Call 110.
Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
In major cities, call 155. English speaking officers aren't always available.
In rural areas, call Jandarma on 156. English speaking officers are rarely available.
English-speaking officers may be available in police departments at:
In Istanbul, call the dedicated Tourist Police unit on (+90) 212 527 4503.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye overall due to the threat of terrorism.
See Safety.
Do not travel to within 10km of the border with Syria.
Do not travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to serious threat of terrorism, violence and acts of war in this area.
See Safety
Reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak.
Reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak due to the unpredictable security situation.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
There's an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks in Türkiye.
Most terrorist attacks have taken place in the southeast of the country, Ankara or Istanbul.
A terrorist attack on 23 October 2024 at a Turkish Aerospace firm in Ankara resulted in several casualties.
Attacks could occur anywhere and at any time, including in places visited by foreigners. Possible targets include:
Terrorists have also previously targeted Western interests and places associated with the Turkish security forces, such as military barracks and police vehicles.
Previous methods of attack have included armed assaults, suicide bombings, car bombings, rocket attacks, arson, and improvised explosive devices left in garbage bins, crowded areas, shops, and public transport.
To protect yourself:
If there is an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to do so.
If you plan to travel to Türkiye to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead. Read our 'Travel overseas for Anzac Day' page for further information on attending the event.
The threat of terrorist attacks, violence and acts of war is high along the borders with Syria and Iraq. In the past, rockets have been fired from Syria and Iraq into Turkish territory.
The south-eastern and eastern provinces see occasional clashes, particularly between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist group and Turkish security forces.
Attacks by the PKK on government institutions, infrastructure and other sites have affected civilians.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Terrorist groups operating in Syria and Iraq kidnap and murder westerners. These groups may extend their operations into Türkiye.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.
Conflicts in the Middle East could result in an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
Demonstrations occur regularly in major cities in response to:
Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region. Large demonstrations have happened outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.
There are nearly 4 million Syrian and other refugees in Türkiye. Anti-refugee sentiment can be a source of tension and occasionally violence.
Demonstrations can happen without warning.
Extremists have targeted political protests.
Peaceful events can turn violent.
Protests in Istanbul have centred around:
Protests in Ankara often centre around the Kizilay and Tunali areas. They have targeted diplomatic missions.
Protests also happen in other districts of Istanbul and Ankara and other cities and towns, including:
May Day rallies on 1 May can become violent, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul.
Mass rallies often occur during the Persian New Year, 20 - 21 March.
Police break up crowds using the following:
Tear gas can spread to surrounding areas.
Local authorities can ban events such as public gatherings, celebrations, demonstrations and protests without much warning.
They may also impose or extend curfews without warning.
To stay safe during periods of unrest:
Be prepared to change your travel plans. Contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help if there are transport disruptions.
More information:
Common crimes include:
Crime is especially common in the tourist areas of Istanbul, including:
To stay safe, monitor local sources for information on crime and:
Women may experience physical and verbal harassment. This is more common in regional and conservative areas.
There's been an increase in violent sexual assaults against women travelling alone or in small groups. Assaults have happened in popular tourist areas, including Istanbul and coastal resorts like Antalya. The assailant is often a person the victim has just met.
There have been reports of sexual assaults on minors alone in public toilets.
If you're a woman:
If a child in your care needs to use a public toilet, go with them.
More information:
Scams commonly target travellers.
Friendly English-speaking locals may try to scam you out of thousands of dollars.
Typically, these scammers take you to a bar for food or drinks. You're then presented with an inflated bill, often thousands of dollars, and threatened with violence if you don't pay. These scams are regularly reported, particularly in Istanbul.
Scams involving inflated taxi prices or taxis taking longer routes than needed have also been reported. These are particularly common to and from airports in Istanbul.
Scams are also common among carpet traders.
To protect yourself from scams:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Foreigners, including Australians, have been drugged by English-speaking strangers who steal their belongings and passports.
Drugs can be present in:
These drugs can cause you to become disoriented and compliant. You may even become unconscious.
To reduce your risk of food or drink spiking:
Locals and travellers have reported poisoning from alcoholic drinks. Drinks may be contaminated with harmful substances, including methanol.
People have become seriously ill after drinking contaminated alcohol.
Consider the risks when drinking alcoholic beverages, particularly drinks made with spirits.
Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.
To stay safe:
Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be similar to the effects of drinking too much. This includes fatigue, headaches and nausea.
