When people think of visiting Turkey and its stunning landscapes and ancient history, they often wonder about their safety in the country’s vibrant cities and historic epicenters.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether it’s safe to travel to Turkey right now, covering safety in the main tourist hubs (and a few off-the-beaten-path ones too), as well as safety tips, health advice, and localized knowledge.
With the insights below, you’ll be prepared for a safe and rewarding visit to Turkey.
Is It Safe to Travel to Turkey Right Now?
Before making the trip to Turkey you’re likely to think about the country’s safety. The great thing is, by and large, it’s considered safe for tourists.
For example: Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia are cities that see millions of tourists per year and don’t really run into any problems. But, as always, keep yourself updated, and take common travel precautions, as you would elsewhere.
Deep Dive into Safety Conditions
General Safety Overview
While Turkey's most popular cities, like Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia, are generally safe and tourist-friendly, it's still important to stay vigilant in the larger cities. The bustling streets blend modern energy with relics of the past, creating a relaxed yet vibrant vibe.
It's not often you get to experience all this in one place! As with any destination, just be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Staying safe is easy, you just need to use common sense.
Localized Safety Information
There are a variety of experiences in Turkey due to its diverse regions, and each has its own safety concerns. Western coastal areas are touristy (and with tourist comes pickpockets, scammers, and pushy salespeople), while the shore is home to gorgeous beaches as well as ancient ruins. Eastern Turkey, on the other hand, tends to be more traditional than the west making for a quieter experience.
Be sure to respect local traditions, and take advice on the advisories for regions in Turkey. Local news and government travel advice are great resources to use to prepare should you plan to venture here.
Current Geopolitical Context
Turkey is geographically positioned on the border of a number of countries, including Syria. This makes some parts of the country’s southeastern regions vulnerable to conflict.
Though the majority of tourist areas are located far from any conflict zones, you should monitor the geopolitical landscape. Keep up with the news and pay attention to government travel advisories for a fun and safe trip.
Cultural Sensitivity & Local Interaction
Respecting Traditions
When you go to Turkey, you should be aware of Turkish customs. For example, Turkish people are very hospitable and you may be invited for tea — or a full meal. If you are, take them up on their offer. It’s an amazing opportunity to interact and connect with locals.
You should also dress conservatively when visiting religious buildings and take off your shoes when entering a mosque. Just a simple “Merhaba” (hello) can create an awesome experience too.
Safety in Social Contexts
I always recommend talking to the locals because it can vastly improve your travel experience. It’s important, however, to be aware of cultural dos and don’ts. Turks are warm and friendly for the most part, but it’s crucial to remain respectful.
If you don’t know something or are unsure, there’s no harm in asking. When you communicate with elderly Turkish people, they appreciate it when you use formal language. Even knowing just a few words in Turkish can make a big difference and shows that you mean well.
Practical Safety Tips and Further Recommendations
General Safety Measures
Turkey is relatively safe to travel in but use common sense to further ensure a positive experience. The most common danger is probably scams, so be wary of anything that seems too good to be true.
When it comes to transportation, always use licensed services such as official taxis or apps and keep your belongings close, especially in busy areas. I found one of my small cross-body bags to be very useful.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
Traveling as a woman alone in Turkey can be a positive and enriching experience as long as you take the proper precautions. Try to dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and pay respect to local customs. Like in any destination, avoid dark alleys and use common sense.
You might even want to take a group tour to see the sights. It’s a great way to meet new people, and it’s much harder for your gender to prevent you from having those experiences. Don’t be afraid to follow your gut. If you sense something is awry, calmly excuse yourself from the situation.
Legal and Communication Advice
Communication will help make your trip easier. Try to learn a few words of the local language, such as “thank you” in Turkish ( teşekkür ederim).
If you have a run-in with the law, stay calm and polite and keep a copy of your passport with you. And remember to respect the local rules and avoid some of those misunderstandings that come around from being a traveler.”
Travel Advisories and Alerts
Before you fly to Turkey, you’ll want to be aware of the most up-to-date travel advisories. This involves monitoring advisories from sources you trust, such as your country’s foreign affairs agency.
Furthermore, sometimes the local news will give you a better idea of what’s going on, providing you with an inside look into events that could affect your Turkey trip.
Lastly, by using reputable travel apps, you’ll be able to receive instant notifications so you can be aware of any sudden developments during your travels to Turkey.
Conclusion
Turkey is a country that is rich in history and culture. Due to security issues, a lot of people wonder if it’s safe to travel to Turkey. It depends on where you go, so always exercise a high degree of caution when in Turkey.
While the vast majority of the country is perfectly safe, there are some areas of the country you should avoid. If you’ re cautious, you’ll have a wonderful time in Turkey.
It’s a country that really does have it all, and despite increased scrutiny and worry, Turkey remains a pretty safe country!