Is it safe to travel to Türkiye now?
Assessing the risk and practical precautions for travel to Türkiye
The wider regional conflict has created ripple effects across Middle Eastern and nearby countries, and travellers to Türkiye should evaluate risk with up-to-date official guidance. While Türkiye itself remains a major tourist destination and many parts of the country continue to receive visitors, nearby strikes and airspace restrictions have forced airlines to alter routings and some governments to update travel advice.
What to check before you go
- Official travel advisories: Look at your government’s current travel advice for Türkiye. Advisories can change rapidly and often include region-specific warnings (for example, near border areas).
- Flight schedules and routes: Airlines may reroute or cancel flights that would normally use airspace over the Gulf or neighbouring countries. Confirm your full itinerary — including connections — directly with the carrier.
- Insurance and refunds: Verify whether your policy covers disruption tied to conflict zones or to official travel advisories. If not covered, consider more flexible tickets or refundable options.
Practical safety steps while in-country
- Avoid border regions and any areas flagged by local authorities.
- Keep travel documents and emergency contacts current, and register with your embassy if your government offers that service.
- Build a flexible plan: allow extra time for transfers, and have contingency routes home in case direct flights are suspended.
- Follow local media and hotel advisories for transport changes or security measures.
No travel choice is risk-free during an active regional crisis. If travel is essential, prepare for last-minute changes, maintain close contact with carriers and consulates, and prioritise cancellation-friendly bookings. If the trip is discretionary, many travel advisers recommend postponing until the situation stabilises.