Turkey is a top tourist destination, offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures that attracts visitors from around the globe. As a leading holiday destination, many ask the question, is Turkey safe?
In short, Turkey is safe, with most travelers and expats loving the country and all it has to offer, Still, remaining informed is important to ensure a safe stay in Turkey.
In this guide you will learn about:
- Is it safe to travel to Turkey
- Why travel to Turkey
- Safety for women in Turkey
- Medical safety in Turkey
- Tips for staying safe in Turkey
Is Turkey Safe to Travel?
In general, Turkey is safe to travel for tourists. As one of the leading holiday destinations, tourists can safely enjoy the country provided they follow the guidelines provided by international and local authorities.
Popular areas like Cappadocia and Istanbul are considered safe for travelers. However, visitors in Turkey are advised not to travel within ten kilometers of the Syrian border to avoid potential terrorist activity.
Why Consider Turkey?
Turkey is one of the most visited destinations in the world and is quickly becoming one of the top options for immigration. Here are some of the top reasons to consider visiting Turkey:
- Low cost of living: Turkey offers one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, making it a popular destination among US and UK residents.
- Investment opportunities: Turkey offers some fantastic investment potential, with the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program providing a fast track to citizenship through investments like real estate, government bonds, capital investment, and investment fund shares.
- Fast track to citizenship: The Turkey Citizenship by Investment program allows investors to obtain a Turkish passport, granting Turkey citizenshipwithin as little as four months.
- Accessible healthcare: Turkey has a highly accessible healthcare system, with public and private facilities available. Healthcare in Turkey is also considered to have some of the highest level of care in Europe.
- Thriving expat community: The expat community in Turkey is expanding rapidly, with expats moving to Turkey from across the globe.
- Fantastic education: Many concerned about safety in Turkey have children. Luckily, schools in Turkey are considered extremely safe, with safety procedures in place. The country also offers a very well-rounded education system, with schools and universities in Turkey being some of the top choices in Europe.
Is Turkey Safe for Americans?
Generally, Turkey is considered safe for Americans, whether you’re a tourist or considering moving to Turkey. High tourist areas, including Antalya, Istanbul, and Cappadocia are largely safe, still, it’s important for visitors to stay informed of potential risks and remain vigilant at all times.
If you’re thinking about immigrating or visiting Turkey, you should know about the Turkish visa for US citizens to ensure you are up to date on the latest requirements and visa types.
The US Department of State Travel Advisory classifies Turkey as a “Level Two: Exercise Increased Caution” due to an increased terrorism risk in some areas.
Is Turkey Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Turkey can be a safe and rewarding destination for solo female travelers, particularly in well-visited tourist areas. As with any destination, staying aware of your surroundings and taking standard safety precautions is important. Many women who have traveled solo in Turkey share positive experiences and feel safe during their visit.
Health safety in Turkey
Healthcare in Turkey is considered some of the best in Eastern Europe. Turkey’s healthcare system is well-developed, offering both public and private services accessible to residents and expats.
In general, health safety in Turkey is fantastic, with access to healthcare for all. However, it’s important to be aware of potential health risks. This may include waterborne and food illnesses, you should also not accept food or drink from any unknown source. Additionally, some vaccines are recommended, including Hepatitis A, Rabies, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus.
Natural Disasters in Turkey
Natural disasters in Turkey are quite prevalent, with the country located on active fault lines. Turkey is susceptible to wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. Popular tourist destinations are not known as high-risk areas, still, it remains important to keep up to date with the latest safety procedures.
Travel Safety in Turkey
There are a range of options when it comes to travelling around Turkey, including busses, trains, and taxis. All are considered safe, provided you make use of licensed service providers. It is essential to ensure that all taxi and transport services are legitimate before entering the vehicle.
Tips for Staying Safe in Turkey
Like any country, Turkey does have safety concerns. However, the chances of something dramatic or violent happening are very low. Still, here are some tips on how to stay safe in Turkey:
- Remain vigilant: It is essential to always remain vigilant, this includes keeping an eye on your belongings, not leaving food and drinks unattended, and only accepting advice from known sources.
- Stay updated: While in Turkey you can stay informed on local happenings via Turkish government alerts and news channels.
- Use official transport: Don’t get into a car that is not licensed or regulated by Turkish authorities.
- Make a copy of your passport and identity documents: You should always have a copy of your passport and identity documents on hand when travelling in case your original documents are lost or stollen.
- Avoid political gatherings: Demonstrations are quite regular in Turkey, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions, so it’s important to avoid any political gatherings to ensure your safety.
- Know emergency numbers: While visiting Turkey you should know the numbers for ambulance services (112) and Turkish police (155).
