UK Foreign Office issues holidaymakers waring for Turkey

The Foreign Office today issued a travel alert for anyone going to Turkey for a specific month. 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.”

The updates also warned travellers regarding counterfeit alcohol. In the new advice for those travelling to Turkey from the UK, the Foreign Office urge all holidaymakers 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 circulated that more than 100 people have died after drinking bootleg alcohol in Turkey in recent weeks.

Turkish authorities are intensifying inspections to crack down on the production and distribution of counterfeit alcohol. Thirteeen suspects have been arrested in Ankara and 11 others in Istanbul.

Around 29 tonnes of fake alcohol were seized and 64 businesses shut down in the space of two weeks in Istanbul.