Turkey Travel Risk Overview
Is Turkey safe right now? Checked 16 October 2026
Turkey scores 53/100 on our travel risk index (Elevated). The US State Department rates Turkey Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution, updated 9 Jun 2026); the UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of the country (updated 15 Oct 2026); Canada says: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories). No change in government advice in the last 7 days.
Turkey has a Travel Risk Calculator score of 53 out of 100 (elevated risk tier); city-level files are available for 60 cities. The score combines five layers (security, crime and scams, health and medical access, natural hazards, current alerts) built from government advisories and open data. This page also covers nine safety categories (crime, disease & health, government advisory, political & civil unrest, natural disaster & weather, transport & route, environmental, digital security, money safety), the current US State Department advisory, GDACS disaster alerts, CDC health notices for Turkey, recent news headlines, plus links to every city we have an editorial file for.
Run a personalized Turkey assessmentAI safety snapshot · refreshed Oct 15, 2026
Turkey currently carries an elevated baseline risk with a US State Dept advisory level 2 and a CDC Level 1 global dengue notice. Recent safety headlines highlight a tourist bus and lorry crash that resulted in multiple casualties, as well as flood warnings for citizens.
AI-summarized strictly from the live public-source data below (US State Dept advisory, GDACS, CDC, Google News). Auto-refreshed at most once per day on the first visit. Not official advice.
Live conditions last refreshed: Oct 16, 2026 03:37 UTC
How safe is Turkey to visit in 2026?
Turkey currently sits at 53/100 on Travel Risk Calculator's five-layer score, which puts it in the elevated-risk tier. Travelers should plan Turkey trips more carefully than the global average. Register with your embassy, check the live advisory in the section below, and read the per-city files for your specific destination. The full live US State Department advisory text for Turkey, current GDACS disaster alerts, CDC health notices, and recent news headlines are shown in the Live conditions section below. For city-specific files (Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara), see the City Risk Files section below — they include neighborhood-level scam patterns, transport notes, and medical-access details where available.
Country score
Driven by: security (70/100) and natural hazards (53/100).
Turkey's score of 53 is higher than the scores of 72% of the 241 countries we cover.
Data file
| Source | calibrated 2026-05-09 v1.0 (knowledge-based; State Dept advisory tiers, GPI, OSAC patterns) |
|---|---|
| Last updated | 2026-05-09 11:01:52 |
| City files | 60 |
Assessment memory
Anonymous assessments help Travel Risk Calculator identify which country and city files deserve deeper review.
| Saved assessments | 0 |
|---|---|
| Average composite | No saved signal yet |
Score layers
Safety categories
Official Government Travel Advisories
Cross-referenced official travel advice from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, normalized to a unified 1–4 risk scale.
Department of State
Exercise increased cautionExercise increased caution in Türkiye due to terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read…
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Latest FCDO travel advice for Turkey including on entry requirements, safety and security and local laws and customs.
Global Affairs Canada
Editorial change
UK content contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Canadian advice provided by Global Affairs Canada under open government terms. US advice provided by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Entry Requirements & Local Laws
Official travel advice summary from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
🛂 Entry Requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. The authorities in Turkey set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Turkish Embassy in the UK. Entering Turkey across the land border from Iran The border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days). If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border. You must state which border point you intend to use and provide personal details
Summary of UK FCDO advice, updated Oct 15, 2026 · Full requirements →
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Travel Advisory Level History
Historical official advisory level changes over time.
Protests, Strikes & Closures This Week
Verified recent event reports monitored for Turkey within the last 7 days.
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n.yam.com · Oct 16
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hngn.com · Oct 16
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baijiahao.baidu.com · Oct 16
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messenger.com.ge · Oct 16
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lequotidien.sn · Oct 16
What Changed This Month in Turkey
Chronological record of verified security, advisory, health, and hazard updates over the past 30 days.
- Oct 2, 2026 CDC Notice Level 1 - Global Dengue (Watch).
- Sep 23, 2026 CDC Notice Level 2 - Global Polio (Alert).
- Oct 15, 2026 Score Change Konya risk score moved from 51 to 49 (Daily recalculation (scoring v2)).
- Oct 9, 2026 Score Change Ankara risk score moved from 46 to 45 (Daily recalculation (scoring v2)).
- Oct 3, 2026 Score Change Akçakoca risk score moved from 53 to 52 (Daily recalculation (scoring v2)).
City Risk Files in Turkey
Showing 60 destination files with city-specific safety data in Turkey, ranked by demand and population.
