Today, of all days, when such tragic events were unfolding in Cappadocia, KTLN was talking to Ahmet Dördüncü at the British Honorary Consulate in Fethiye about ways in which the Consulate can help people who find themselves in difficult situations, whilst in Turkey.

Little did we realise that whilst we were talking, investigators were already on the scene in Cappadocia, investigating a terrible balloon accident which has left one British man dead and others badly injured.

This dreadful news will resonate with several KTLN members, who themselves took a balloon trip in Cappadocia less than two months ago.  The consequences of such an impact do not bear thinking about.

These events, rare though they are, bring home the importance of knowing what you should do in the event of an emergency abroad - for you and for your family and friends.  It also highlights the work of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff, who are called upon to assist in such difficult circumstances.

In this article, we cover three things.  Firstly, links to the FCO website, which contain a variety of useful information.  Secondly, we would like to pass on a recommendation from the Consulate that if you are travelling or permanently living abroad in Turkey, you should register this with the FCO.  Finally, we show you how to register for FCO travel alerts.

Useful FCO links and publications
The following link takes you directly to a page for British people who are travelling or living overseas.  On this page you will find a host of useful and important information.  Travelling & Living Overseas

We would also draw your attention to the following link, which gives you a range of helpful FCO publications, which are in a handy PDF format, so ideal for downloading and printing off.  FCO Publications

They include the following (we don't show every publication available):

• Victims of Crime Abroad
• Support for British Nationals Abroad (what help you can and cannot expect to receive from the FCO)
• Going to Live Abroad
• Death Overseas

Register with the FCO if you are travelling to Turkey or have set up home there
The following link enables you to regsiter and explains why it is a good idea to do so.  Rather than repeat the reasons here, we suggest clicking on the link below to see for yourself.

Register with FCO - Locate

The above link takes you to a secure portal, where you can register your details online.  It's quick and easy to do so.

Sign up for travel alert emails
The following link takes you to a secure website, where you can complete your details online.  You activate your account by clicking on a link in an email sent to you.

Travel Alerts

Contact Details
You will find Ahmet and his small team very friendly, and willing to provide assistance, in as much as they are allowed.  We say "in as much as they are allowed", because on occasions they do get asked to do things that are simply outside their remit.  For example, they are not permitted to provide you with legal advice - that is the preserve of Turkish lawyers.  Please refer to the publication mentioned above - Support for British Nationals Abroad.

But Ahmet's door is always open and he is always happy to see British people.  If you need any help, don't hesitate to contact Ahmet.  His contact details are as follows:

Ahmet Dördüncü
Atatürk Caddesi
Likya İş Merkezi
Kat: 2 No: 202
48300
Fethiye
Muğla

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: (0252) 614 6302
Fax: (0252) 614 8394
 

All of the above information, and more besides is available to KTLN members in our Knowledge Bank, in the Emergency Situations section.