Mum's warning as son's small issue sees them locked up abroad and £6k down

Amber Maherloughnan and her son faced a distressing situation during their trip to Antalya, Turkey, after she discovered that her son's passport had expired. The passport, which was valid until April 16, 2024, was overlooked by Amber, leading to their detention by Turkish authorities upon arrival. They were held for nearly a full day, during which they received minimal food and water, and were treated harshly, feeling as if they were criminals. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, including contacting the embassy for a temporary travel document, they were informed that entry into Turkey would not be granted. The authorities insisted on paperwork that Amber was not allowed to keep, further complicating their situation. The family was ultimately forced to return home the following day, incurring significant financial loss from their £6,000 trip. Amber expressed her frustration with the treatment they received, highlighting the lack of support and communication from the authorities. She felt a sense of false hope throughout the ordeal, believing that they might still be allowed entry. However, the reality of the situation became clear as they were escorted to their flight back to the UK. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for travelers regarding the importance of ensuring that all travel documents are valid and in order before embarking on international trips. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises that passports should be valid for at least six months upon arrival, a guideline that Amber unfortunately did not follow.