The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs are urging that a high degree of caution is exercised when travelling to Turkey in the wake of political and social unrest.
On Saturday, Irish citizens were being urged to avoid all non-essential travel to the country in a statement made by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan
“My first concern is for the safety of Irish people travelling to Turkey and those who are already in Turkey. Many thousands of Irish people holiday there each year.”
However, the Department has since downgraded the security status of the country and gave Irish people planning a trip to to Turkey the following advice
“We strongly advise against travelling to the border areas between Turkey and Syria in light of the current instability in the region…While area’s popular with Irish travellers are located at a substantial distance from these regions, vigilance is required in tourist areas such a Taksim Square in Istanbul and locations close to police and military installations.
Irish citizens in Turkey or those intending to travel should exercise vigilance, avoid large public gatherings and all demonstrations and follow the instructions and advice of the local authorities.The Irish embassy in Ankara is providing consular assistance on the ground in Turkey. Any citizens who have concerns can call our consular services on 01 4082000.”
Update to Turkey travel advice: https://t.co/z11g3pt4Bn Also Istanbul airport reported closed till 9pm. Contact airline/operator for updates
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) July 16, 2016
To put this into context there are several European countries which have the same security rating as Turkey at the moment.
For example, since the terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22 March 2016, the department has been urging Irish citizens to remain cautious when travelling to Belgium.
France also falls on the list, following the recent attack in Nice, and the earlier attacks in November in Paris last year.
Similarly in the Eastern Europe country of Ukraine, travelers are advised to steer clear of Crimea where Russian forces have established full operational control.
