Turkey Travel Safety 2025: Essential Tips for Tourists Navigating Current Advisories and Enjoying Your Trip

Turkey Travel Safety Update: What You Need to Know

If you're planning a trip to Turkey in 2025, you should be aware of current safety conditions. As of April 28, 2025, Turkey is under a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State, which means travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions.

The most recent U.S. advisory for Turkey advises against travel to specific areas including Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border due to terrorism risks. Turkish security forces continue to be vigilant against potential threats, particularly in tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, malls, and government buildings.

Recent developments include public demonstrations that began in March 2025 following the arrest of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, with protests occurring in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities. Despite these political tensions, tourist areas remain generally safe for visitors.

For those concerned about safety, tourism in Turkey has largely recovered in recent years. The country welcomed nearly 57.2 million tourists in 2023, making it the fourth most visited country in the world, with Istanbul alone attracting 20.2 million international visitors.

When traveling in Turkey, take standard precautions: avoid traveling alone at night, dress modestly to blend in with locals, stay away from political demonstrations, and remain vigilant in crowded areas. The safest regions for tourists are typically in the western, southwestern, and coastal areas of Turkey, while the southeastern provinces near the borders with Syria and Iraq should be avoided.

Canadian authorities also advise exercising a high degree of caution throughout Turkey, specifically recommending against travel within 10 km of the borders with Iraq and Syria.

Road conditions vary throughout the country, with highways in tourist regions generally well-maintained, but driving after dark requires extra caution, especially in rural areas.

Despite these warnings, with proper precautions, Turkey remains a compelling destination rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences for travelers in 2025.