If you suspect that you, or someone you're with, has been poisoned, get urgent medical attention. It could save you from permanent disability or death.
Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.
More information:
Türkiye experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
If there is a natural disaster or severe weather event:
Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months, from June to September. Conditions can change quickly. Monitor the local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Read our advice on what to do if you're overseas and there's a bushfire near you.
These are most common in heavily forested areas with high temperatures and low rainfall.
Fires have burned close to holiday areas, including:
Earthquakes are a constant risk in Türkiye. There have been major earthquakes in recent years, including in February 2023, when 2 earthquakes occurred in Kahramanmaras province, close to Gaziantep, causing mass fatalities.
The North Anatolian fault runs 20km south of Istanbul and is one of the world's most active. Know the dangers of a major earthquake in your area and where your local shelter is located.
Large, damaging earthquakes could happen at any time. Aftershocks can continue for days or weeks.
When an earthquake happens, you should drop, cover and hold. If an earthquake is long or strong and you're near the coast or other large body of water, you should go to higher ground immediately.
If you're indoors during an earthquake:
If you're in bed:
If you're outdoors:
If you're in a car:
If you're in a lift:
After the earthquake finishes:
During a crisis, local authorities are responsible for helping people living or travelling within their jurisdictions.
More information
Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides across Türkiye, hampering overland travel and reducing the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable, and bridges may be damaged.
Severe drought conditions can affect the water supply to several cities.
Running water may not be available in many places, including hotels.
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards, including adventure activities such as diving and ballooning.
If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Türkiye. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Turkish authorities recommend that you carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
For further details you can:
More information:
Each year, many Australians travel for medical tourism.
Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. We're aware of several cases in recent years where Australians have experienced serious complications after their procedures in Türkiye.
If you're considering medical treatment in Türkiye, you should do your research, including checking whether your insurance will cover you. Before you go, read our advice on travelling overseas for medical tourism.
The HealthTürkiye portal lists the medical providers authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health. We can't provide recommendations or endorsements for any particular health providers. You should discuss your plans carefully with your Australian doctor, dentist or hospital specialist before committing to any procedure overseas.
More information:
Malaria is a risk from May to October in:
There's no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the west and southwest of the country.
Other insect-borne diseases occur, including:
CCHF is common in:
Seasonal summer outbreaks of CCHF have been fatal.
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
Human deaths from bird flu (avian influenza) have occurred in Türkiye.
Talk to your doctor about bird flu during your pre-travel health checks.
Measles cases routinely occur in Türkiye, with the country experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
More information:
Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases occur, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
More information:
The standard of medical facilities in Türkiye varies.
Private hospitals with facilities comparable to those in Australia exist in major cities, but services can be limited outside of major cities.
Private hospitals usually need confirmation of insurance or a guarantee of payment before admitting a patient. Costs can be high.
Decompression chambers are available near popular dive sites and major cities in:
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may be able to receive treatment at a private or teaching hospital in Ankara or Istanbul. However, medical evacuation could be necessary, and it can be very expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Australians who reside in Türkiye for more than 12 months may have access to Türkiye's Universal Health Insurance (UHI).
More information:
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Authorities have detained thousands of people suspected of having links to alleged terrorist groups. Detainees have limited rights.
Authorities may prevent foreigners and dual nationals from departing Türkiye.
Penalties for using or possessing drugs are severe. They include long jail sentences.
More information:
Mount Ararat, between the eastern provinces of Agri and Igdir, is designated a 'special military zone'. You must hire the services of a locally licensed guide if you intend to hike in the area. A licensed company will obtain the necessary permits and assign you to a registered Mountaineer to accompany you throughout your hike. Visiting Mount Ararat without the Turkish government's permission is an offence that could incur severe penalties.
By law, you must always carry a photo ID. Carry your passport or identity document with you at all times.
Illegal activities could result in severe penalties including:
It's also illegal to 'insult':
This includes making insulting comments on social media. Penalties can be severe.
Selling or exporting antiquities and cultural artefacts without a permit is also illegal. You'll need a receipt and an official certificate to export these goods legally.
If you're arrested or detained, you may be deported from Türkiye. This may happen after your court hearings or after completing your sentence. You may be deported even if you're not convicted.
If you're arrested, ask the local authorities to tell the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
The Turkish government recognises dual citizenship.
