Vacation despite travel warning: 7.5 million Germans love Turkey!

Vacation despite travel warning: 7.5 million Germans love Turkey!

Turkey continues to enjoy great popularity among German holidaymakers, despite ongoing security risks. According to information from infranken.de, more than 7.5 million Germans have planned to stay in the country in 2025. This represents a significant increase compared to 2024, when almost 6 million German tourists visited Turkey. With excellent value for money and numerous attractions, Turkey is the third most popular choice for German travelers after Spain and Italy.

However, the political situation in Turkey remains tense. There are higher security risks in many regions, particularly in the southeastern border areas with Syria and Iraq. Terrorist activity and military conflicts are common, which is why both the Foreign Office and the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office strongly advise against travel to these areas. Political protests in major cities such as Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir can also lead to traffic disruptions, further destabilizing the security situation.

Security situation and travel warnings

The Federal Foreign Office highlights current security warnings that focus on regions with political unrest, natural disasters or health risks. Particularly dangerous are the provinces of Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Sırnak and Hakkâri, where terrorist threats must be avoided. Travelers should also be aware that arbitrary arrests and denials of entry for German citizens are possible. Suspicions that often lead to such measures include support for terrorist organizations or participation in demonstrations critical of the government. Security is high, but the general threat of terrorism remains a constant risk, as demonstrated by repeated attacks in recent years.

Your itinerary could also be affected by natural events such as earthquakes and bushfires. This must be taken into account particularly in the seismically active region around Istanbul. Holidaymakers should also always follow local news and weather reports and pay attention to the special entry requirements that apply to Turkey.

Tips for travelers

The Federal Foreign Office recommends entering the crisis preparedness list and ensuring adequate health insurance coverage. Travelers should also respect local customs and adapt their behavior to avoid misunderstandings. Photography of military installations is prohibited, and the general legal climate in Turkey requires tourists to be extremely cautious about their statements and actions. Medical care has improved in large cities, but may be worse in rural areas.

These factors contribute to the fact that the Turkish coastal regions, particularly Antalya, the Aegean coast and Cappadocia, remain points of attraction for travelers. Turkish hotels are increasingly investing in sustainable tourism. These facilities are now plastic-free and thus attract environmentally conscious tourists. For many, Turkey remains an attractive destination that can offer travelers both adventure and relaxation at the same time. A clear risk world map supports the selection of safe travel destinations and helps to avoid the riskier areas.

In summary, despite the existing threats, Turkey is still an indispensable destination for many German holidaymakers, which impresses with its diversity and cultural treasures.

For further information on security in Turkey, please read the reports on infranken.de and auswaertiges-amt.de.