Istanbul
Tier AIstanbul
Antalya
Tier AAntalya
Ankara
Tier AAnkara
Konya
Tier AKonya
Bursa
Tier ABursa
Gaziantep
Tier AGaziantep
İzmir
Tier Bİzmir
Samsun
Tier BSamsun
Diyarbakır
Tier BDiyarbakır
Esenyurt
Tier Bİstanbul
Mersin
Tier BMersin
Uşak
Tier BUşak
Adana
Tier BAdana
Osmangazi
Tier BBursa
Trabzon
Tier BTrabzon
Bodrum
Tier BMuğla
Kayseri
Tier BKayseri
Umraniye
Tier Bİstanbul
Belek
Tier BAntalya
Bağcılar
Tier Bİstanbul
Erciş
Tier BVan
Şemdinli
Tier BHakkâri
Keçiören
Tier BAnkara
Eskişehir
Tier BEskişehir
Erzurum
Tier BErzurum
Denizli
Tier BDenizli
Meram
Tier BKonya
Düzce
Tier BDüzce
Nazilli
Tier BAydın
Mardin
Tier BMardin
Polatlı
Tier BAnkara
Çivril
Tier BDenizli
Ardahan
Tier BArdahan
Adilcevaz
Tier BBitlis
Hacılar
Tier BKayseri
Side
Tier BAntalya
Kadriye
Tier BAntalya
Bağlar
Tier BDiyarbakır
Küçükçekmece
Tier Bİstanbul
Edirne
Tier BEdirne
Çanakkale
Tier BÇanakkale
Burdur
Tier BBurdur
Gebze
Tier BKocaeli
Pamukkale
Tier BDenizli
Konak
Tier Bİzmir
Rize
Tier BRize
Kars
Tier BKars
Çumra
Tier BKonya
Çaldıran
Tier BVan
Düziçi
Tier BOsmaniye
Kızılpınar
Tier BTekirdağ
Germencik
Tier BAydın
Hilvan
Tier BŞanlıurfa
Hani
Tier BDiyarbakır
Denizciler
Tier BHatay
Güney
Tier BDenizli
Etimesgut
Tier BAnkara
Şanlıurfa
Tier BŞanlıurfa
Melikgazi
Tier BKayseri
Van
Tier BVan
All towns in Turkey (325 additional local facts pages)
These localities carry verified regional geography, nearest hospitals, airports, and natural hazard records with the country baseline risk score.
Live conditions in Turkey
Country-scoped real-time data — official advisory from the US State Department, disaster alerts from GDACS, health notices from the CDC, news from Google News. For city-specific weather and air quality, open any city page below.
Official travel advisory
Level 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
Turkey - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Read full advisory → · US Department of State
Track Turkey’s advisory
Get one email if the US State Department travel-advisory level for Turkey changes. No account, unsubscribe anytime.
Traveller notes from government advice
Advice for women travellers
Among the 4.27 million British travellers that visited Turkey in 2025, 29 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff. The majority of cases that have been reported took place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas. Often these crimes were committed by someone the victim may have met during the day, with a significant number being by hotel or spa staff. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.
Take extra precautions:
make sure children and young people are always accompanied by known and trusted people and not left alone with hotel or excursion staff
use reputable providers for any services and excursions, carry out research beforehand, including by consulting your tour operator if you have one
don’t unnecessarily share personal details such as, information about your accommodation, personal contact information or social media…
Read the full UK government advice
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 21 Sep 2026. Full advice
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. However, some parts of the country are socially conservative and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised.
Since 2015, authorities have banned or dispersed Pride events. Anti-LGBT+ statements by senior public figures have increased in recent years, and restrictions on LGBT+ organisations have increased. Turkish authorities have carried out operations against LGBT+ organisations and activists across the country.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 21 Sep 2026. Full advice
Local laws and customs
E-sims
Access to some e-sim services is restricted in Turkey. Check with your provider before travelling.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims in Turkey. The next Ramadan will likely begin between early February and early March in 2027 and will last for 29 or 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
During this time, it may cause offence if you:
eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
play loud music or dance
swear in public
You should also:
check opening hours of shops and restaurants
be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
Read the full UK government advice
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 21 Sep 2026. Full advice
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Turkey set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Turkish Embassy in the UK.
Entering Turkey across the land border from Iran
The border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days). If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border. You must state which border point…
Check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 21 Sep 2026. Official entry requirements
Disaster alerts
No active GDACS disaster alerts matched Turkey as of the last successful refresh.
Health notices
Health Notices for this Destination
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Level 1 - Global Dengue WATCH · 2026-10-02
Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Country List : Colombia, Vietnam, Maldives, Bolivia, Cambodia, Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Mar
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Level 2 - Global Polio ALERT · 2026-09-23
Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nig
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Level 1 - Global Measles WATCH · 2025-05-28
Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Country List : Afghan
Source: CDC Travelers’ Health · fetched 2026-10-15 19:24:31 UTC
Recent headlines
Recent Headlines · Turkey
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Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Deadly flooding prompts Foreign Office update
The Independent · 7h ago
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Heavy rain causes flooding and landslides in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 14; expect major delays.
