Travel advice for Turkey

Avoid travel within 10 kilometres of the Syrian, Iraqi or Iranian borders. Avoid travel that is not essential to metropolitan centres because of terrorist attacks. Elsewhere, security risks remain; Mediterranean and Aegean resorts are not affected by conflict at the Syrian and Iraqi borders, but latent terrorism remains. Avoid demonstrations and public institutions; critical social media posts, banned organisation support or false information may lead to arrests or prosecution.

Avoid nonessential travel to Hatay, Kilis, Sirnak and Hakkari and all travel within 10 km of the Syrian or Iraqi borders due to very high security risk. If travelling anyway, seek professional advice, use only main roads, travel outside cities only in daytime and never travel alone. Be alert to terrorism, unrest, conflict between Turkish authorities and Kurdish groups, theft in Istanbul and Izmir, demonstrations, earthquakes and wildfires.

Do not travel to the Turkey-Syria and Turkey-Iraq border areas because they are too dangerous. Travel only if essential to Şırnak and Hakkari provinces and the Habur crossing near Iraq; elsewhere in Turkey, exercise caution. Risks include terrorism, attacks in Istanbul and Ankara, theft, scams, contaminated alcohol and hotel pesticide exposure. Severe legal penalties apply; Dutch-Turkish nationals may be questioned, and suspected supporters can be arrested or banned from travel.

Exercise caution in Turkey and avoid all travel to parts of the country. Leaving Iran overland is at the traveller’s own risk because a British passport or perceived UK connections can prompt detention; British nationals crossing into Turkey must seek British Embassy facilitation before crossing. The Esendere-Serow crossing is closed on the Iranian side to daily traders; passport and visa rules are strict, and workers need the correct permits.

Exercise increased caution in Türkiye because of terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detentions. Terrorists may attack crowded public spaces with little or no warning, and people may be detained, barred from leaving, or arrested over alleged terrorist links, unapproved protests, or criticism of the government. Do not travel to the Syrian and Iraqi border regions because of terrorism and armed conflict.

Evacuate and avoid the Syrian border area because clashes risk terrorism, explosions and stray bullets. Do not travel to Diyarbakir Province or the Iraqi border zone due to attacks on security personnel and PKK clashes. Avoid nonessential travel to parts of Hakkari, Sirnak, Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa and Mardin. Take care in Istanbul, where terrorism has occurred, and in the other areas designated level 1.

Avoid travel that is not necessary, including leisure travel, to southeastern Türkiye, specifically Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa and Sirnak, and adjust travel plans. Those already there should monitor the situation, attend to personal safety, and avoid protests and large gatherings. Bomb attacks, gunfire, armed clashes and earthquakes have caused casualties and damage, while other areas of Türkiye remain under Amber advice.

Avoid non-essential travel to land areas in southeastern Turkey and areas directly bordering Syria, Iraq or Iran because security is deteriorating and the Turkish military operation in northern Syria continues. Exercise heightened caution in larger southeastern cities, while remaining alert elsewhere because the terrorist threat may rise unexpectedly. Follow local authorities, avoid demonstrations and rallies, and be alert to earthquakes, summer wildfires and rapid security changes.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Turkey.

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Türkiye because of terrorism, large-scale demonstrations, and possible missile, drone, or other projectile strikes linked to regional hostilities. Avoid all travel within 10 km of the Iraqi and Syrian borders, and avoid non-essential travel to Hakkari and Sirnak because of cross-border terrorist activity and kidnapping risks. Near those borders, travel only with extreme caution, avoid travel after dark, and expect military movement restrictions.

Travel to large cities and border regions with Syria, Iraq and Iran only after carefully considering necessity, and exercise heightened caution, especially in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir and areas with heavy Turkish military activity. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations because violence, tear gas and water cannons may be used, and expect significant transport restrictions. The Mediterranean coast from Antalya to Alanya and the Aegean Sea are considered safe.

Travel to Turkey with increased caution throughout the country, and take particular care along the southern and southeastern borders. Heavy rain may disrupt transport and flights around Istanbul, while regional conflict may cause airspace closures in Middle Eastern countries, although Turkish airports are operating. Watch for wildfires in summer and dry areas, earthquakes around Istanbul and coastal areas, and demonstrations nationwide, especially in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Türkiye because large demonstrations, security restrictions and earthquake hazards are present. Strongly avoid all travel within 10 kilometres of the Syrian border, and avoid all but essential travel to Hatay, Kilis and Sirnak provinces. Avoid protests and demonstrations, minimise time in crowded areas, and follow local earthquake safety procedures.

Exercise increased caution in Turkey, especially in eastern provinces, and avoid travel within 10 kilometres of the Syrian border. Floods around Istanbul may disrupt travel, so follow local authorities and weather warnings and check flight status before departure. Protests can become violent, street crime and scams are common in Istanbul, and terrorist attacks are a major risk in large cities. Obtain insurance covering medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel to Turkey requires caution: dozens of people reportedly die each month after drinking alcohol suspected to involve illegal distillation and contamination with unsafe chemicals. Buy alcohol only from official shops and bars. Forest fires occur regularly in summer in the south and southwest, including areas near major tourist centres, so vigilance is needed. Avoid possible political and social gatherings in Istanbul and other Turkish cities.

Germany advises normal precautions for Turkey.

Exercise usual precautions and monitor local media because regional developments are dynamic. Earthquakes and tremors affect parts of Türkiye; petty crime occurs in major cities, particularly in crowded areas, transport hubs and tourist sites. Beware of fraud and theft, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and do not accept lifts from strangers. Carry identification, observe strict drug and other local laws, and check drone registration and flight permission requirements.