Travel safety

Is Türkiye (Turkey) safe to visit?

Türkiye (Turkey) travel photo — Türkiye (Turkey) · photo from the Waymark library

Istanbul, Antalya, Aegean coastSafeChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 19 October 2026

Everywhere tourists go is outside the warning zone. The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border and nowhere else. Over 4 million Britons visit each year, mostly without trouble.

Safe
Avoid
Essential only
Never travel

RatingSafe

Emergency number112

Official advice updated19 October 2026

Areas covered5 on this page

Türkiye is one of the UK's favourite holiday countries, and its only formal warning is a thin strip along the Syrian border, hundreds of miles from Antalya or Bodrum. The FCDO does say terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks, mostly in the south-east, Ankara and Istanbul.

Türkiye region by region

IstanbulSafe
No regional warning. Pickpocketing is common in the main tourist areas, and unofficial taxis are 'highly risky', in the FCDO's words.
Antalya, Dalaman & the Turquoise CoastSafe
No warning. The FCDO reports most sexual assaults in resort areas involved someone met that day, often hotel or spa staff.
CappadociaSafe
No warning. Check the balloon operator's licence and safety record.
South-east (Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Mardin)Safe
No formal warning beyond the border strip, but this region has seen most past attacks. Stay alert and follow local news.
Within 10km of the Syrian borderNever travel
Advise against all travel.

The Istanbul bar scam

A friendly stranger strikes up a conversation near Taksim or Sultanahmet and suggests a drink at a bar they know. The bill runs to hundreds of pounds, and staff block the door until you pay. The FCDO warns that drinks offered by strangers may also be spiked. Choose your own bar, and check prices before you order.

Methanol and spiking

The FCDO notes that even small amounts of methanol can kill and cannot be tasted. Stick to sealed, branded drinks in places you trust, and get medical help fast if a friend shows symptoms after drinking.

Before you go

Use registered taxis, note the plate number and make sure the meter is on, or use an app.
Avoid accepting US$50 and US$100 notes in change, as counterfeits circulate.
Emergency number: 112.

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Türkiye (Turkey)

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Questions people ask

Is Istanbul safe?

Istanbul has no regional warning. Watch out for pickpockets, unofficial taxis and the stranger-led bar scam. The FCDO notes that past attacks have targeted crowded places.

Is it safe to holiday in Antalya or Bodrum?

Yes. The resort coast has no warnings. Take normal care with drinks and with people you meet, and use licensed transport.

Which part of Turkey does the FCDO warn against?

Only the area within 10km of the Syrian border. Istanbul, Cappadocia and the whole resort coast have no warnings.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.