The UK Foreign Office has issued an update for all UK holidaymakers looking to travel to Turkey. Officials have updated the safety advice after a number of people died or become seriously ill after drinking illegally produced local spirits.
The Foreign Office is responsible for keeping Brits up to date regarding travel to some 226 countries and nations. In the new advice for those travelling to Turkey from the UK, the Foreign Office urge all holiday makers to drink alcohol only from licensed liquor stores and bars and to check labels and bottle seals to ensure they are intact.
It comes after reports have circulated that more than 100 have died after drinking bootleg alcohol in Turkey in recent weeks. The Foreign Office website states: “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
The Foreign Office have also recently updated their travel advice for those travelling to Turkey during the holy month of Ramadan, which is likely to begin on February 28 or March 1 and last for 29 or 30 days. The advice warns that tourists may cause offence with a number of activities. This includes eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime, including in your car. Playing loud music or dancing, or swearing in public.
Officials also tell tourists to be aware that the opening hours of shops and restaurants may change during this time and also know that if restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens. It added that people should “follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time.”
For more information on the situation in Turkey visit the Foreign Office website here.