Turkey is one of the most visited countries in the world, with about 64 million international visitors in 2025, and the great majority of trips pass without incident. It is also a country with real risks that vary a lot by region, and governments say so plainly. This guide sets out what the UK and Canadian governments advise, what the practical day-to-day risks are, and how to prepare, so you can make your own decision with accurate information.

The short answer

For most visitors on the usual routes (Istanbul, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Cappadocia, Pamukkale), the main risks are the same as in any large tourist country: pickpocketing, taxi and restaurant scams, and road safety. The serious risks are terrorism, which the UK describes as likely to be attempted, mainly in the southeast, Ankara and Istanbul, and the area within 10 km of the Syrian border, which the UK advises against visiting at all. Read your own government’s advice before you book, because it is updated regularly.

What governments advise

Source	Overall advice	Areas to avoid
—	—	—
UK government	Warns that terrorists are likely to try to attack in Turkey	All travel within 10 km of the Syrian border
Government of Canada	Exercise a high degree of caution	All travel within 10 km of the Iraq and Syria borders; non-essential travel to Hakkari and Şırnak provinces

Both advisories are updated often, so check them in the weeks before you go: UK advice and Canadian advice. The UK also warns that travelling against its advice can invalidate your travel insurance.

Terrorism, protests and flights

The UK names Istanbul, Ankara and the southeast as the places where most attacks have happened, and lists recent incidents including an attack near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul in April 2026, an attack on a police station in İzmir in September 2025 and an attack near Ankara in October 2024. Visitors are rarely the target, but crowded places and government buildings carry the most risk.

Demonstrations happen regularly in Istanbul and other cities, and police have used tear gas and water cannons. The advice is simple: avoid all demonstrations and leave if one develops. Regional tensions can also cause flight cancellations and airspace closures, so keep flexible bookings and travel insurance that covers disruption.

Earthquakes, fires and floods

Turkey is seismically active. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake in the Sea of Marmara in April 2025 was felt strongly in Istanbul, and the February 2023 earthquakes in the southeast were far more destructive. Wildfires are common in summer; if you see one, call 112. Heavy rain has caused flooding in Istanbul. In a hotel, learn the exit route. If an earthquake strikes, follow the instructions of staff and local authorities.

Crime and scams

Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in Istanbul’s tourist areas, so carry a cross-body bag, keep your phone away in crowds and never leave a bag on a chair back. The scams worth knowing:

The invitation. A stranger offers to take you to a bar, restaurant or nightclub, or to exchange money. The bill is then enormous, and drinks may be spiked. Never go somewhere you did not choose yourself.
Taxis. Unofficial taxis are highly risky. Use registered, metered or app-based taxis, and avoid drivers who approach you at the airport or station.
Counterfeit alcohol. Illegally made spirits have caused deaths, and even small amounts of methanol can kill. Buy alcohol only from licensed shops and venues.
Counterfeit money. Banks may refuse 50 and 100 US dollar bills because of counterfeits, so avoid taking them.

For shopping in bazaars, haggling is part of the culture and shopkeepers will offer tea. It is a courteous exchange rather than a trap, and you can leave at any time. See our bazaars and markets guide.

Laws visitors should know

Turkish law has several rules that surprise visitors, and penalties can be severe:

Drugs: 4 to 24 years in prison and heavy fines, including for transit through airports.
Antiquities: buying or exporting them illegally can bring 5 to 12 years in prison.
Insulting the nation, the flag, the president or Atatürk, or defacing banknotes: 6 months to 3 years, including for online posts.
Photography: do not photograph military or official sites, and ask before photographing people.
ID: you must carry photo ID, such as your passport or residence permit.

Solo and women travelers

The government pages do not single out solo women as a risk group. In practice, standard big-city precautions apply: use registered taxis, keep control of your drink, share your plans and keep your accommodation details with you. Dress for the setting; see our culture guide. For routes, bases and practical tips, read our solo travel guide.

LGBT+ travelers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey, but same-sex relationships are not legally recognised. Pride events have been banned or dispersed since 2015, and authorities have targeted LGBT+ organisations. Be discreet outside major cities and read your own government’s LGBT+ travel advice.

Safety by region

Istanbul: crowds and pickpockets in tourist areas, protests, and taxi scams. See our Istanbul guide.
Aegean and Mediterranean coasts: hot weather, sea conditions and busy roads. Swim where lifeguards are on duty and heed flag warnings.
Cappadocia: balloon flights depend on weather and operators; see our Cappadocia page.
The southeast (Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Diyarbakır): most visitors travel here without problems, but governments advise caution and exclude the border strip. See our Gaziantep, Mardin and Şanlıurfa pages.

Health and emergencies

Dial 112 for police, ambulance and wildfire reports. The UK says its EHIC and GHIC cards are not valid in Turkey, so you need travel insurance that covers local treatment and medical evacuation. Our health guide covers vaccines, water and pharmacies, and our medical tourism guide covers treatment abroad. Canada lists its 24-hour emergency line as 00800-14-220-0149 from Türkiye.

Before you go

Read the current advisory for your country, and sign up for updates if your government offers them.
Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and does not exclude the regions you will visit.
Carry photo ID and keep copies of your documents separately.
Save 112 and your embassy’s number in your phone.
Check entry rules in our visa requirements guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is Turkey safe to visit in 2026?

Millions of people visit each year, and about 64 million international visitors were recorded in 2025. Governments warn of terrorism risk and advise against travel near the Syrian border. Check your own government’s current advisory before you book.

Which parts of Turkey should I avoid?

The UK advises against all travel within 10 km of the Syrian border. Canada advises avoiding all travel within 10 km of the Iraq and Syria borders and non-essential travel to Hakkari and Şırnak provinces.

What are the most common scams in Istanbul?

Strangers who offer to take you to bars or restaurants, spiked drinks, unofficial taxis and counterfeit alcohol. Use registered or app-based taxis, drink only at licensed venues and avoid following strangers.

Does my European or UK health card work in Turkey?

No. The UK says EHIC and GHIC are not valid in Turkey. You need travel insurance with medical cover and evacuation.

What is the emergency number in Turkey?

Dial 112 for police, ambulance and wildfires. Keep your hotel address and embassy details with you.

Is Istanbul safe for tourists?

Most visits are trouble-free, but the UK warns about pickpocketing, protests and terrorism risk in the city. Stay alert in crowds and use registered taxis.

Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Government of Canada; Ministry of Culture and Tourism visitor figures. Advice changes often, so check the current pages. Updated October 2026.