Listeners considering travel to Turkey should be aware that, as of late 2025, Turkey remains open and welcoming to international tourists in most regions, with major destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts operating normally and offering vibrant experiences. However, several governments—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia—strongly advise exercising increased caution due to the persistent threat of terrorism and the possibility of political demonstrations. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 advisory for Turkey as a whole, which means travelers should “exercise increased caution,” but this rises to a “do not travel” warning for Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within ten kilometers of the Syrian or Iraqi borders because of the ongoing danger of terror attacks, armed conflict, and instability. The Canadian and UK governments provide similar warnings for these southeastern border regions, emphasizing that military activity, drone strikes, and unpredictable violence are possible. Foreign nationals and Westerners are at a higher risk in these areas, and there have been recent reports of violence, heavy gunfire, and checkpoints.

Elsewhere in Turkey, including all major tourist sites, day-to-day life and travel continue without notable disruptions. Listeners are urged to remain vigilant in crowded public places, especially transportation hubs, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and places of worship, as these may be targeted. Travelers should also avoid large gatherings and political demonstrations, particularly in light of recent events: in March 2025, significant protests erupted in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and other cities following the arrest of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, with authorities responding by increasing police activity, implementing road closures, and occasionally banning demonstrations. While tourist areas were largely unaffected, visitors should stay informed through local news and embassy updates, and be ready for heightened security measures, including frequent ID checks.

General travel advice for Turkey includes dressing modestly, avoiding travel alone at night—especially for solo female travelers—and always carrying a valid passport and visa documentation. Pick-pocketing and petty theft can occur, so taking precautions with personal belongings is advisable. Hygiene and health safeguards are recommended, such as practicing good handwashing, using insect repellent if engaging in outdoor activities, avoiding undercooked meats, and steering clear of contact with animals to prevent zoonotic illnesses like rabies or avian flu. Listeners visiting post-earthquake regions in the southeast should be prepared for ongoing reconstruction but will find that the vast majority of tourist infrastructure, hotels, museums, and airports are operating as normal across the rest of the country. The Turkish currency remains weak, making travel particularly affordable, though high local inflation persists.

To summarize, listeners are strongly recommended to avoid all travel near the Syrian and Iraqi borders and to southeast provinces identified in official advisories while exercising increased caution elsewhere. Always monitor official government travel advisories and local news, consider registering with your embassy, and secure comprehensive travel insurance. By adhering closely to updated guidance and using common-sense safety measures, listeners can look forward to an enjoyable and trouble-free experience in Turkey.

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