Over three million Brits visit Turkey each year, and the numbers are only going up. However, while most of the country is considered safe to travel to by the UK Foreign Office, there are travel warnings in place for its border with Syria, while areas around its border with Iraq should also be avoided for non-essential travel.
There’s also tension in the region due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has triggered protests and demonstrations in Ankara and Istanbul. More recently, as fighting between Israel and Lebanese political party and armed group Hezbollah has escalated, Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his condemnation of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, and said in July that Turkey might intervene in Israel to help Palestinians. If you’re travelling to Turkey soon, here’s what you need to know.
Has Turkey been affected by the Hamas-Israel conflict?
Apollon Temple in Side
ALAMY
There have been no signs of Turkey being directly impacted by the conflict between Israel and Hamas, or since Iran launched missiles at Israel in April. However, relations between Israel and Turkey have declined and trade between the two countries has stopped completely. There have also been protests outside diplomatic missions in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities, according to the UK Foreign Office. You should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops.
Turkey has been vocal against the conflict from the start. President Erdogan has said at a congress of his AK Party that “we call for restraint from all parties”, adding that both sides “must refrain from aggressive acts”. He has also said Turkey will do whatever it can to ease tensions and stop the violence, and suggested that Turkey might enter Israel to help Palestinians. More recently in September 2024, President Erdogan has condemned Israel’s attacks against Lebanon amid intensified fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
Most regions in Turkey are safe and tourist-friendly. However, the Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria, and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces. This advice has not changed in light of the escalating tensions in the region.
The Foreign Office also considers the threat of terrorism to be very high in the country (more below), and says that political protests and demonstrations have become violent. So, as with any destination, it pays to stay vigilant and follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office, as well as those issued by authorities on the ground.
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Is it safe to travel to Istanbul?
The view from Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
GETTY IMAGES
There’s no reason not to travel to Istanbul right now. However, as with any large city, you should stay vigilant and pay attention to local government advice.
The Foreign Office says that most terrorist attacks in Turkey have taken place in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Separately, the country is also affected by political demonstrations in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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Is it safe to travel to Antalya?
Yes, Antalya remains safe to visit. The Israel-Hamas conflict has not impacted the city, or the surrounding region.
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What is the Foreign Office travel advice?
The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria as well as all but essential travel to Sirnak and the province of Hakkari. In the rest of the country, it’s a case of staying vigilant.
The Israel-Hamas war has led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations in cities across Turkey. The Foreign Office states that demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul, and that visitors should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may also be disrupted.
Across Turkey more generally, crime rates are low but robberies and thefts are common, particularly pickpocketing in busy tourist areas.
Travellers are also advised to avoid any offers of food and drink, in case they are spiked, and to be wary if someone offers to take you to a club or restaurant or to help you change currency. Sexual assaults and rapes have also been reported, and have mostly taken place during the busy summer period in coastal regions. In many cases, they involved someone the victim had met earlier on the day of the attack.
Most terrorist attacks in the country to date have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul, and the Foreign Office states that it’s possible that terrorists may target places visited by foreigners such as public buildings, places of worship and major events. The most recent attacks were in January and February 2024, and each resulted in the death of one person.
What are Turkey’s entry requirements?
British citizens are able to travel to Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period. If you’re planning to be in the country for longer, you’ll need either a visa or residence permit.
Turkey requires you to have at least 150 days left on the validity of your passport from the day you arrive in the country. You’ll also need a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
Which areas have been affected by wildfires?
Turkey is also at risk of wildfires, and its southeast coast is the latest area to be affected by fires that blazed on June 29 and 30. Helicopters were deployed over the provinces of Diyarbakir and Mardin to tackle the fire, with some hotels and houses being evacuated in Izmir as well as in the popular tourist resort of Kusadasi. Interior minister Ali Yerlikaya cited the possible cause of the fire as “stubble burning”, a farming method of removing crop residue from land to make way for the new season. The Foreign Office updated its advice on June 28 and stated: “Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.”
Here’s what you need to know about the travel advice for neighbouring countries
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