Early on Friday, June 13, Israel launched an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. Israel and Iran have continued to exchange fire today, June 17. Both have said their attacks would continue, raising the prospect of another protracted conflict.
Turkey has not been affected by the conflict in the Middle East, but it has been vocal in its support for Palestine. Since fighting between Israel and Hamas began in 2024, there have also been demonstrations in the capital Ankara as well as in Istanbul. While tensions are heightened in the region, the UK Foreign Office is not warning against travelling to Turkey, and hasn’t updated its advice since the conflict between Israel and Iran started on June 13, but it does consider Turkey’s border with Syria a no-go zone. Here’s what you need to know.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
The Foreign Office has not advised against travelling to Turkey, and most regions in Turkey are safe and tourist-friendly. However, the Foreign Office advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria.
In Hakkari province, you must get permission from the local governor’s office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran. If you’re visiting with a travel agent or tour group, you should confirm with them whether you need an individual permit.
Mount Ararat is a special military zone — you’ll need permission to visit from the Dogubayazit government office and you’ll have to pay a fee.
The Foreign Office considers the threat of terrorism to be very likely in Turkey, with most previous attacks taking place in the southeast, Ankara and Istanbul.
As with any destination, it pays to stay vigilant and follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office, as well as those issued by authorities on the ground.
Has Turkey been affected by the Middle East conflict?
Turkey has not been militarily affected by the recent conflict in the Middle East. However, relations between Israel and Turkey have severely declined since the fighting between Israel and Hamas broke out and trade between the two countries has stopped completely.
“Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories [OPTs] have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey,” the Foreign Office said. There have been protests outside diplomatic missions in Istanbul, Ankara and other major cities. You should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops.
Turkey has spoken out against the Israel-Hamas conflict from the start. President Erdogan said at a congress of his AK Party that “we call for restraint from all parties”, adding that both sides “must refrain from aggressive acts”. He also said that Turkey would do whatever it could to ease tensions and stop the violence. In September 2024, the president condemned Israel’s attacks against Lebanon amid intensified fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
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What is the Foreign Office travel advice?
The Foreign Office is advising against all travel to areas within 10km of the border with Syria. In the rest of the country, it’s a case of staying vigilant.
The Israel-Hamas war has led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations in cities across Turkey. The Foreign Office said demonstrations had been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul, and that visitors should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may also be disrupted.
Across Turkey more generally, crime rates are low but robberies and thefts are common, particularly pickpocketing in busy tourist areas.
Travellers are also advised to avoid any offers of food and drink, in case they are spiked, and to be wary if someone offers to take you to a club or restaurant or to help you change currency.
Counterfeit alcohol has become an issue in Ankara and Istanbul, and travellers are advised to buy alcohol only from licensed liquor stores, bars and hotels. Homemade alcoholic drinks should be avoided, and you should check seals on bottles are intact and look for poor print quality or incorrect spelling on labels.
Sexual assaults and rapes have also been reported, and have mostly taken place during the busy summer period in coastal regions. In many cases, they involved someone the victim had met earlier on the day of the attack.
Most terrorist attacks in the country have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul, and the Foreign Office said that it was possible that terrorists may target places visited by foreigners, such as public buildings, places of worship, airports and major events. The most recent attack was in October 2024, killing five people.
What are Turkey’s entry requirements?
British citizens can to travel to Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days out of any 180-day period. If you are planning to be in the country for longer, you’ll need either a visa or residence permit.
Turkey requires you to have at least 150 days validity on your passport after the day you arrive in the country. You’ll also need a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
Here’s what you need to know about the travel advice for neighbouring countries
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