Istanbul is one of the world’s great historic cities, straddling Europe and Asia with iconic sights like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. However, some travelers considering a visit have concerns over safety and security. Is it safe for tourists to visit Istanbul in 2023? Here’s an overview of the current situation and travel risks.
Assessing the Threat of Terrorism
The primary safety concerns stem from the threat of potential terrorist attacks Istanbul has unfortunately been the target of several bombings and other attacks over the past decade. Groups like ISIS and the PKK have staged attacks aimed at tourists and crowded public areas
The U.S. State Department currently assigns Istanbul a Level 2 travel advisory urging visitors to “exercise increased caution” due to terrorism. Areas near the Syrian border have a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning.
However, Istanbul is a huge, modern city and most areas frequented by tourists are heavily secured. Recent attacks have been relatively isolated incidents and the overall likelihood of being caught up in violence remains low.
Using Common Sense Precautions
Despite the threat of terrorism Istanbul generally remains safe for travelers who take reasonable precautions
- Avoid political demonstrations and protests
- Steer clear of overly crowded tourist sites when possible
- Look out for suspicious behavior and unattended bags
- Follow local media to stay aware of any evolving threats
- Stay in touch with family back home
Basically, remain vigilant without being overly paranoid. The chances of a terrorist incident at any given time are quite small across this vast metropolis.
Consulting Travel Advisories
Many governments provide location-specific travel advice for Turkey. Monitoring these resources helps inform your decision:
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U.S. – The State Department advisory lists detailed risks and safety tips.
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U.K. – The Foreign Office advisory advises avoiding border areas but notes most visits are trouble-free.
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Canada – The Canadian government advisory suggests avoiding non-essential travel near the Syrian border.
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Australia – The Smart Traveller guidance advises a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.
Trusting Locals and Experienced Travelers
Those with first-hand experience in Istanbul provide helpful perspectives on current safety:
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Residents say risks are often exaggerated and Istanbul remains highly welcoming to visitors.
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Recent travelers report feeling comfortable throughout their stays while taking basic precautions.
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Tour companies continue operating sightseeing trips as normal, suggesting the situation is not alarming.
These insights should give travelers reassurance about enjoying Istanbul while staying alert.
Evaluating Your Personal Risk Tolerance
Ultimately, you must weigh the safety concerns in Istanbul against your own risk tolerance. While the chance of a terror attack is real, millions of visitors still flock to Istanbul every year without incident.
Keeping a low profile, avoiding risky situations, and following local guidance can go a long way toward minimizing potential dangers. But there is always an element of unpredictability when terrorism is involved.
Carefully considering the pros and cons will help determine if now is the right time for you to visit Istanbul and experience its incredible history and culture. Just be prepared and don’t let fear dictate your decision too heavily.
Travel Advisory July 26, 2023
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
- Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.
Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated. U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government (including on social media), can result in arrest.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Turkey.
If you decide to travel to Turkey:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
- Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Turkey.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and Any Area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, and improvised explosive devices, as well as shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, and any areas within 10 km of the Syrian border.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Is Turkey Safe to Travel in 2024? Is Istanbul Safe?
FAQ
Is Istanbul safe for tourists now?
Is it safe for US citizens to travel to Turkey?
Is Istanbul safe for Americans in 2024?
Is it safe to walk in Istanbul at night?
Is Istanbul a safe place to visit if you’re at risk of terrorism?
In February 2024, authorities killed two terrorists that attacked a local court in Istanbul in a deadly incident that killed at least one bystander. The risk of terrorism is not something you should ignore. That being said, authorities are taking precautions to prevent terrorism, especially in the tourist core of Istanbul.
What are the safest areas to visit in Istanbul?
To help you out, we’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Istanbul below. Sultanahmet: Sultanahmet is the historic and cultural heart of Istanbul. It’s the oldest part of the city and is surrounded by bodies of water to the north, east and south, and old city walls to the west.
Should I travel to Turkey?
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Turkey. You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice. There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.
Is it safe to walk alone in Istanbul?
You’re generally very safe in any touristic area, so we’re talking about Sultanahmet, Fatih, Kadikoy, Besiktas, Ortakoy, etc. You still need to use your common sense and not walk alone at night, but overall, you’re very safe in areas like this. The question arises when we talk about Taksim and Beyoglu.