Urgent warning issued to Irish tourists following deaths at popular holiday destination

An urgent warning has been issued to Irish travellers following recent deaths at tourist hotspots at a very popular holiday destination.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has updated it's travel advice for people travelling to Turkey following recent deaths of tourists who had been taking part in some extreme sports in the country.

The DFA have advised tourists to "exercise extreme caution" as participating in extreme sports including hot-air ballooning and that you should be satisfied that adequate safety precautions are in place.

The DFA also said there have been a number of hot-air ballooning accidents in the popular region of Cappadocia in the past, which have led to a number of fatalities. There have also been a number of fatalities and serious injuries in paragliding accidents in the resorts of Oludeniz and Fethiye.

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The department advises that you only use reputable operators and insist on training before use. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the activities you want to undertake, as often they are excluded in standard policies

The DFA have also warned about stray dogs, which are very common in Turkey. But while they are largely docile, this may not always be the case and tourists should avoid approaching these dogs. If you are bitten, you should seek medical advice immediately as rabies and other animal borne diseases could be present.

The department's general advice to Irish tourists in Turkey or those who intend to travel there is to exercise a high degree of caution at all times.

You should avoid all protests and demonstrations and minimise time spent in crowded areas, particularly those frequented by foreigners, follow local security advice, and monitor local media. You should also devise and/or review a personal security plan.

Large demonstrations have taken place in Istanbul and other Turkish cities since March 19. A ban on demonstrations is currently in place and a number of restrictions on transport and movement within the city are in effect.

The DFA also strongly advises against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border between Turkey and Syria, and all but essential travel to the provinces of Hatay, Kilis and Sirnak.

Tourists should also be aware that the police in Turkey can take measures such as the use of tear gas to control protesters. You should ensure you have a charged mobile phone at all times and always carry ID / passport at all times, presenting to security officers if requested (and keep a copy to hand also).

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And while violent crime against tourists in Turkey is rare, street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul.

The Embassy in Ankara has also been made aware of a number of cases of tourists being intimidated into paying extortionate bills at bars and nightclubs in Istanbul.

Remain vigilant when frequenting such establishments. There have been a number of cases of theft from apartments and cars in some of the coastal resorts, as well as in Istanbul and Ankara. Take heed of your local tour operator representative's advice, and wherever you are, take sensible precautions.

For more information visit the DFA's website