FCO Trials Text Messaging for Brits in Egypt and Turkey

The Foreign Office (FCO) is conducting a trial by sending out text messages to British travellers scheduled to arrive in Turkey and Egypt this week. 

The trial runs from today, Monday, 15 March until Monday, 22 March 2010. 

The trial is currently for customers of Orange and T-Mobile with +44 numbers as a way to provide information to British nationals travelling abroad.

The messages will be in the form of a greeting, providing details on how to contact the closest British Consulate or Embassy in Turkey or Egypt.  Those who receive the message do not need to respond, but the FCO asks that the numbers are stored in case needed. 

The FCO chose Turkey and Egypt for the trial as they are popular holiday sun destinations for Brits.  According to the FCO, the text service is not intended as a replacement for any of the services currently offered, and it does not make available any additional services other than those normally provided.  Visit the FCO website at fco.gov.uk.

Don’t forget to take out travel insurance before leaving on your trip!

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