Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, offering an extraordinary blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the turquoise coast, Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman palaces, Turkey delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Turkey is generally safe for tourists in major cities and coastal areas, with Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and the Aegean coast well-established destinations with low crime against tourists. Exercise heightened caution near the Syrian and Iraqi borders and avoid all border regions in the southeast. Political demonstrations can occur in major cities and should be avoided.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Most countries advise normal precautions in western tourist areas; exercise increased caution nationwide due to terrorism risk and political demonstrations; avoid provinces bordering Syria and Iraq entirely. Earthquake risk exists throughout Turkey — familiarize with hotel safety procedures.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Terrorism risk nationwide; avoid demonstrations; border regions with Syria and Iraq advised against all travel
Level 2 — Some Risk
High threat from terrorism; demonstrations can turn violent; avoid areas near Syrian and Iraqi borders
Do Not Travel — Border Regions
Provinces of Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Hatay, Mardin, Şırnak, Hakkari near Syrian/Iraqi border are advised against all but essential travel
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings — they can escalate quickly and police presence is heavy
Stay alert in crowded tourist areas like Grand Bazaar; pickpockets target distracted visitors
Keep copies of your passport and travel documents stored separately from originals
Register with your embassy upon arrival or before departure for emergency assistance
Avoid border regions with Syria and Iraq — security situation remains volatile
Be cautious discussing politics, especially Kurdish issues, government, or military
Use only official licensed taxis or rideshare apps (BiTaksi, Uber) to avoid overcharging
Watch out for carpet shop scams where new friends steer tourists to shops paying commission
Women should carry a headscarf when visiting mosques — shoulders and knees must be covered for all visitors
Purchase travel insurance covering medical evacuation — healthcare is good but expensive for foreigners
Drink only bottled water and be cautious with street food hygiene especially in summer heat
Use ATMs or official exchange offices (doviz) for currency — avoid street touts offering unofficial rates
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi meter scam
Unlicensed or dishonest taxis near Sultanahmet, airport, and tourist areas start meters high, take long routes, or claim meters are broken demanding inflated fixed fares.
How to avoid: Use BiTaksi or Uber app exclusively; insist on meter ('taksimetre lütfen') if using street taxis; know approximate fares in advance
Carpet shop friendship scam
A friendly local (often speaking excellent English) strikes up conversation, gains trust, then steers you toward a carpet or jewelry shop where they receive commission. The 'guide' may claim to be a student or teacher.
How to avoid: Be friendly but independently navigate to shops; anyone overly eager to take you somewhere specific is likely earning commission
Restaurant tourist price scam
Some tourist-area restaurants display low prices on an outside menu but charge significantly more on the bill, adding service charges, bread charges, and items you didn't order.
How to avoid: Ask for the menu with prices before sitting; check the bill item by item before paying; dispute immediately if overcharged
Fake Turkish delight or saffron
Street vendors near Spice Bazaar sell inferior quality or fake saffron at inflated prices, and Turkish delight that looks premium but is factory-made tourist grade.
How to avoid: Buy Turkish delight only from established shops like Hafız Mustafa; check saffron quality (real saffron is expensive) at legitimate spice shops
Shoe shine scam
A shoe shiner drops a brush in front of you; when you pick it up and return it he insists on shining your shoes then charges an inflated fee.
How to avoid: Simply decline the shoe shine offer if approached; don't feel obligated after the brush trick
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines required (MMR, DPT, COVID-19 booster). Recommended: Hepatitis A (food/water), Hepatitis B (extended stay), Typhoid (rural areas and street food). Rabies if planning animal contact.
- Water
- Tap water technically treated but locals universally drink bottled water — follow suit. In rural Eastern Turkey avoid tap water entirely. Bottled water (su) cheap everywhere at $0.50-1.
- Food
- Street food generally safe from busy vendors with high turnover. Avoid raw shellfish in summer heat. Traveler's diarrhea risk from midye dolma (stuffed mussels) — check freshness. Heat exhaustion serious risk in July-August.
- Facilities
- Public hospitals in major cities adequate; private hospitals in Istanbul and Ankara excellent by international standards. Health insurance with medical evacuation recommended. European Health Insurance Card not valid — comprehensive travel insurance essential.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Turkey is generally safe in tourist areas and major cities. Istanbul, Cappadocia, and coastal regions are well-trodden solo traveler routes with excellent infrastructure. Tips: use apps not street taxis; stick to well-lit areas at night; trust gut feelings in interactions; hostels in major cities are excellent for meeting other travelers.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers are common and generally safe in tourist areas though some unwanted attention (catcalling, persistent conversation) occurs, more so in conservative or rural areas than Istanbul and beach resorts. Tips: dress modestly outside coastal and bohemian neighborhoods; Kadıköy (Asian Istanbul) is considered safest for nighttime solo exploration; ignore persistent attention and walk confidently; join walking tours to meet other travelers.
Families
Turkey is extremely family-friendly — Turks adore children and families receive warm welcome everywhere. Excellent for families with children of all ages. Tips: avoid southeastern border regions; keep children close in crowded bazaars; most hotels accommodate cribs and extra beds without issue; family-specific tours and activities abundant in Cappadocia, Antalya, and Istanbul.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Legal status complex — homosexuality is technically legal but same-sex relationships have no legal recognition and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, especially outside Istanbul. Istanbul has an established LGBTQ+ community centered in Beyoğlu and Cihangir but the annual Pride march has been banned since 2015. Tourist areas are generally tolerant; coastal resorts cosmopolitan; conservative areas require discretion. Research current situation before visiting.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 155
- Medical
- 112
- Embassy
- Contact your home country embassy in Ankara or consulate in Istanbul — register at travel.state.gov (US) or equivalent before departure
- Tourist Police
- 527-4503 (Istanbul tourist police); look for blue-uniformed tourist police in Sultanahmet and major tourist areas