Is Turkey safe to visit? Advice, scams and health

Turkey is safe for the vast majority of tourists. The main tourist circuits – Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Aegean coast, and the Mediterranean – have low rates of violent crime. The risks that actually affect travellers are petty theft, taxi overcharging, and occasional scams in tourist areas. Road accidents are a more realistic danger than terrorism, which is rare and not aimed at tourists.

The one area to treat differently is the southeast near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, where the foreign ministries of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and others advise against travel. Check your own government's advisory before you go, because they update frequently. For everyone else, the answer is: go, with the same street-smarts you'd use in any big city.

Most Western governments rate Turkey as a safe destination with some regional exceptions. The US State Department, UK Foreign Office, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all advise normal precautions for the main tourist areas, but warn against travel to the provinces bordering Syria and Iraq, and sometimes to parts of the southeast such as Diyarbakır and Şanlıurfa. The exact boundaries change, so read the current text, not a summary.

Advisories also flag the risk of demonstrations, which can occur in Istanbul and Ankara, and the possibility of earthquakes, especially along the Marmara and Aegean fault lines. Neither should stop you travelling, but they explain why travel insurance and flexible plans are worth it.

Tourist scams in Turkey are mostly about money, not danger. The classics: a taxi driver takes a longer route or claims the meter is broken – agree on a price or insist the meter runs. A friendly local offers to show you a 'great carpet shop' or a 'traditional hamam' and you end up with a hard sell. The shoe-shine brush scam involves a dropped brush and a 'helpful' passerby who then demands payment. And bar or club bills can be inflated after you've ordered.

The rule is simple: use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, be polite but firm with street touts, and check your bill before paying. Most Turks are genuinely hospitable; the touts are a small minority. If something feels off, walk away – you lose nothing.

No special vaccinations are required for Turkey, but standard travel vaccines (hepatitis A and B, typhoid) are recommended by most health authorities. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; bottled or filtered water is everywhere. Food hygiene is generally good in tourist areas, but stick to busy places for street food and avoid undercooked meat.

Medical care is good in major cities, with private hospitals offering high standards, but you'll pay upfront and claim from insurance. Pharmacies (eczane) are plentiful and can treat minor issues. For emergencies, dial 112. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation, which can be expensive from remote areas.

Beyond scams, the practical risks are road safety and earthquakes. Traffic in Istanbul and other cities is chaotic; if you drive, be defensive, wear seatbelts, and avoid night driving outside urban areas. Earthquakes are a real risk, especially in the Marmara region – know the evacuation route from your hotel and keep your phone charged.

For women travellers, Turkey is generally safe, but you may get more attention in tourist areas. Dress modestly outside beach resorts, especially at religious sites, and use the same caution you would at home. Solo travellers and LGBTQ+ visitors should be aware that public displays of affection may attract stares, though violence is rare. Use common sense and you'll be fine.

Answers to the most common safety questions.

This page was checked in September 2026. Government advisories change frequently; always confirm with your own foreign ministry before travel.