Turkey vacation 2026: Warnings about traveling to dangerous regions!

Turkey vacation 2026: Warnings about traveling to dangerous regions!

Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations and recorded over 50 million tourists in 2025. Travelers enjoy a variety of activities, be it on the beaches, in the villages, in the mountain landscapes or exploring historical and cultural attractions. Augsburger Allgemeine However, reports that the Federal Foreign Office strongly advises against traveling to certain endangered regions in the southeast of the country.

The provinces of Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Sırnak and Hakkâri, which lie adjacent to the crisis areas in Iraq and Syria, are particularly affected. These regions are exposed to increased security risks due to repeated armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, kidnappings and murders in Syria. There is also a partial travel warning in Iraq due to open fighting and criminal attacks. The Foreign Office had already warned against traveling to Turkey at the turn of the year 2025/2026 and continues to recommend thorough preparation for potential travelers.

Recommended behaviors for travelers

Travelers should exercise extreme caution when staying in affected areas. Increased attention is required, especially in heavily frequented places. It is also advised to continuously monitor current developments in the security situation. There is a risk of terrorist activity throughout Türkiye and there are also reports of arbitrary arrests or entry bans, particularly for German nationals.

The Federal Foreign Office recommends avoiding large gatherings of people, especially demonstrations and government and military facilities. These often give rise to security concerns. In cities like Istanbul, frequent protests can be expected, which can lead to traffic disruptions the Foreign Office explained.

Health and safety situation

Medical care has improved in major cities, but problems can arise in rural areas. Travelers should take health precautions such as avoiding tap water and carrying a first aid kit. The authorities also recommend adequate travel health insurance.

Turkey is seismically active and earthquakes are possible. Travelers should therefore also obtain information about geological safety. When it comes to transport, please note that driving after dark is risky and that pickpockets are active in large cities such as Istanbul.

The legal situation in Turkey requires special attention. Comments on social media can have serious consequences and drug offenses are punished harshly. Travelers should keep their original documents safe and register on the “Elefand” crisis preparedness list so that they can be reached quickly in an emergency.

In summary, despite Turkey's attractiveness as a travel destination, great caution is required. It is recommended that you obtain comprehensive information about the security situation and follow the advice of the Foreign Office in order to be able to travel safely and worry-free.