Tensions within the Middle East are ongoing, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, main to a number of surrounding nations going through new safety considerations and retaliatory assaults.
Turkey has lengthy been a well-liked vacation vacation spot, attracting a file 64 million worldwide guests in 2025. The nation’s dazzling seashores alongside Bodrum‘s coast, the family-friendly resorts round Antalya, and Istanbul‘s cosmopolitanism and opulent meals tradition have lengthy captivated travellers, however current security fears have led holidaymakers to rethink a visit to Turkey.
Typically categorised as ‘West Asia’, Turkey flows from Europe into the continent, sharing its border to the east with Syria, Iraq, Iran, Armenia and Georgia. Here, we consolidated the most recent official steerage.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
Much of Turkey continues to be thought-about safe to go to on the time of writing (Monday, 11 May 2026). Popular vacationer locations akin to Antalya, Bodrum and Cappadocia are thought-about largely safe, and there aren’t any Foreign Office advisories in place for Brits visiting these locations.
However, the UK’s Foreign Office has up to date its steerage, citing a “high threat” of terrorism, and advises towards all travel to sure areas of the nation. Tourists are being warned that the majority terror assaults have occurred in Southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul, and to keep conscious of their environment always.
There can be an FCDO advisory in place for all travel to inside 10km of the border with Syria due to combating and a heightened threat of terrorism, which has been in place for a while already, and isn’t due to the current conflicts within the area. When travelling anyplace in Turkey, vacationers are suggested by the UK Foreign Office to keep away from demonstrations, which can change into violent.
In addition, the most recent replace to the FCDO travel recommendation web page highlights current regional escalation. It encourages vacationers to comply with recommendation from the native authorities, join to FCDO Travel Advice e-mail alerts, monitor native and worldwide media for the most recent data and steer clear of areas round safety or army services.
In the occasion of a disaster, there are consulates/embassies in Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris and Antalya.
Can I cancel my vacation to Turkey?
Because, on the time of writing, the Foreign Office doesn’t advise towards all travel to Turkey, your travel insurance coverage is unlikely to cowl a vacation cancellation, and also you’re unlikely to obtain a full refund for those who determine not to travel. If you need to look into suspending your journey, it’s finest to contact your vacation supplier and travel insurance coverage supplier immediately.
This story was initially printed on Condé Nast Traveller UK