Visiting Turkey as an American: What You Need to Know Posted on September 17, 2018July 24, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Is Turkey Safe for American Tourists? I hope so. Because we are going there for a couple of days later this month. And I’m really excited to see some of the things I missed on my last trip. But politics in Turkey, like many places around the world, is relatively unstable right now. So, it makes sense that we keep vigilant and ask the question before and not after we go. Is Turkey Safe for American Tourists? Political Tensions Towards America First of all, this post is not going to make that decision for you. And although I don’t want to get into a history lesson, there are a few things you should know. Turkey straddles two continents: Asia and Europe. It has always been an east meets west kind of place where both cultures co-mingled. However, Turkey is a mostly Muslim nation. And this relationship has created a unique climate of social, religious, and political tensions. However, since July 2016, Turkey has also been under a state of emergency ordered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan blamed the uprising on followers of his political rival Fethullah Gulen who is exiled in the United States. He has used the state of emergency to purge and imprison thousands of civil servants, politicians, journalists, and others accused of conspiring against him. After a series of terror attacks, the failed coup and a referendum that saw Recep Tayyip Erdogan strengthen his grip on power, Turkey has begun to slowly restore its place as a top tourist destination. Since then, Turkey has acted outside of the International norms of an allied country. Turkey’s government has imprisoned Americans, including a pastor swept up in the coup two years and held without charges. Travel Warnings The U.S. State Department currently lists Turkey as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” This means most visits are trouble-free, but travelers should be aware of potential risks. Large-scale terrorist attacks in Istanbul have been rare in recent years, but incidents can still happen without warning. Visas are easier now than in the past. Most U.S. citizens can apply online for an eVisa in minutes. The process is quick and avoids embassy visits, but make sure you use the official Turkish government site to apply. The main advice is to stay alert in busy public areas, use reputable transport, and avoid political gatherings. Tourist police are visible in popular areas, and public transit generally runs smoothly. Like it. Pin it. My Plan of Action I have been to Turkey twice already, once to Istanbul and once to Bodrum with the kids. We’ve already applied for and received our eVisas online. And although I don’t think it’s necessary for our safety, we’ve hired a private tour guide as well. We’ve been corresponding for the last couple of weeks on exactly what we want to see and do. We only have two days on the ground and I want to see as much as we can. The plan is to see all the major sites, eat, drink, and shop with the locals. And honestly, this is where being black helps. We won’t look like rich American, haha, as if, and should be able to blend in with the locals. Basic Safety Tips If you decide to travel to Turkey, here are some basic safety tips I found on the State Department website: Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, particularly at popular tourist locations in Istanbul. Avoid any demonstrations and crowds when shopping. Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures and a safe for your passports and medications. Carry a copy of your passport with you. Monitor local media and adjust your plans based on new information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t draw attention to yourself with clothing, actions, or dialogue. Don’t tell broadcast that you are American or a member of the military. Avoid These Parts of Turkey Travel advisories don’t currently warn against visiting Istanbul, which is our only destination on this trip. However, the southeastern region near the Syrian border is restricted for U.S. military personnel and is considered unsafe for civilians. Large urban centers near the border face a higher risk of attacks. Crossing the border into Syria is prohibited by the Turkish government, even if you previously entered Syria from Turkey. Like it. Pin it. I love sharing stories, lessons from abroad, and tips for curious travelers. If my work has inspired you or made you smile, please buy me a coffee. Your support helps me keep the blog running—at no cost to you. My articles are available as mobile apps for offline reading and GPS-assisted directions. Download my articles on GPSMyCity. This post contains sponsored and/or affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission. DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES ASIAEUROPETurkiye
This is a great post for those considering a trip to Turkey. A colleague of mine visited recently and she had an amazing experience. Reply
i think its really safe and friendly environment for americans as well as for every tourist in turkey. Reply
So far so good. I am having a blast and most everyone(except at the airport) are very friendly and inviting. Reply
This is some really great info about Turkey. I have a couple friends that have been but never really asked them about how their experience was. Reply
I’m part of the Girls Love Travel facebook group and there are heaps of Americans that have visited Turkey recently. Everything that I’ve read, its safe but you do have to use some common sense. I hope to visit Turkey soon because it looks like such an incredible country. Reply
Hmm…I never even thought about that! I hope your trip goes smoothly and that it’s a safe and memorable one! Reply
These are some amazing tips. I feel like as a tourist it is our responsibility to research before we go and be mindful of everything around us. Reply
Some very sensible tips on what to do and what not to do on a visit to Turkey. I hope you have a wonderful couple of days and I’m looking forward to reading all about it. Reply
These are some great safety trips one need to follow all these tips while planning to visit Turkey. Heard from one of friend that this place is must visit. On that day we added this place to our bucket list. Thanks for sharing this blog Reply
