FCO issue advice for extreme sports in Turkey

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have updated their travel advice for British nationals heading to Turkey to remind them to take care when participating in extreme sports.

The change of advice comes in the light of an accident on 20 May 2013, in which 2 hot air balloons collided, killing 3 tourists and injuring 22.

The FCO now recommends that you take time to choose your operator carefully before making the decision to take part in any extreme sports such as paragliding, parasailing, white water rafting, quad biking and hot air ballooning.

British nationals have been killed and injured whilst participating in extreme sports in Turkey, so it is very important to satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place. You should only use reputable companies and insist on training before taking part.

It's not just Turkey where you need to be careful. Whatever your holiday destination, check out safety procedures and the reputation of your chosen activity supplier before taking part.

Hot air balloon flights have just resumed in Egypt following the introduction of new safety measures by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority. Flights were stopped after an accident in February where 19 people, including 2 British nationals were killed.

Travel insurance and extreme sports

If you are planning on taking part in an extreme sport or adventurous activity whilst you are on holiday, whether you are going to Turkey or another destination, it is very important to make sure that you are properly covered by your travel insurance.

Make sure that your travel insurance will provide cover for the cost of medical treatment received as a result of having an accident whilst taking part in an activity or sport.

Insurewithease.com provides cover for over 50 sports and activities as standard, including scuba diving to 18m and jet boating. There is also the option to add cover for more adventurous activities such as hot air ballooning, white water rafting and quad biking.

Find out more about travel insurance for sports and activities >>

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