Is Turkey Safe to Travel in 2025: A Detailed Safety Overview

Planning a trip to Turkey soon? If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Is Turkey safe to travel right now?” you’re not alone. Many travellers search for safety concerns in Turkey. Especially when news of political unrest, natural disasters and shifts travel so fast, you’re bound to be prepared and plan a trip accordingly.

The good news is, yes, Turkey is safe to travel to in 2025. Millions of tourists are arriving to explore the country’s rich history, ancient ruins, and pristine coastlines. It is an emerging destination for MICE events, couples shoots, and weddings.

Let us walk you through what’s happening in Turkey in recent times, so you can be more confident about your travel plans.

Current Safety Landscape in Turkey

When you plan a trip to any country, it is best to read up a bit about the real-time situations so you can make a confident itinerary about the places to visit.

Civil Unrest

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Currently, there have been situations of political civil unrest in the country. In March 2025, the Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, was arrested and jailed for corruption allegations. He is the main political rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Following this, there was a surge of protests in several cities across the country. However, things have abated now and the matter is being resolved by the courts.

This does not affect tourists right now. Popular tourist spots and coastal cities like Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir etc. are safe from these demonstrations. Protests in Istanbul have also diminished. Travellers should ideally check local media and look for news of any disruptions in places of interest in Turkey.

Natural Disaster Preparedness

Turkey is situated near a high seismic zone, which exposes the risk of earthquakes. In April 2025, the country saw a strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake near Istanbul. The tremors were felt across neighbourhood provinces and there were aftershocks too.

There was no catastrophic damage; the city soon resumed normal activity. The authorities have strengthened inspections of buildings and proposed speedy urban renewal. The focus is always on improving earthquake preparedness in all susceptible areas.

Regional Safety Considerations in Turkey

The question if Turkey is safe for travel often pops up because of its proximity to Syria. The Southeastern regions of Turkey are adjacent to Syria, which has long had border conflicts and political tensions. The area is unstable due to terrorism and civil unrest. Tourists are advised to avoid the bordering areas of Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep, Hatay, Hakkarı, and Kilis. But these are not even popular for tourist trips.

International travel advisories address these concerns. The US Travel Advisory for Turkey asks people not to travel to areas within six miles (10 km) of the Syrian border. The same has been implemented by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tourist-Friendly Destinations: Safe Places in Turkey

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Despite all the political tensions and recent protests, tourist areas in Turkey are safe. Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum and Cappadocia, the most popular tourist places in Turkey, can be visited without major safety concerns. These areas see thousands of tourists coming in month after month.

Istanbul, although seeing political unrest, functions normally for tourism. Protests are limited to specific areas/districts. It is best to keep a tab on local news and be in touch with your Turkey travel planner.

Antalya, along the Mediterranean coast, is the best place to explore beaches in Turkey, enjoy the resort life and fun activities in summer. Cappadocia remains a tourist magnet for hot air balloon rides and other hiking adventures. All of these places have good local infrastructure to support tourism activities.

General Safety Tips While Travelling to Turkey

Travellers should always exercise caution for personal safety during any trip. When in Türkiye, make sure you abide by the local laws and do not disrespect their cultural and religious beliefs.

Some quick tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of local customs and cultural norms
• Avoid posting any controversial/provocative material online
• Carry your passport and visa documentation with you at all times
• Follow the instructions of local Turkish guides
• Protect your phone, purse and wallet from pickpockets in crowded areas like bazaars and shopping centres
• Do not engage or participate in local movements or protests nearby
• Although cards are accepted everywhere, keep some local currency handy

Emergency Contacts and Resources to Keep Handy

When travelling to Turkey for the first time, make sure you have emergency contact numbers with you. Here are some emergency numbers in Turkey:

For any emergency: 112
Fire: 110
Police: 155

Save the numbers of your local guide, hotels and nearby restaurants if possible. Also, save the contact details of your travel company arranging your tours. You can have them written in a small diary in your purse/wallet too, in case your phone remains inaccessible or out of network. For emergencies, also note the number of your embassy in Turkey.

Explore Turkey with Mervin Travel

To avoid any mishaps, choose a reliable travel partner with expertise in local laws and culture. Choose a travel company based in Turkey that knows the ins and outs of the region. Mervin Travel has over a decade's worth of experience in servicing luxury travel within Turkey. Partnering with top hotels, resorts, tour operators and other service providers, they can help you with a customized Turkey itinerary.

“Guest safety and crafting memorable tours have always been at the heart of what we do. We understand that travellers may have questions before visiting Turkey, and our experienced, on-the-ground team is here to provide clear, honest guidance every step of the way. From handpicked hotels to knowledgeable local guides, we make sure you feel safe and supported during your entire trip,” says Usama, Executive Director at Mervin Travel.

FAQs

1. Are there any specific regions to avoid in Turkey?

Yes. Travellers are advised to avoid areas near the Syrian, Iraqi, and Iranian borders—particularly provinces like Hatay, Şırnak, Hakkâri, and parts of Gaziantep. This is due to heightened risks of terrorism, cross-border conflict, and political instability.

1. Is Turkey safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, many solo female travellers visit Turkey each year. Major tourist cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Cappadocia are very welcoming. Dress according to the custom of the area you’re in, book your hotels in crowded localities, use licensed apps for travel and avoid isolated areas at night.