It makes me sad we have to worry so much about terrorist attacks these days. However, I hope you have a wonderful trip and get to see this beautiful country. Reply
I haven’t been to Turkey but many of my friends does all non-Americans and Europeans and so far they are loving it. I have Filipino friends who lives there. I think it is good to think every places have pros and cons, and not rely on what you see on media because it all states the negative side of Turkey (and most of the time plays the emotions of the audiences, and just making the news absurd). As long as you are in a tourist area, you’ll be okay. Even in other countries. Reply
i’ve always considered going to turkey. it looks like an interesting and really beautiful country Reply
I’ve never been to Turkey but I’d LOVE to go. I’ve seen videos of Turkey and it looks like a beautiful country. I hope to go in future and these safety tips are great to know. Reply
Please be careful and have safe fun during your visit! It’s crazy how beautiful that country is yet it has to be protected from perpetrators. Reply
I know, I am so excited. I can’t wait to experience the tastes and smell of the country. And yes, we will be safe. Reply
This post was very informative. I liked that you gave the pros AND cons about traveling to Turkey. I’ve never considered traveling there, but I’m not an avid traveler either. I usually just consider what’s in the US, but maybe one day I will travel oversees. My family is Italian, it could be fun to go there. I also think you’re brave going to Turkey when there has been so much tension, even if they are doing better. Reply
I have travelled to Turkey three times so far, but my latest trip there was in 2007. I liked it there, Turkey has such amazing resorts. Reply
It is such a beautiful country. i feel sad that the political instabilities are not helping the tourism Reply
Wow, such a detailed post that would be so helpful to plan a great trip to Turkey. Loving the pictures so much. Reply
I’ve always dreamed of going to Turkey! There is such history there that you can’t find in many places of the world. Reply
Lol, such a cool post. I came to read about what to know before travelling to turkey but learned being black is helpful. ? Reply
I believe Turkey is now safe to visit and I am looking forward to visiting one day soon. It is such a beautiful country Reply
These are incredible tips laying everything out for anyone who wants to visit Turkey. Love you listed where to avoid and wishing you safe travels! Reply
A friend of mine’s wife just visited Turkey for one month. She came back unharmed obviously. I would love to visit Turkey one day as well. Reply
I agree, you have to keep safety in mind just to go to the supermarket or movies these days. Fear will never keep me from traveling. Reply
Thank you for this post! I don’t usually consider safety when traveling as much as I should. This post has inspired me to change that. Reply
I would love to visit Turkey one day. Having a private tour guide will allow you to see a lot in the short time you are there! Reply
these are some really good safety tips that i dont think i would have thought of on my own. thank you for bringing light to the situation over there, i didnt realize half of these things were even an “issue” and could have easily booked a trip and just thought “vacation” without ever looking into anything further. Reply
These are great tips and definitely a great question that I have wondered previously. Would love to visit Turkey one day as it looks like such a beautiful country! Reply
Thank you for your concern. We will take all the proper cautions and return safely. I have no doubt its as safe as anywhere else these days. Reply
It has to be sensible to keep your wits about you, but if you are careful and stick to public places you should be fine. Have a good couple of days exploring. Reply
It’s awesome to travel, but to be honest the thought of being somewhere else gives me anxiety. It takes a brave person to be in an entire different place. Reply
A lot of people have travel anxieties. I am working on a post about fear and how it manifest itself in and around travel. It boils down to the fact we are afraid of the unknown. Reply
I feel like you have to research and learn about anywhere you want to travel in order to be as safe as possible. Turkey looks like a beautiful country, I hope you have an amazing trip! Reply
Thank you Jessica. I think I’ve done my due diligence on Istanbul and we should really have a great time exploring both sides of the city. Reply
Will do, now you sound like my mom this morning. I’m not worried, we are always safe when we travel, taking no chances with out body or money. Thanks for your support and concern. Check back to see all our adventures on this trip which includes Istanbul, Sicily and Chicago. Reply
You’re really brave, and I’m glad you’re not letting the scary things of the world keep you from doing the things you want to do. Turkey isn’t a place I’d be brave enough to go right now, but it sounds like you are taking the right precautions to be safe. Reply
This will be great info for someone who is planning to travel there. I have no plans to travel out of the country. Reply
Hey Tara, tat’s all I do here is talk about travel and mostly travel abroad. But thanks for your support, come back again soon if you ever need a travel fix. Reply
Good to know! Honestly, Turkey isn’t a place that’s high on my list. I’m sure it’s lovely, but I’m rather picky about places I want to travel to. Reply
I think most people are picky about how they spend their hard earned money. I know I am. I tend to opt out of the canned travel experiences like Disney or Vegas— preferring more unique, historical or cultural travel experiences. I never have. I think I was an explorer in a previous life. And Istanbul in particular and Turkey in general are a fascinating study in food, religion and tradions— a not so unsililar way of life than our own melting Pot experience here in America. Except they made it work for thousands if years there. I hope they get their shit together because I’d love to explore the spice road and interior one day. And It would be a sugnal we can do it here too ine day. Reply