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.
To protect yourself:
- buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores
- buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels
- avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
- check bottle seals are intact
- check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling
- If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.
- Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with falls ill after drinking alcohol.”
Earlier this week the Foreign Office also issued a travel alert for anyone going to Turkey during Ramadan. Officials said tourists stand the risk of causing offence with a number of everyday actions.
These include eating, drinking any liquid, smoking and chewing gum ‘in public’ – even if they’re in a car. It also warned against dancing, playing music and swearing. The Foreign Office said in its ‘Safety and Security’ update that Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. It explained: “Ramadan in Turkey in 2025 will likely begin on 28 February or 1 March and last for 29 or 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. “
In a warning for anyone in the country on holiday it said: “During this time, it may cause offence if you:
- eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
- play loud music or dance
- swear in public “
Due to the changes at this time of year Foreign Office officials also said people should check opening hours of shops and restaurants , be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens .
It suggests people should ‘follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time ‘. It added: “Be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk .”
Officials urged: “Be patient and show tolerance – fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening.”
There are a number of other travel warnings in place from the UK Government for Turkey including around taxis. The advice says: “Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky. Find a registered taxi and note the registration number before entering. App-based taxis are also widely available.”
Worrying figures have been released for sex assaults on UK holiday makers. The FO 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.”
For more information on the situation in Turkey visit the Foreign Office website here.