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Turkey is generally a safe place to visit, though this will largely depend on where you go, particularly if you’re heading off the beaten track. Visitors to tourist hubs such as the major cities of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir generally won’t have a problem. head to the trouble-torn border regions of Syria and Iraq to the south-east and all bets are off.
Safety Abroad – Turkey (Updated 20th February 2026) Even as of 2026 there's still a significant divide in the safety of the various regions of Turkey. While the major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are generally safe for visitors, those heading further east to the border region with Syria and Iraq should be aware of the current increased risk posed by on-going civil war. the Turkish authorities are making every effort to ensure the cities are made as safe as possible for local people and visitors, and travelers should be aware of the safety and security advice for specific parts of the country which, due to ongoing terrorism and the unstable nature of certain regions, remains particularly high.
Current travel advisories for Turkey vary by country. US State Department upgraded travel advisory for Turkey to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel – due to terrorism and arbitrary arrest. Level 3 was also updated for Turkey by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: exercise extreme caution in the southern border region with Syria and avoid all but essential travel, and Kurdish southeast and Turkish interior also advise some caution. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also cautioned Indian nationals against touring or staying in conflict zone areas.
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The difference between safe and unsafe in Turkey is huge. The major tourist cities of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir all have a high level of police and security which makes them generally considered to be safe. However, it's advised that visitors shouldn't travel to the southern regions of the country that border Syria and Iraq as the security situation remains poor, and the provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa in particular have been the target of attacks by both government forces and extremist groups.
Things are changing in different ways for different people in Turkey. Most tourist sites remain open in the major cities, and there has been a noticeable increase in security. While there may be some changes to the number of tourists, life in cities like Istanbul and Ankara is largely carrying on as normal for residents and visitors. Some precautions are being taken, but they haven't had a serious impact on daily life. we're monitoring the situation and will keep you up to date with the latest information.
Flight status for Turkey is subject to change based on developments and analysis. Some airlines may choose to suspend service or re-route flights. Please check with your airline or tour operator for the most up-to-date information. Istanbul's Ataturk and Ankara airports will continue to serve as our primary evacuation points, if necessary.
If you're planning to travel, you may want to ensure that your insurance covers any risks that arise when traveling to conflict zones. Some insurers have been known to refuse to pay out in the event of incidents occurring in high risk areas, such as the southeastern regions of Turkey, which have seen fighting in recent months. So it's always a good idea to look through your terms and conditions and check for any exclusions in relation to areas that may be at risk of conflict or terrorism.
In case of any emergencies, it's important to know key numbers: Police: 155, Ambulance: 112 and Fire: 110. For Indians, Indian Embassy in Ankara can be reached at Tel: +90 312 438 2195 & the Indian Consulate in Istanbul at Tel: +90 212 296 2131.
Local emergency: 112, Indian Embassy: +90 312 438 2195, MEA helpline: +91-11-23012113
Indian citizens residing in Turkey as well as tourists are requested to register with the Indian Embassy. The Indian Embassy in Ankara has asked citizens to register with them so that they can be updated on any instructions/assistance required. The Indian Embassy has also asked citizens to keep in touch with their 24 x 7 helpline in case of any emergency. Air India too has already initiated planning for any potential evacuation of Indian citizens from Turkey. This isn't the first time that Air India has planned evacuations of Indian citizens from war-torn countries.
If you're currently in Turkey we advise you to keep a close eye on local developments and media, as well as following any instructions from your home government. You should be aware of possible safe houses and evacuation routes. You should also be prepared to make essential documents and emergency contact numbers available at short notice.
Whether to cancel your trip depends on several factors. If your trip includes major tourist cities, such as Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir, it should proceed with little difficulty and risk, apart from normal precautions. However, it's wiser to reconsider or cancel a trip to the southeast. The advisory should be closely monitored, and personal risk and comfort level should also be considered.
Cities in Turkey are generally considered to be safe for visitors, as long as you avoid the south-eastern border region with Syria, where there's an ongoing conflict.
In the event of an emergency, please contact the local authorities via the emergency telephone numbers listed below and also contact your embassy.
A few flights have been modified because of safety concerns, and it's best to verify with carriers for the most recent information.
Travel advisories differ by country. Check with your government for the latest travel advisory.
Yes, you can buy travel insurance however some policies won't be covered if you go to a conflict zone.
Qatar: Indians asked to register with the Indian Embassy and keep the 24/7 helpline number in their contacts. Latest updates from India will also be shared through the embassy.
Exercise standard urban precautions such as avoiding walking alone in deserted areas of cities, particularly at night, safeguarding valuables and staying attuned to local developments.
Please see the US State Department, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Indian Ministry of External Affairs websites for the latest travel advisories and safety and security information.
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Arin Vale