Is it safe to go on holiday to Turkey? Latest travel advice

TURKEY’s long been a favourite mid-haul getaway for Brits – think sun-soaked beaches, rich culture, and amazing food, all without breaking the bank.
However, following escalation of hostilities in the region, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey soon, here’s what you need to know.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

The UK Foreign Office has updated the travel advice following an uptick of protests after the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.
The website currently warns: “FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Turkey.”;
Hundreds of thousands of protestors took to the streets on March 24, 2025, as riot police clashed with protestors in Turkey's largest demonstrations in a decade.
The police were seen using rubber bullets, pepper spray, and percussion grenades on the crowd.
Protests have now spread to more than 55 of Turkey's 81 provinces.
In the capital Ankara, riot police used water cannons to push back protesters.
And in the western coastal city of Izmir police blocked a student march headed towards the local offices of the ruling AKP party.
The nationwide protests come after long-time leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rival was detained and charged with corruption.

Imamoglu's arrest comes just days before he was set to be selected as a 2028 presidential candidate.
And nearby countries are also facing a wave of unrest, prompting the department to change its guidance.

The FCDO warns: “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.”;
It also advises against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border, as fighting near the area continues.
The Hakkari Province, which is near the border with Iraq and Iran, is also under advisory.
The FCDO states that permission is required from the local Governor’s Office for anyone wishing to visit the area.
Similarly, Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province, is a designated military zone and requires both permission and a fee.
On a separate note, the Foreign Office has warned that there’s been a rise in serious illnesses – and even deaths – linked to people drinking illegally made local spirits and fake bottles of branded alcohol.

Anyone drinking in Turkey as well should drink within their limits and keep an eye on their drinks to avoid being spiked.

The FCDO also points out that if you travel against their advice, your travel insurance might not cover you – so it’s definitely something to take seriously.
Most of Turkey is normally safe to visit as a tourist, however, it appears that the FCDO has taken more precautions than usual.

What are the entry rules for Turkey?

All Covid restrictions for Turkey were lifted in 2022 – this means Brits do not have to be vaccinated or have a negative Covid test.
Make sure to also have a copy of your passport as some villas in holiday resorts have been targeted by thieves.
This should be carried with you at all times – it is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey.
Brits also need to have at least 150 days left on their passport to be able to travel to Turkey, as well as a full blank page for entry and exit stamps.
If you fancy a holiday, we've rounded up some of the best deals for 2025.
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