One of the questions I am asked most often is: is it safe to travel to Türkiye? The short answer is yes, very safe. Türkiye welcomed more than 50 million foreign visitors in 2024 and is one of the most visited countries in the world. Here is everything you need to know.
General safety in Türkiye
The tourist areas of Türkiye are very safe. Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Antalya and the whole Turquoise Coast have a strong police presence and are well used to international visitors.
Turkish people are famously hospitable. It is very common for strangers to offer you a tea or help you if you are lost. Turkish culture places great value on the guest (misafir).
Basic precautions (as in any big city)
- Pickpockets: take care in crowded places such as the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet and Taksim. Spread your money across different pockets.
- Taxis: use an app such as BiTaksi to avoid tampered meters. Some airport taxi drivers take unnecessarily long routes.
- Nightlife: around Taksim, don't follow strangers who invite you to a bar. Some bars charge outrageous prices.
- Haggling: bargaining is normal in markets and bazaars. Don't pay the first price you are quoted, especially in the Grand Bazaar.
Areas to avoid
The areas along the borders with Syria and Iraq are not tourist destinations and should be avoided. The destinations covered on this website (see all destinations) are hundreds of kilometres away from them. Before you travel, check your own government's travel advice for Türkiye, which is always the most up-to-date source.
Safety for women
Türkiye is a safe destination for women travellers. In the tourist areas, the level of safety is comparable to that of most European cities. The usual advice applies: avoid deserted streets at night and trust your instincts. With a private guide, you have someone looking out for you at all times.
Health
Tap water is generally not drunk in Türkiye: stick to bottled water, which is very cheap. Street food is usually safe, and restaurants in tourist areas have good hygiene standards. Private hospitals are of excellent quality.
Travel insurance
Even though Türkiye is safe, I always recommend travel insurance. As a visitor you will normally be treated in private healthcare, where a consultation can cost €50–200 (at the time of writing, 2026). Make sure your policy covers medical care abroad.
Travelling with a local English-speaking guide is the best guarantee of peace of mind: I know the neighbourhoods, where to go and where not to, and I take care of all the logistics. Message me to plan a worry-free trip.