Foreign Ministry issues warning of attacks on tourist hotspots for Turkey

Foreign Office officials have issued an urgent warning after new figures emerged on sexual assault and rape of travellers in Turkey. Officials said this afternoon (June 24) that in 2023 holidaymakers had contacted the British Embassy for advice dozens of times after an attack.

The shocking figures concern sexual assaults, including rapes, reported to British consular staff in Turkey. And officials said that in most cases, which happened during the summer holidays, victims were attacked in tourist hotspots.

They were often abused by hotel and spa staff – and the Foreign Office also said some of the attacks had occurred on children in toilets, as it urged parents to be vigilant. In the update, the Foreign Office said: “In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey.”

“Most cases occurred during the summer holidays in the tourist coastal areas. The crimes were committed at night by someone the victim had met during the day, including hotel and spa staff. There were also sexual assaults on minors who visited toilets alone. Be especially vigilant in such situations.”

Some victims had alcohol laced into their drinks. The Foreign Ministry advises that you buy drinks yourself and always keep an eye on them. Be careful if strangers approach you to change money, take you to a restaurant or nightclub, or offer you food and drinks, as these may be laced with alcohol.

It’s a good idea to buy drinks from reputable sources. Officials added: “In a few cases, counterfeit branded alcohol bottles have caused the death of tourists. If you have any concerns, ask your tour operator or the Turkish authorities for advice.”

The Foreign Ministry says the crime rate is “generally low” but adds that street robbery and pickpocketing are common in Istanbul’s major tourist areas. Holidaymakers are also warned to take a registered yellow taxi, “make note of the license plate number before getting in” and never accept rides from strangers.