Is it safe to visit Turkey? Latest advice as tensions rise in the Middle East

Telegraph

9 hours ago

With tensions rising in the Middle East, many British tourists are questioning whether it is safe to visit neighbouring countries including Turkey.
While Turkey shares a 350-mile border with Iran and, at its closest point, is only 400 miles from Israel, the country is not embroiled in the military activity that has affected the region in recent weeks.
The Foreign Office advises that the vast majority of Turkey is safe to visit. However, some parts of the country are off-limits, and the FCDO recently issued fresh advice on travelling in eastern Turkey.
Here is everything you need to know about whether it is safe to visit Turkey following the outbreak of war between Iran and Israel.
How far is Turkey from Iran?
Turkey shares a 348-mile border with Iran. Since Iranian airspace closed after the first wave of missile strikes on June 13, many Iranian citizens have attempted to flee the country via the Kapikoy crossing on the Turkish border.
While Turkey does share a border with Iran, it is worth noting that Istanbul (in the far west of the country) is 1,275 miles away from Tehran. That is a similar distance as London to Casablanca.
How far is Turkey from Israel?
The resorts along Turkey's turquoise coast are around 400 miles away from Tel Aviv, across the Mediterranean Sea (with Cyprus falling somewhere in between). That is a similar distance as London to Aberdeen.
Is it safe to visit Turkey?
The Foreign Office considers the majority of Turkey as safe to visit. It only issues an advisory on travelling to within 10km of the Syrian border: 'due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.' This is a warning that pre-dates the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran.
There are no holiday resorts along or near to the Syrian border, so it is unlikely that many British holidaymakers would find themselves in this part of the country.
On June 20, the FCDO updated its advice on crossing the land border from Turkey into Iran, following new requirements from Turkish authorities.
They FCDO states: 'If you are a British national wanting to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you will need to request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border, indicating whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.'
Is Turkey involved in the war between Iran and Israel?
Turkey is not directly involved in the war between Iran and Israel. However, on June 22 the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's attacks on Iran as 'state terrorism' and a violation of international law. Turkey also warned that the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities increased the threat of the regional risk spreading further.
'The developments happening can take the regional conflict to a global level. We do not want this catastrophic scenario to be realised,' the ministry said in a statement.
Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, is understood to have good relations with President Trump and has an open line of communication with his counterpart in Tehran.
The Foreign Office warns that the political situation in the Middle East raises the chance of tourists encountering a demonstration or protest in the country.
'Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey. Demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul,' the FCDO says.
They advise to avoid all demonstrations and to leave the area immediately if one develops.
Is there a terror threat in Turkey?
The Foreign Office warns that terrorists are 'very likely' to carry out attacks in Turkey.
The FCDO advises that the majority of attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. They add that there have been several attacks involving firearms, knives and explosives and warn that attacks could take place in locations visited by tourists, such as public buildings, airports, places of worship and large public gatherings.
Is there an earthquake threat in Turkey?
In recent months Turkey has been hit by large earthquakes, a regular occurrence in the country given its location on a fault line.
Regarding earthquakes, the Foreign Office advises: 'Many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. These can be high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life.
'A 6.2-magnitude earthquake which occurred in the Sea of Marmara in April 2025, was felt strongly in Istanbul. Be aware of the risk of aftershocks.'
Tourists should visit Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority's website for the latest information.
What are the new curfews in Turkey?
Marmaris in Turkey has introduced a curfew at nightclubs in response to concerns around noise disturbances, harassment and inappropriate behaviour after hours.
Visitors must leave bars and nightclubs by 12.30am and venues have been ordered to close their doors entirely by 1am. In addition, a number of establishments have received closure notices due to complaints.
Are flights and holidays still running to Turkey?
Yes, flights and holidays from the UK to Turkey continue as normal. However, a number of flights from Turkey to the Middle East have been cancelled over the past fortnight due to the escalation of military activity in the region.
What if I want to cancel my holiday to Turkey?
If you have booked a package holiday to Turkey and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates.
But bear in mind that, because the FCDO has not issued any formal advice against travel to Turkey, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.
If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.