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- In most areas of Turkey, the main risks faced by foreign travelers include petty crime and road traffic accidents. Travelers should be aware of the latent risk of terrorism along with susceptibility to natural disasters.
- Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and taxi scams occur in busy urban centers.
- The risk of unrest, terrorism and conflict is heightened in the south-eastern provinces and near the border with Syria.
Risk Factors
- Turkey experiences a relatively low level of street crime. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging are the most frequently occurring criminal activities. These offenses are especially common in transportation hubs such as train stations, airports, and bus stops, as well as in tourist areas.
- Violent crime rarely involves foreign nationals in urban areas, although it is worth noting that thieves frequently possess knives or firearms and may employ force if resisted.
- Istiklal street in the Taksim area of Istanbul is known for being a hotspot for muggings, while the Sultanahmet area is also a notable location for criminal activity.
- Taxi scams can be an issue for travelers in Turkey. Familiarize yourself with the taxi meter at the start of your ride, ensure it’s active, and research typical fares for your area.
- Instances of sexual assault have been documented in Turkish baths (hamams), as well as in taxis and during solo night-time travel.
- When exchanging money in Turkey, use only reputable banks or authorized exchange offices to avoid receiving counterfeit notes.
- Outside of the southeastern regions, kidnappings are rare and largely involve organized crime targeting wealthy locals.
- Public transit, including buses, trams, ferries, and the metro, is generally safe and efficient, particularly in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
- Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed or unofficial taxis. Official taxis have a clearly marked ‘Taksi’ sign and a yellow license plate, which designates commercial vehicles in Turkey. Apps such as BiTaksi provide taxi booking with fare transparency and GPS tracking.
- Uber is available in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul, where it operates by partnering with yellow taxis, providing an alternative to BiTaksi. Both apps are safe and widely used by locals and tourists alike.
- The safest means of intercity travel in Turkey is using the high-speed train (YHT) network or private bus services. A car and driver service can also be arranged through reputable hotels or agencies.
- Major highways are in excellent condition with clear signage; however, secondary roadways may be narrow, unpaved, or poorly maintained, especially in rural regions. Generally, overland travel outside of major cities after nightfall is not advised.
- There remains a latent terrorist threat due to the presence of several militant groups. Although the Turkish security forces are highly capable of hindering militant plots, several high-profile incidents have occurred in recent years, including in Ankara and Istanbul. To minimize risk, reduce time spent near key targets including government and diplomatic facilities, security forces, religious sites, and transportation centers.
- The risk of terrorism is particularly heightened near the Syrian border and the southeastern provinces. Avoid all travel within 10km of the Syrian border and limit travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari province.
- Protests are a common occurrence in Turkey. Prominent areas for demonstrations include notable parks, squares, and main streets like Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul, or the central Kizilay district in Ankara.
- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in increased tensions in the region, leading to ongoing demonstrations in various locations throughout Turkey. Monitor alerts to stay abreast of protest locations.
- Turkey, which lies at the junction of four tectonic plates. is prone to significant seismic activity, especially in the Marmara and Aegean regions. High-intensity earthquakes have previously caused significant damage and thousands of fatalities. Book modern, reputable accommodations, which are more likely to built to seismic code.
- During dry seasons (July-August), wildfires are a risk, particularly in southern Turkey along the Mediterranean coast. Stay informed about local conditions and follow evacuation orders if issued.
- Respect local customs by dressing modestly and acting discreetly at religious sites especially during significant holidays like Ramadan to align with Turkey’s cultural traditions.
- Follow public conduct laws, including those governing dress codes and public displays of affection, particularly outside major urban centers and tourist areas.
- Derogatory remarks about Turkey, the President, government, or the country’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, are prohibited by law. This is also true for online activity and social media.
- Turkey is confronted with two primary conflict challenges: overflow stemming from the Syrian civil war and the enduring Kurdish insurgency. These conflicts raise security risks in several eastern and south-eastern provinces.
- Travel to the Diyarbakir, Hakkari and Sirnak provinces should be avoided due to a persistent risk of violence. Meanwhile, travel to the provinces of Agri, Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Erzincan, Erzurum, Igdir, Kars, Mardin, Mus, Siirt, Tunceli and Van should only be undertaken during daylight hours with pre-arranged transportation and a reputable local guide.