Most visits to Turkey are trouble-free: around 4.27 million British people visited in 2025. The main tourist areas — Istanbul, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and Cappadocia — are not affected by official “do not travel” warnings. Use the same common sense you would in any big holiday destination, and know a few local laws that differ from home.
Areas to avoid
The UK FCDO advises against all travel to within 10 km of Turkey’s border with Syria.
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel within 10 km of the Syrian border and all but essential travel to Hatay, Kilis and Şırnak provinces. It asks Irish citizens to take a high degree of caution across Turkey.
Because of wider tensions in the Middle East since early 2026, flights in the region can be disrupted at short notice. Keep an eye on your airline’s updates.
Sign up for alerts from GOV.UK or register your trip with the Irish DFA.
Common scams and how to avoid them
The friendly stranger — someone offers to show you a great bar or restaurant, then you’re hit with a huge bill. Choose your own venues.
Spiked food or drinks — don’t accept food or drink from strangers. Buy your own and keep it in sight.
Unofficial taxis — use registered taxis with a working meter, or a ride app or pre-booked transfer. Note the registration before you get in.
Shoe shiners — a brush “dropped” in front of you leads to a shine you didn’t ask for, and a bill. Walk on.
Card machine swaps — keep your card in sight and check the amount and currency (lira) before you enter your PIN.
Pickpockets — most common in busy parts of Istanbul. Use a zipped bag and keep your phone out of back pockets.
Local laws that may surprise you
Law
What it means for you
Carry photo ID
It’s a legal requirement. Carry your passport (or a residence permit); police can ask at any time.
Respect the nation and flag
Insulting the Turkish nation, the flag, the President or Atatürk is a crime — including online posts. Sentences range from 6 months to 3 years. Defacing banknotes is also illegal.
Drugs
Possession, use or smuggling, including cannabis, can bring long prison sentences and heavy fines. Bags are scanned even when you’re only transiting.
Antiquities
Buying or exporting antiquities can mean 5 to 12 years in prison.
Photography
Don’t photograph military or official sites. Ask before photographing people.
Smoking
Banned in all indoor public places and on public transport.
Fires
Lighting fires or dropping cigarettes in woodland can lead to a fine or prison, especially in summer.
Culture and respect
Mosques — cover your shoulders and knees, women cover their hair (scarves are usually lent at the door), and take your shoes off. Avoid visiting during prayer times, especially Friday midday.
Ramadan — in 2027 it is expected to start around early February. Eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight can cause offence in conservative areas; resort life largely continues as normal.
LGBT+ travellers — same-sex relationships are legal but not recognised, and public displays of affection can attract unwanted attention outside the big cities and resorts. Read the UK government’s advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Protests — demonstrations happen in Istanbul and other cities. Avoid them and leave the area if one starts.
On the beach and on holiday
Learn the beach flags — a red flag means do not swim. Some beaches have strong currents and no lifeguard.
Always supervise children in and around pools and the sea, and never leave them alone with hotel or excursion staff.
Use reputable, licensed operators for paragliding, balloon flights, quad biking, jeep safaris and water sports, and check your insurance covers them.
Mopeds and quad bikes: you need the right licence, helmets are compulsory, and hire firms usually only offer third-party insurance.
Most towns have stray dogs. Most are calm, but don’t approach packs.
Natural hazards
Turkey is in an earthquake zone, and tremors are common. Wildfires are a risk in summer, especially on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. In either case, follow instructions from your hotel and the local authorities.
