As of June 2025, people interested in traveling to Turkey should be aware that the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the country, meaning travelers are urged to exercise increased caution due to the risks of terrorism and arbitrary detentions. The U.S. advisory explicitly warns against any travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles of the Syrian border because of continuing risks from terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Attacks in these areas have included suicide bombings, car bombs, ambushes, and violent illegal roadblocks. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to those areas and similar precautions are advised for all visitors according to the U.S. government’s travel state website.
Travelers should also take note that terrorist groups continue to plot potential attacks throughout Turkey. While the frequency and scale of attacks have declined since 2019, incidents can still occur with little or no warning, often targeting locations frequented by tourists such as transportation hubs, markets, malls, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, and parks, as well as during crowded events. Routine police checkpoints and ID checks are to be expected, and Turkish security forces remain vigilant, especially in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. According to Spreaker's Turkey Travel Guide 2025, travelers should avoid large gatherings, particularly political rallies or public demonstrations, as these can turn unpredictable. Criticizing the Turkish government, even on social media, can lead to arrest, and foreigners have occasionally faced exit bans or politically motivated detentions.
The Canadian government echoes these warnings, advising a high degree of caution throughout Turkey due to the persistent threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations. Visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor both local and international news. The Canadian authorities specifically recommend heightened caution around large public gatherings, concerts, religious holidays, political events, and sporting events, as these all represent moments where terrorist activity is more likely to occur.
Despite these concerns, the overall trend for tourism in Turkey has been positive. TheOtherTour reports that Turkey remains safe for travel, especially to popular cities like Istanbul and other major tourist destinations, so long as travelers avoid the southeastern and eastern border regions near Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Turkey’s tourism industry is in a strong phase of recovery, with nearly 57.2 million tourists visiting the country in 2023, placing Turkey among the most visited countries in the world. Major urban and coastal areas continue to draw millions of international visitors, and daily life in these places continues uninterrupted and peaceful.
For those planning to drive, public transportation and roads in western and coastal Turkey are generally reliable, but extra caution is required when driving after dark in rural areas, as roads may be unmarked or obstructed. Traffic laws are sometimes loosely enforced, so defensive driving is essential.
Travelers should keep vaccinations up to date as recommended by health authorities and be mindful of air pollution in certain urban areas, especially if they have respiratory conditions. Carry identification at all times, avoid participating in political activities, and keep abreast of the latest advisories from your embassy or consulate.
In summary, Turkey remains open and attractive for international visitors, but listeners should exercise increased caution, stay informed of local conditions, avoid politically sensitive areas and border regions, and follow official government advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
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