Travel warning for Turkey: Safety tips for Germany's vacationers!

Travel warning for Turkey: Safety tips for Germany's vacationers!

In 2024, over 6.6 million Germans traveled to Turkey, despite ongoing travel warnings from the Foreign Office for certain regions. The country remains a popular destination for package holidays, with only Spain and Italy more popular among general holiday trips. The classic holiday regions on the Turkish Riviera, especially Antalya, are experiencing a boom in visitors. Loud Mercury Antalya accounts for 81 percent of all overnight stays by German guests, which underlines the popularity of the region.

In May 2025, the Foreign Office expressly warned against traveling to the southeastern provinces of Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Sırnak and Hakkâri, which lie on the border with Syria and Iraq. While the tourist hotspots are considered safe, the security situation in other parts of Türkiye remains tense. Many Germans travel for family reasons or to visit friends, and Turkey offers a comprehensive all-inclusive package that is particularly attractive in times of inflation.

Risks and safety instructions

However, travelers should be aware of certain risks. The Foreign Office advises avoiding political topics and discussions on social media, as old posts can cause problems when entering the country. In addition, demonstrations in large cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir should be avoided as they can sometimes lead to violent clashes. Furthermore, crime in the form of pickpocketing and fraud has increased, especially in Istanbul. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should act with foresight.

The current security information includes that German citizens can be arbitrarily arrested in Turkey or prevented from entering the country. Suspicion of support for terrorist organizations is often cited as a reason for such measures. Carrying or posting political opinions on social media can also result in criminal consequences, as shown on auswärts-amt.de documented.

Practical travel information

It is recommended to check current information from the Foreign Office and avoid traveling to the southeastern border regions. Anyone traveling to Turkey should also prepare for possible natural events, such as earthquakes or forest fires, and take appropriate precautions. Driving after dark is risky and travelers should ensure they have adequate insurance, such as international health insurance.

Overall, Turkey remains a popular travel destination for German holidaymakers, but the security challenges should be taken seriously. Increased awareness of the local security situation can help avoid problems during your stay. It is also recommended to sign up for the “Elefand” crisis preparedness list so that you are well informed in the event of an emergency.