SafeAbroad · 1d ago
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Uzbekistan warns citizens in Turkey of possible flooding, urges precautions
Kun.uz · 17h ago
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Eleven people are killed and 27 hurt after tourist bus and lorry crash in Turkey
Daily Mail · 4d ago
Source: Google News · headlines verbatim, dates from publishers · fetched 2026-10-16 03:15:15 UTC
Automated safety monitor
Recent safety-relevant news for Turkey
Headlines are an early-warning monitor, not risk assessments. Verify material developments with official authorities and the linked publisher.
- Safety Many in Bethel Park were concerned about Tom the turkey's safety. Their worst fear happened. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette www.post-gazette.com · Sep 26, 2026 02:59 UTC · via Googlenews
- Crime FATF urges Turkey to recover crime proceeds moved abroad - Turkish Minute www.turkishminute.com · Sep 23, 2026 14:09 UTC · via Googlenews
- Politics Rights groups protest Turkey’s anti-LGBTQ crackdown in Washington - Turkish Minute www.turkishminute.com · Sep 19, 2026 12:36 UTC · via Googlenews
- Politics Turkey’s LGBT crackdown draws international condemnation, protests - The Washington Post www.washingtonpost.com · Sep 19, 2026 05:36 UTC · via Googlenews
- Politics Protest in Manhattan targets Turkey LGBTQ+ crackdown - Spectrum News NY1 ny1.com · Sep 19, 2026 01:21 UTC · via Googlenews
- Politics Activists protest outside Turkish Embassy in D.C. - Washington Blade www.washingtonblade.com · Sep 18, 2026 17:01 UTC · via Googlenews
- Disaster Why were the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria so devastating? - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill www.unc.edu · Sep 18, 2026 07:00 UTC · via Googlenews
- General Turkey detains dozens in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists and journalists - The Guardian www.theguardian.com · Sep 18, 2026 01:31 UTC · via Googlenews
1991–2020 climate normals
Seasonal risk & best time to visit Turkey
The most weather-stable two-month window for Turkey is May–June, when typical daily temperatures run from about 11°C to 27°C and monthly rain averages 35 mm.
No threshold-level heat, cold, wind, or cyclone flag appears in the stored normals; December is the wettest typical month at about 66 mm.
Climate normals are planning context, not a short-range forecast. Source: Open-Meteo Climate API. Refreshed Jul 21, 2026.
Calculate risk for these travel dates Compare seasonal windows →
Diplomatic assistance
Embassies in Ankara
Consular Office of Germany and Embassy of Austria and 3 other embassies are mapped in Ankara.
OpenStreetMap coverage is a location aid, not an official diplomatic directory. Before travel, save the address and emergency contact details published by your own foreign ministry.
Emergency Numbers
| Police | 155 |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 112 |
| Fire | 110 |
| General emergency | 112 |
| Tourist police | 527 4503 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Turkey safe to visit?
Turkey currently scores 53/100 on our composite travel risk index (elevated risk; lower is safer). Official advice can change quickly, so check it again shortly before you travel.
Is Turkey safe to visit right now?
Turkey has heightened risk profile. Plan carefully, register with your embassy, and check the live advisory and per-city details below. Composite baseline: 53/100 (Elevated risk). Always cross-check with your home country's foreign-ministry advisory within 7 days of departure; the live US State Department advisory is shown above. Last refreshed October 2026.
What is the current travel advisory for Turkey?
The current US State Department advisory level for Turkey is shown in the Live conditions section above and is re-fetched every 6 hours from the official RSS feed. UK FCDO, Canada GAC, and Australia DFAT also publish advisories — for high-stakes trips, cross-check at least one foreign-ministry advisory in addition to your home country's. See our travel advisory guide for how to read each tier system.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
May–June is the most weather-stable two-month window in the stored 1991-2020 normals. The most weather-stable two-month window for Turkey is May–June, when typical daily temperatures run from about 11°C to 27°C and monthly rain averages 35 mm.
What is the rainy, hurricane, or severe-weather season in Turkey?
The stored 1991-2020 normals do not cross this site's seasonal hazard thresholds; check a short-range forecast before departure.
Community Safety Sentiment
Have you visited Turkey recently? What was your safety experience?
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Disclaimer
Travel Risk Calculator provides estimated travel-threat information for preparation purposes only. It does not replace official government advisories, medical advice, emergency alerts, immigration rules, insurance advice, police guidance, embassy information, or professional security consultation.