Tips for traveling to Turkey after the attack

This week Europe has suffered the consequences of Islamic terrorism again. As you may already know, on the night of June 28, the airport of Istanbul, Turkey, was attacked by three suicide bombers who, using Kalashnikov and explosives, caused 41 deaths and 239 injuries. Unfortunately, it is not ruled out that there may be more deaths, since some of the injured are very serious.

As you can imagine, this attack has dealt a severe blow to Turkey's tourism, which was already quite touched. And this is the third ISIS attack on Istanbul so far this year. Iconic places in Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia already looked deserted before the attack on the airfield. In addition, the number of foreigners in places like Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast had been reduced. Logically, the tourism sector fears that after the attack, the summer is even more disastrous than previously expected. Of course, if you are not one of those who are scared and you still plan to travel to Turkey for the next few weeks, we recommend that you do not miss the tips that we tell you next.

Advantages of traveling now to Turkey

Many who as a result of the attack have decided to cancel their trip to Turkey for this summer. For others, on the other hand, it is a good time to visit the country, as security measures will increase and prices flights and hotels will plummet. In addition, queues to visit the emblematic monuments will be reduced. On the other hand, some argue that nowadays no place is safe from terrorism, so you have to take advantage of traveling to Turkey right now. Of course, if you finally decide to visit this European country that is lately being targeted by ISIS and other terrorist organizations, it is important that you take into account some recommendations.

Attitude of prudence and vigilance

Following the terrorist attack on the Istanbul airport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has updated its recommendations for traveling to Turkey. Thus, the first thing they recommend is "travel with extreme caution and refrain from doing it in certain areas". On the other hand, from the Government they advise to be extremely prudent and to have an attitude of extreme surveillance while traveling to Turkey. In the same way, it is important to avoid all kinds of crowds and demonstrations, since there is a risk of another terrorist attack.

Avoid certain areas

As we have just mentioned, the Ministry recommends avoiding some areas and acting in a certain way in some places. For example, in Istanbul you have to be very alert to the places with the greatest tourist presence, the public transport network and, especially, the metro. But do not think that they only refer to Istanbul, but that the Embassy has also warned about Ankara, advising to avoid the Kizilay neighborhood for the next few days, especially public buildings and police and military facilities, in addition to maintaining an alert attitude on public transport. On the other hand, the Ministry recommends absolutely avoiding the Diyarbakir and Sirnak provinces, where violence has spread; provinces and cities bordering Syria; border areas with Iraq; southeastern provinces of the country near the border with Syria; and regions of Mount Ararat and Tendürek.

Through the Embassy's Twitter

We also want to recommend that you stay in hotels with good security systems if you finally decide to travel to Turkey and take extreme caution in museums, bazaars and restaurants. Finally, we want to comment that you can stay informed about the evolution of events through the Embassy's Twitter (@EmbEsTurquia).

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