Foreign travel advice

Turkey

! Warning FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Turkey.

Warnings and insurance

Still current at:
2223 April 2025
Updated:
2223 April 2025
Latest update:
RefreshedAddition of information inthat thea safety6.2 andmagnitude securityearthquake sectionhas includinghit risksnear aroundIstanbul sexual('Warnings assault and theinsurance' addition of information on dates for Ramadan in 2026 (‘Safety and security’ page).
Download a more detailed map (PDF)

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Turkey-Syria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

DemonstrationsIstanbul and protestsEarthquake

DemonstrationsMany parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and proteststremors. areThese currentlycan takingbe placea inhigh Istanbulmagnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and otherpose citiesa acrossrisk Turkey.to Demonstrationslife.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul, on 23 April 2025. Strong earthquakes may becomecontinue violent. Theto policeaffect responsethe hasregion includedand useit remains heavily damaged. There is a shortage of tearlocal gasaccommodation. For the latest information, visit Turkey’s Disaster and waterEmergency cannons.Management YouAuthority’s should:(AFAD) earthquake page.

  • Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local media

  • planmedia. ahead See tothe avoidUS disruption
  • avoidFederal crowdsEmergency Management Agency guidance about what to do before, during and demonstrations
after an earthquake.

CounterfeitDemonstrations alcoholand protests

ThereDemonstrations hasand beenprotests anare increasecurrently intaking theplace numberin ofIstanbul deaths and seriousother illnessescities inacross Turkey,Turkey. includingDemonstrations inmay Ankarabecome andviolent. The Istanbul,police causedresponse byhas drinkingincluded illegallyuse producedof localtear spiritsgas and counterfeitwater bottlescannons. ofYou brandedshould:

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  • avoid products,crowds see Safety and security.

    demonstrations

Support from the UK government

While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in areas where we advise against travel.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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View a printable version of the whole guide