Here's the long answer
Turkey is one of the more complex countries with serious political turmoil and social confusion, riding on a fragile economy in a unique location of the planet. And the country has recently gone through general elections in May 2023 and is now in the midst of local election campaigns everywhere. And it sure is turning out to be a tricky year for anyone living or visiting here, especially economically. However, Turkeyis also one of the world’s most culturally, historically rich countries with some of the warmest and most hospitable people anywhere.
Moreover, tourism is the third biggest income for Turkey’s economy and a significant portion of the population depends on it to make a living. It’s fair to say that the security of tourists and the country’s ability to welcome holiday-makers safely will be high up on the Turkish government’s list of priorities. Therefore, the country has been on high alert on all fronts and Turkish authorities have been working tirelessly to make sure all the necessary security measures are taken.
After all, Turks are notorious for their tenacious fighting spirit and that really shows on how tight of a collective effort has been put forward lately in to preventing any kind of security threat to the mainland and anyone in it. Foreign visitors are pleasantly surprised by the level of safety they experience when walking the streets of Istanbul and Turkey in general, both during day and night. Of course, some areas are to be avoided much like anywhere in the world but they are often far away from touristy sections of the city anyway.
British nationals made over 3.8 million visits to Turkey in 2022. Most visits are trouble free. Be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with foreign nationals, including during festival periods. –gov.uk
How the Israel-Hamas Conflict Might Affect Travel to Turkey
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas could have some impact on travel safety in Turkey. While the countries are geographically separate, the situation raises several considerations for travelers:
- Cross-Border Risks: The conflict may escalate and involve countries like Syria, making areas near Turkey’s border riskier. Travelers are advised to avoid regions within 10 km of the Syrian border and specific provinces like Sirnak and Hakkari.
- Protests: The conflict might spark demonstrations in Turkish cities, which could turn violent. It’s advised to avoid protests, stay alert in tourist areas, and keep an eye on local media.
- Terrorism Threat: The situation could increase terrorism risks, as groups like ISIS or PKK might seize the opportunity. Opt for well-secured hotels and follow local authorities’ advice.
- Travel Advisory: Always check the latest government advisories before traveling and consider getting comprehensive travel insurance.
The situation is dynamic, so it’s important to stay updated with reliable sources for the latest information and advice.
How has Turkey handled the pandemic?
Turkey had implemented various measures to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns, testing and contact tracing, vaccination campaigns, and health infrastructure improvements.
Turkey fits in the category of several countries that responded fairly quickly with testing, tracing, isolation and movement restrictions. It’s a fairly small club of countries that have been quite effective in reducing the viral spread.-bbc.com
Since January 2023, there are no longer any restrictions or requirements for entering Turkey. Visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination, quarantine, or wear masks.
How does the Russian invasion of Ukraine impact Turkey's safety?
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing a lot of trouble, not just locally, but potentially all over the world. This is shaking things up economically and in terms of world security. It’s also raising some big ethical and humanitarian issues.
Despite all this chaos, it’s important to know that if you’re traveling to or from Turkey, you should still be safe. Just because Turkey is close to the conflict doesn’t mean it’s dangerous.
But there’s another issue. A lot of Russian tourists have started to flood into Turkey, especially Istanbul and Antalya. This sudden increase has caused rental prices to go up all over the country. This rise in living costs is hitting people hard, especially those who need affordable housing. So, while it’s not immediately obvious, this is another serious problem caused by the conflict.
