Is Turkey Safe to Travel?

Key Takeaways

• Turkey is considered a safe destination for tourists, with friendly locals and a strong security framework in place to ensure public safety, but travelers are advised to exercise vigilance and stay informed about safety measures.
• Travel advisories from the US and UK stress the need for increased caution near the border with Syria.
• While generally safe, travelers in Turkey should be cautious of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in tourist areas, and scams that can target foreign visitors, and there are additional personal safety measures for different types of travelers like solo explorers, female travelers, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

Friendly Locals and Hospitality

Turkish hospitality frequently leads to tales of outstanding kindness and friendships formed during a visit to the country. Locals are known for their eagerness to assist and welcome visitors with open arms, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural ethos of misafirperverlik — a tradition of treating guests as honored members of the community.

Prevalent Safety Measures

Rest assured of the robust security framework as you explore the wonders of Turkey. Turkish security forces, including Turkish security personnel, are empowered with extensive legal authority to ensure public safety, reassuring travelers of a secure environment. Nonetheless, the wisdom of exercising good judgment and vigilance remains pertinent; keeping abreast with local news and carrying identification are part of the advised measures that complement the Turkish government’s proactive stance on safety.

Crime Rates and Safety Concerns

Questions of safety are undeniably brought to the forefront when navigating a foreign country. While Turkey’s crime rates have seen an uptick, it remains a relatively safe destination for tourists when held up against global standards. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, are the most frequent issues travelers may encounter, particularly in crowded markets and famed tourist destinations.

Petty Crimes

Maintaining vigilance in busy tourist hotspots is crucial for preventing petty crimes. Istanbul does have some issues with pickpockets who often employ sleight-of-hand or distraction tactics. By keeping valuables discreetly tucked away and maintaining a heightened sense of awareness, you can safeguard your belongings and enjoy the city’s wonders with peace of mind.

Scams and Fraud

Unfortunately, the global travel experience is often marred by scams and fraud, and Turkey is not exempt from this issue. Vigilance against credit card skimming and ATM fraud is necessary, as is skepticism towards too-good-to-be-true currency exchange rates and unsolicited approaches that may lead to exorbitant bills or theft.

You may also have heard of some scams such as the "let's have a drink" scam in which male travelers are led into a bar and charged an exorbitant fee for drinks and pressured to pay. There are also some scams that involve a shoe shine dropping a brush on the street. The "grateful" shoe shiner will then insist on cleaning your shoes for "free" before demanding a hefty tip.

Most of the time, however, if someone approaches you in public in a busy tourist area in Istanbul, he or she is most likely trying to sell souvenirs or to invite you into a Turkish rug gallery. While not dangerous, you may find yourself unintentionally sipping tea while colorful rugs are cascading around you and it can be difficult to pull yourself away from these charismatic salesmen. Touts in the Grand Bazaar can also walk the line between persuasive and pushy. It's generally wise to steer clear of any salespeople who make you feel uneasy.

The biggest concern for most travelers is taxis in Istanbul. Taxi drivers are infamous for adding on additional charges or taking a longer route than necessary. It's wise to pre-arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Also, make use of Istanbul's vast public transportation network. There are applications such as BiTaksi which allow you to book a taxi at a fixed price.

Regions to Exercise Caution

Certain regions in Turkey require extra caution as you chart your course through the country. The southeastern provinces, due to their proximity to conflict zones, and areas affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, require an extra degree of caution.

It’s through understanding these nuances that one can fully embrace the vibrant tapestry of Turkey’s diverse regions while prioritizing personal safety. Read more about the 2023 earthquake.

Southeastern Provinces

The southeastern provinces of Turkey, brimming with cultural depth, also present a tangible risk due to potential terrorist activities and the spillover effects from neighboring conflicts. Heed travel advisories and respect the local guidance to avoid areas within a close radius of the Syrian border, ensuring a journey that is as safe as it is enriching.

Earthquake-Affected Areas

Turkey is no stranger to seismic activity and introduced stricter building codes in 1999 (and again in 2018) to ensure buildings can hold up to earthquakes. Earthquakes are unpredictable, and statistically unlikely to affect travelers, compared to other risks. However, safety-conscious travelers may prefer to stay in newer buildings with improved safety regulations.