However, Turkish-Australian dual nationals are treated as Turkish citizens in legal matters. If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
If you are a male Turkish-Australian dual national, you could be forced to complete military service when you arrive.
Check your obligations with an embassy or consulate of Türkiye before you travel.
More information:
Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Türkiye. Some regions are more conservative than others.
Avoid offending locals by respecting religious and social traditions.
Dress modestly, particularly at mosques and religious shrines.
If in doubt, seek local advice.
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Türkiye. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day may not be culturally appropriate in some areas. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are.
Some areas are more tolerant of travellers and locals who don't fast. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted in Turkish society.
LGBTQIA+ events and gatherings may be subject to local government bans.
Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
You'll need an e-visa for tourism or business if you're staying for less than 90 days in a 180-day period.
Use the official Turkish government site to apply for an e-visa online.
Numerous fake and unauthorised websites exist. They may take your money without providing a visa or charge you for information on e-visas that you can get for free on the official website or through the Turkish Embassy in Canberra.
Apply for a medical visa through the HealthTürkiye online portal if you're travelling to Türkiye to seek medical services (see 'Health').
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document.
If you're not eligible for an e-visa, you'll need to arrange a visa through an embassy or consulate of Türkiye before you arrive. If you don't, authorities may refuse entry.
If you're a tourist and arrive by sea, visiting the surrounding areas for up to 72 hours without a visa might be possible. Check your visa requirements with your travel operator or local authorities at the port of entry, and make sure you get entry and exit stamps in your passport.
If you don't abide by your visa or permit terms, you may be fined, deported and banned from re-entering Türkiye.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
More information:
All border crossings from Syria are currently closed.
Crossing the border to or from Iraq is difficult. Military activity in the region is ongoing. The Turkish Government tightly controls entry and exit.
If you enter or leave Türkiye by land or sea borders, make sure immigration authorities process you correctly. This applies even for a short trip, such as visiting the Greek Islands.
Make sure your passport is stamped for every exit and arrival. If you don't, you could face difficulties when departing, including:
Travel with children
If you're travelling with a child aged under 18 years, you may need to provide proof that you're the legal parent or guardian. Check with the embassy or consulate of Türkiye before you travel.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you are just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it will be valid long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The local currency in Türkiye is the Lira (TRY).
Most services accept credit cards, but carry a small amount of cash just in case.
EFTPOS and ATMs are widely available.
The weather can change suddenly in the Gallipoli region.
Winter storms and heavy traffic seriously affect many coastal roads around Gallipoli, including roads in the Gallipoli Historical Site.
To stay safe:
More information:
You can drive in Türkiye for up to 6 months if you have a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).
You must get a Turkish driver's licence if you plan to drive for longer than 6 months after your arrival in Türkiye.
More information
Travelling at night on country roads can be hazardous due to poor lighting and local driving practices.
Drink-driving carries a minimum penalty of:
Get to know the local road rules and practices.
Check if your travel insurance will cover you before driving.
In the event of a car accident:
More information:
Avoid using motorcycles due to the poor standard of driving.
Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. Arrange these through your hotel.
Taxis in major cities are generally professional, metered and charge according to set rates.
Insist your taxi driver uses the meter.
In rural areas and small towns, you may need to negotiate rates.
Türkiye has an extensive inter-city bus and train network.
More information:
International and domestic flights fly out of the new Istanbul Airport instead of Ataturk Airport.
Turkish airports and commercial aircraft have been the subject of terrorist attacks (see Safety).
Enhanced security measures are in place at major airports.
Airports are often crowded, and security checks can cause delays.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Türkiye's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 112.
Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.
Call 112.
English-speaking officers may be available in police departments at:
In Istanbul, call the dedicated Tourist Police unit on (+90) 212 527 4503.
Always get a police report when reporting a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular assistance in Türkiye, contact the:
You'll need to make an appointment in advance.
88 Uğur Mumcu Caddesi
Gaziosmanpaşa Ankara
Phone: +90 312 459 9500
Website: turkey.embassy.gov.au
Email: consular.ankara@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Türkiye
X: @AusAmbTürkiye
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
Süzer Plaza (Ritz Carlton Hotel),
Askerocaĝı Caddesi No. 15, Elmadağ
Istanbul
Phone: +90 212 393 3300
Email: consular.istanbul@dfat.gov.au
Kolin Hotel
Kepez 17100
Çanakkale
Phone: (+90 286) 218 1721
Email: canakkale.consulate@dfat.gov.au
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.