last edited Feb 24, 2026
Health and Safety in Turkey
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Health
Illnesses and Hygiene
There are relatively few health risks when traveling in Turkey. However, as always, it's best to maintain good hygiene and wash your hands regularly. Similarly, avoid tap water as well as dishes or foods that don’t guarantee freshness, which could lead to traveler’s diarrhea or worse. While no vaccines are mandatory for the country, keeping up with your "basic vaccinations" is obvious.
Healthcare Facilities On-Site
The hospital sector in Turkey is quite good, even very good in Istanbul, other major cities, and various tourist spots. Turkey is, in fact, specialized in medical tourism for certain treatments.
That said, the system operates at two speeds—not necessarily in terms of care quality, but rather in costs and waiting times depending on whether you go private or public. As expected, private clinics have the shortest wait times but are the most expensive. Hence, as always, having good travel insurance is useful.
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Turkey remains a relatively safe destination, though like elsewhere, there is some petty crime targeting tourists, including pickpocketing or theft from vehicles in Istanbul and other tourist areas. However, with basic precautions and common sense, risks are minimal. That said, be aware of persistent solicitations of all kinds, particularly toward female travelers.
Sociopolitical Risks and Terrorism
Protests, sociopolitical unrest, and attacks—including in tourist zones—have been part of Turkey’s cycles of tension for decades, with an increasingly authoritarian government doing little to ease the situation.
In short, risks exist even if they are not constant or widespread across the entire country. Traveling there—especially if venturing off the beaten path—requires vigilance and staying informed about the current situation, particularly if heading east. Given the regional context, areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders are strongly (and logically) advised against.
Climate, Nature, and Animals
Of all natural hazards, earthquakes remain the most concerning, as recent events regularly show. Earthquakes are frequent in Turkey, often causing destruction and casualties. Less severe but still notable are the floods and forest fires that regularly affect the Mediterranean coast.
As for animals, watch out for stray dogs, which may carry rabies or other diseases.
Foreign Consulates On-Site
If you encounter problems while traveling abroad, your country’s consular services can assist. Also note that if you are an EU citizen and your country is not represented, you can contact any other EU member state’s representation.
France
- Ankara: Embassy, Paris Caddesi 70, Kavaklidere, 6540 Ankara.
- Istanbul: Consulate General, Istiklal Caddesi 4, 34435 Istanbul.