British holidaymakers heading to Turkey have been issued a fresh travel warning by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The alert concerns counterfeit alcohol following "an increase in the number of deaths and serious illnesses in Turkey" linked to illegal spirits.
The incidents have occurred in major Turkish cities including Ankara and Istanbul.
The FCDO refreshed its guidance following incidents where people have fallen "seriously ill" or died after consuming counterfeit drinks.
Travellers were urged to take specific precautions when purchasing alcoholic beverages in the country.
The FCDO specifically warned about "illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol" being responsible for the health crisis.
The warning applies to homemade alcoholic drinks and professionally counterfeited branded products that may appear legitimate at first glance.
To stay safe, officials recommended buying alcoholic beverages only from liquor stores, bars and hotels that are licensed. Travellers were advised to "avoid homemade alcoholic drinks" entirely.
The FCDO also suggested checking that "bottle seals are intact" before consumption.
Tourists should carefully examine labels, looking for "poor print quality or incorrect spelling" which may indicate counterfeiting.
The FCDO urged travellers to "seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with falls ill after drinking alcohol".
Those with concerns about alcoholic beverages are advised to ask "for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities".
For more information about spiking and methanol poisoning, Britons should read Travel Aware’s information on spiking and methanol poisoning.
Turkey remains a popular destination for British holidaymakers, known for its rich culture, delectable cuisine, idyllic beaches, vibrant street markets and incredible architecture.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
However, before visiting the beloved tourist spot, it's important to consult the FCDO's latest travel guidance to ensure a safe, well-informed trip.
This will include the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
The FCDO has essential guidance for specific parts of Turkey, including the area British holidaymakers should avoid.
Before going abroad, it's important to be aware of travel warnings. Recently, a South American tourist destination announced a "state of emergency" due to heavy rainfall.
Closer to home, Britons travelling in Europe this month have been warned as a popular country braces for "severe disruption".
Find Out More...
The alert concerns counterfeit alcohol following "an increase in the number of deaths and serious illnesses in Turkey" linked to illegal spirits.
The incidents have occurred in major Turkish cities including Ankara and Istanbul.
The FCDO refreshed its guidance following incidents where people have fallen "seriously ill" or died after consuming counterfeit drinks.
Travellers were urged to take specific precautions when purchasing alcoholic beverages in the country.
The FCDO specifically warned about "illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol" being responsible for the health crisis.
The warning applies to homemade alcoholic drinks and professionally counterfeited branded products that may appear legitimate at first glance.
To stay safe, officials recommended buying alcoholic beverages only from liquor stores, bars and hotels that are licensed. Travellers were advised to "avoid homemade alcoholic drinks" entirely.
The FCDO also suggested checking that "bottle seals are intact" before consumption.
Tourists should carefully examine labels, looking for "poor print quality or incorrect spelling" which may indicate counterfeiting.
The FCDO urged travellers to "seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with falls ill after drinking alcohol".
Those with concerns about alcoholic beverages are advised to ask "for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities".
For more information about spiking and methanol poisoning, Britons should read Travel Aware’s information on spiking and methanol poisoning.
Turkey remains a popular destination for British holidaymakers, known for its rich culture, delectable cuisine, idyllic beaches, vibrant street markets and incredible architecture.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
- New routes from UK airport to Middle Eastern holiday destination set to launch at the end of month
- Britons heading to Brazil issued fresh warning as South American hotspot faces 'attack' threat
- British holidaymakers told to avoid South American destination as 'state of emergency' is declared
However, before visiting the beloved tourist spot, it's important to consult the FCDO's latest travel guidance to ensure a safe, well-informed trip.
This will include the most up-to-date information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help.
The FCDO has essential guidance for specific parts of Turkey, including the area British holidaymakers should avoid.
Before going abroad, it's important to be aware of travel warnings. Recently, a South American tourist destination announced a "state of emergency" due to heavy rainfall.
Closer to home, Britons travelling in Europe this month have been warned as a popular country braces for "severe disruption".
Find Out More...