You want to visit one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world but you are wondering if it is not dangerous to go to Turkey at the moment.
Indeed, in 2025 tourists are worried about the safety of traveling to Turkey due to the 2022 attacks on theIstiklal Avenue à Istanbul, , the earthquake of February 6, 2023 and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories.
In addition to the terrorist threat, there are also concerns about crime in certain regions of Turkey. So, it's normal to wonder if Turkey is a dangerous country for tourists.
Below you will find out whether or not it is dangerous to travel to Turkey at the moment, which areas to avoid in 2024, recommendations for caution and advice for women's behavior and clothing.
This article is a synthesis of reliable and sourced information (government recommendations, statistics, press articles) which does not contain any judgment or discriminatory remarks.
Turkey dangerous country?
According to the latest world ranking Numbeo.com, Turkey is not in the lead of the most dangerous countries in the world (see map below). In fact, this site has a fairly low crime index for Turkey of just 40.05.
This is confirmed by the Swiss Government website which indicates :
"The crime rate is relatively low. Pickpocketing, armed robbery, and isolated assaults occur mainly in Istanbul. However, there is a particular risk in crowded places, such as airports, train stations, metro stations, and open markets.".
If we compare with other crime indices, Turkey appears to be less dangerous than France, L'Italie, Mexico, Brazil or the United States.
Is it dangerous to go to Turkey in 2025?
In 2025, apart from the risk of terrorist attack, it is not dangerous to travel to Turkey on tourist sites.
Indeed, the Turkish government has taken measures to ensure the safety of visitors. Police forces are very well trained and visible in tourist areas. They are there to protect tourists, always ready to help visitors in an emergency. In addition, the country has implemented strict security measures in public places such as airports, train stations and museums.
However, like many destinations, it is always advisable to exercise caution when traveling to a foreign country and Turkey is no exception.
Visitors should be aware of dangerous areas and avoid them where possible. These areas are usually located near the Syrian and Iraqi borders (see more info below).
What recommendations for trips to Turkey?
In 2025, on its website France Diplomacy, the French Government has published the following travel recommendations:
"The terrorist risk remains high throughout the territory, particularly due to the immediate proximity to conflict zones where terrorist groups are present (Syria, Iraq)."
"It is advisable to respect the precautionary measures inherent to any stay in particularly touristic areas. All persons traveling to Türkiye are invited to register on the portal Ariane. For a prolonged stay, you must report, depending on the place of stay, to the consular section of the French embassy in Ankara or the consulate general in Istanbul. As in all large cities, increased vigilance is recommended in tourist areas, particularly in Istanbul. Caution is recommended in the event of an approach by strangers: the interested parties may have dishonest intentions and offer drinks or food that may contain tranquilizers.
But, although there have been terrorist attacks in Turkey as well as in other countries, particularly in Europe, the country remains a rather safe and welcoming destination for tourists.
With caution and common sense, visitors can enjoy all that Turkey has to offer but only if they avoid dangerous areas (see below).
Concerning the conflict situation in Israel, Palestine and Gaza, France has updated its recommendations for travelers. And as the situation evolves day by day, you should always check the security of the country on this site.
Dangerous areas in Turkey
One of the most dangerous areas in Turkey is the southeast of the country, in particular the provinces of Diyarbakir, Mardin and Sirnak. These provinces are known for their ongoing conflict between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). As a result, violence is common there, including bombings, shootings and kidnappings. Travelers are advised to avoid these areas altogether and, if they must go there, exercise extreme caution and keep themselves informed of the latest developments.
Another dangerous area in Turkey is the border region with Syria where the ongoing civil war has resulted in a high level of violence and instability. The provinces of Hatay, Gaziantep and Kilis are particularly dangerous due to their proximity to the Syrian border. Tourists should also avoid the southeastern province of Hakkari, which shares a border with Iran and Iraq and is known for its high level of terrorist activity.
Other areas to avoid
The majority of the country is in the yellow zone (reinforced vigilance) on France Diplomacy Like on Government of Canada website.
But there are two zones in orange and red vigilance that tourists must absolutely avoid:
The areas formally advised against are those immediately around the borders with Syria and Iraq, the Reyhanli, Kirikhan, Siirt, Şırnak, Hakkari and Aǧrı regions.
The departments of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Diyarbakır, Batman are also strongly discouraged.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published on its website the map of dangerous areas in Turkey: Risk areas map.
How to dress when you are a woman?
This is a question that travelers who want to respect the traditions, the Muslim religion and the Turkish way of life can ask themselves.
In general, Turkish society is conservative and respectful of Islam. It is therefore best to dress properly in Turkey when you are a woman, especially when visiting mosques, religious sites or rural areas.
This means that, when a woman wants to respect the Turks and their customs, she will dress in a way that covers her shoulders, chest, knees and avoids clothing that is too tight or too revealing.