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August 13, 2025 3 mins
Listeners considering travel to Turkey in August 2025 will find a generally welcoming and vibrant destination, especially in major tourist areas such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and along the Aegean coast. According to The Other Tour, Turkey remains completely safe for tourism in these regions; daily life is vibrant, and tourist areas are calm and secure. Istanbul, for example, is thriving and full of visitors, with no violence or unrest reported in areas frequented by tourists. While there was significant public attention earlier in the year surrounding the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, the situation has since stabilized with street protests having faded, and security throughout the city remains strong.

Travelers are advised by sources like the US Department of State and Turkey Travel Planner to exercise increased caution due to an ongoing but reduced risk of terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Terrorist groups have previously targeted popular destinations, and there remains a general risk of incidents, particularly in crowded places or major public events. Travelers should remain vigilant, avoid political gatherings or demonstrations, and follow any instructions from local authorities. Additional caution is advised during religious holidays, public celebrations, and sporting or cultural events, as large crowds may be targeted.

There are specific areas travelers should avoid. Multiple government travel advisories, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, recommend avoiding all travel to provinces such as Şırnak and Hakkari and any area within ten kilometers of the borders with Syria or Iraq. These regions carry a higher risk due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, and civil unrest. In these southeastern provinces, the possibility of kidnapping, armed violence, or attacks remains significant. If overland travel in these areas is absolutely necessary, it should only be during daylight hours and along major roads, avoiding public transportation.

Health and safety practices should not be neglected. Travelers are encouraged to ensure vaccination status is up to date and be aware of local health conditions such as air quality, which can fluctuate in larger cities. Common petty crimes like pickpocketing, particularly in crowded markets or public transportation, can also occur, so listeners should take routine precautions. Road safety varies, with highways in western and coastal regions generally in good condition, but caution is critical when driving at night or in rural areas due to hazards like livestock or unmarked roads. Drivers should also be aware that local traffic behavior can be unpredictable and defensive driving is advised.

Recent news highlights that tourism in Turkey has rebounded strongly, with numbers nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels. There have been no major terrorism incidents reported in the last two to three years, contributing to the sense of stability in key tourist regions. Nonetheless, all visitors should remain mindful of their local government’s current travel advisories, carry their passport and a copy of their visa, and stay informed of conditions on the ground as the security situation can change.

Turkey continues to offer a memorable travel experience, especially if basic safety advice is followed and travelers remain aware of their surroundings, limiting their presence in higher-risk regions near the country’s southeastern borders. By exercising vigilance and staying abreast of current guidance, listeners can enjoy the rich culture, history, and hospitality Turkey is known for.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners considering travel to Turkey in August twenty twenty five
will find a generally welcoming and vibrant destination, especially in
major tourist areas such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and along the
Aegean coast. According to the Other tour Turkey remains completely
safe for tourism in these regions. Daily life is vibrant

(00:20):
and tourist areas are calm and secure. Istanbul, for example,
is thriving and full of visitors, with no violence or
unrest reported in areas frequented by tourists. While there was
significant public attention earlier in the year surrounding the arrest
of Istanbul's mayor, the situation has since stabilized, with street
protests having faded and security throughout the city remains strong.

(00:45):
Travelers are advised by sources like the U. S Department
of State and Turkey Travel Planner to exercise increased caution
due to an ongoing but reduced risk of terrorism and
arbitrary detentions. Terrorist groups have previously tarked popular destinations, and
there remains a general risk of incidents, particularly in crowded

(01:05):
places or major public events. Travelers should remain vigilant, avoid
political gatherings or demonstrations, and follow any instructions from local authorities.
Additional caution is advised during religious holidays, public celebrations, and
sporting or cultural events, as large crowds may be targeted.
There are specific areas travelers should avoid. Multiple government travel advisories,

(01:30):
including those from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia,
recommend avoiding all travel to provinces such as Shrnack and
Hakari and any area within ten kilometers of the borders
with Syria or Iraq. These regions carry a higher risk
due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, and civil unrest. In
these southeastern provinces, the possibility of kidnapping, armed violence or

(01:54):
attacks remains significant. If overland travel in these areas is
absolutely net, it should only be during daylight hours and
along major roads. Avoiding public transportation. Health and safety practices
should not be neglected. Travelers are encouraged to ensure vaccination
status is up to date and be aware of local

(02:14):
health conditions such as air quality, which can fluctuate in
larger cities. Common petty crimes like pickpocketing, particularly in crowded
markets or public transportation, can also occur. So listeners should
take routine precautions. Road safety varies, with highways in western
and coastal regions generally in good condition, but caution is

(02:36):
critical when driving at night or in rural areas due
to hazards like livestock or unmarked roads. Drivers should also
be aware that local traffic behavior can be unpredictable, and
defensive driving is advised. Recent news highlights that tourism in
Turkey has rebounded strongly, with numbers nearly returning to pre
pandemic levels. There have been no major terrorism incidents reported

(03:00):
in the last two to three years, contributing to the
sense of stability in Key tourist regions. Nonetheless, all visitors
should remain mindful of their local government's current travel advisories,
carry their passport and a copy of their visa, and
stay informed of conditions on the ground as the security
situation can change. Turkey continues to offer a memorable travel experience,

(03:25):
especially if basic safety advice is followed and travelers remain
aware of their surroundings, limiting their presence in higher risk
regions near the country's southeastern borders by exercising vigilance and
staying abreast of current guidance listeners can enjoy the rich culture, history,
and hospitality Turkey is known for
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