Earthquakes
On 6 February 2023, two significant earthquakes hit Southeast Anatolia, strongly affecting the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Şanlırurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya and Hatay. There has been significant structural damage across the region leading to casualties. Citizens should avoid travelling to the affected provinces. Citizens currently in these areas should heed the instructions of the Turkish authorities. Roads, communications networks and airports may be badly disrupted.
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism in Türkiye remains high, with bomb attacks in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. Although some attacks have targeted security forces, there have also been random attacks in areas frequented by tourists. The situation in the south-east of the country is particularly serious and these areas should be avoided (see below).
Terrorist attacks are, by their nature, random and indiscriminate and cannot be predicted in advance. Visitors are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in public places that are frequented by foreigners.
Political unrest
The political situation in Türkiye is reasonably stable but always keep informed of what is going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border between Türkiye and Syria. We also advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Hatay, Kilis and Sirnak.
While areas popular with Irish travellers are located at a substantial distance from these regions, vigilance is also required in tourist areas in major cities.
Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can turn confrontational. The police will take measures such as the use of tear gas to control protesters. Stay away from military sites taking photos of, or near, military or security installations and some public buildings, may be prohibited.
Crime
Violent crime against tourists in Türkiye is rare but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. The Embassy in Ankara has also been made aware of a number of cases of tourists being intimidated into paying extortionate bills at bars and nightclubs in Istanbul. Remain vigilant when frequenting such establishments. There have been a number of cases of theft from apartments and cars in some of the coastal resorts, as well as in Istanbul and Ankara. Take heed of your local tour operator representative's advice, and wherever you are, take sensible precautions.
- Do not carry credit cards, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
- Do not carry your passport unless absolutely necessary, but carry a photocopy of it in case stopped by police. Leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home. Ensure that at least one family member in Ireland is aware of your location and travel plans in Türkiye, should an emergency arise communications by email or mobile phone can be difficult.
- Avoid showing large sums of money in public and do not use ATMs after dark, especially if alone. Check no one has followed you.
- Keep a close eye on personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations.
- Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
- Do not leave valuables, or bags which may appear to contain valuables, visible in parked cars.
Reporting a crime
If a victim of a crime while in Türkiye, report it to the local police immediately. Contact the Embassy of Ireland, Ankara for consular assistance.
Driving
If planning to drive in Türkiye, be careful. While the standard of roads in Türkiye has greatly improved in recent years, traffic accidents are common, particularly at night. Road safety standards are low, particularly outside towns and cities. Accidents are frequent and are often caused by poor driving, badly maintained vehicles and inadequate lighting. Pedestrians should also exercise caution at all times, including at zebra crossings, for example, as drivers rarely stop to allow pedestrians to cross.
If you want to drive:
- Bring a full Irish driving licence and make sure to have adequate and appropriate insurance.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught.
- Be aware of Türkiye's traffic laws, such as speed limits.
- Keep vehicle doors locked and bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if stopped at traffic lights.
Hiring a vehicle
If hiring a vehicle, we advise not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Taxis
In Istanbul, avoid hailing taxis on the street and only use taxis ordered by your hotel or those ordered directly from a taxi kiosk.
Fires
Türkiye can experience bush and forest fires in the warmer months, including in regions popular with tourists. Heed risk warnings and be vigilant if travelling in forested areas during the summer. If there is a forest fire near where you are staying, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the Turkish authorities.
Emergency services can be contacted by dialling 112.
Flooding
Rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides in Türkiye, including in the summer months. This can create risks to safety, as well as impeding travel and reducing the availability of essential services. If in an affected area, follow the advice of the local authorities.
Extreme sports
If participating in extreme sports (including hot-air ballooning), be satisfied that adequate safety precautions are in place. There have been a number of hot-air ballooning accidents in Cappadocia in the past, which have led to a number of fatalities. There have also been a number of fatalities and serious injuries in paragliding accidents in the resorts of Oludeniz and Fethiye. Only use reputable operators and insist on training before use. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the activities you want to undertake, as often they are excluded in standard policies
Stray dogs
Stray street dogs are common in most towns and cities in Türkiye. Local authorities take action to control and manage numbers but packs congregate in parks and wastelands. While they are largely docile, this may not always be the case. Avoid approaching these dogs but if bitten, seek immediate medical advice as rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Türkiye.