Is It Safe to Visit Turkey? Latest Travel Advice

Turkey is a top vacation spot for UK travelers, drawing in upwards of 3.8 million visitors from Britain in 2023.

Yet, with the recent conflicts in Israel and Gaza, coupled with the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, concerns about safety in Turkey and other Middle Eastern destinations are understandable.

Here is a comprehensive guide to travelling to Turkey, including safety considerations and options if you choose to cancel your planned trip.

What does the FCDO say about travel to Turkey?

Travel to Turkey is generally considered safe, except for specific advisories. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) specifically cautions against visiting areas within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border, advises avoiding all non-critical travel to Sirnak near the borders of Syria and Iraq, and the Hakkari province which borders both Iraq and Iran.

Has Turkey been affected by the conflicts in the Middle East?

While Turkey has remained largely unscathed by the direct impacts of Middle Eastern conflicts, the region has seen significant protests. The FCDO notes, “The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has escalated regional tensions and sparked ongoing protests throughout Turkey. Particularly large protests have occurred outside foreign diplomatic missions involved in the conflict, notably Israeli missions in Ankara and Istanbul.”

Are flights still operating as usual to Turkey?

Flights continue, though some airlines have rerouted to avoid airspace over Iran and Israel due to the recent unrest. This rerouting may lead to longer flight times, especially for routes from the UAE or South Asia.

Is there a risk of terrorist attacks in Turkey?

The UK Foreign Office highlights a high global terror threat, including potential risks to British nationals and interests. Vigilance is urged due to threats in southeastern Turkey, Ankara, and Istanbul, where terrorists might target foreigner-frequented locales such as public buildings, religious sites, major events, and crowded spaces.

The FCDO also mentions, “Terror groups from Syria, like Daesh and those linked to Al-Qaeda, could potentially stage attacks in neighboring nations, including Turkey. Daesh has historically targeted border zones and adjacent areas on the Syrian frontier.”

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

If you've booked a package holiday to Turkey and wish to cancel, contact your travel operator for possible rescheduling options.

However, without specific travel advisories from the Foreign Office against Turkey, refunds cannot be guaranteed, nor can claims typically be made with travel insurance.

For those who've arranged flights and accommodations separately and wish to cancel, it’s advisable to contact your providers promptly to explore potential alterations to your travel plans. Yet, a full refund may be unlikely under these conditions.