Turkey remains safe for tourists amid regional conflicts

Turkey, a country popular with British travelers, has found itself in the spotlight due to increasing tensions in the Middle East, particularly relating to ongoing conflicts between Israel and Iran. As of June 2025, the British Foreign Office has considered the main tourist areas, such as Antalya, Bodrum, and Cappadocia, safe for visitors. However, specific travel advisories have been issued, particularly concerning the area within 10 kilometers of Turkey's border with Syria, where there is a heightened risk of terrorism and ongoing military activity. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are urged to be vigilant. In light of the conflict, the Foreign Office advises against all travel close to the Syrian border due to fighting and the likelihood of terrorist activities. This advisory reflects concerns that the broader regional conflict could escalate quickly, potentially affecting Turkey. Tourists are also cautioned to avoid demonstrations related to these conflicts in major cities, especially near Israeli diplomatic missions. Distracted by the ongoing geopolitical situation, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about potential road closures and risks if planning to travel to regions near the conflict zones. Despite these concerns, flights to Turkey's main airports continue to operate normally. As of mid-June 2025, both Istanbul Airport and Antalya Airport have regular connections, although there have been noted cancellations for flights to other cities affected by the conflict. Airlines from Jordan have maintained flights between Amman and Istanbul despite the tensions. The Foreign Office has not issued new travel warnings, thus travelers are advised to check with their holiday providers regarding cancellation policies, as normal terms and conditions apply. Meanwhile, Cyprus, which is also closely located to the areas of conflict, is experiencing an influx of travelers concerned about safety amidst regional hostilities. Despite the Foreign Office issuing similar warnings for Cyprus, other countries like the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the US have not raised alarms regarding travel to these regions. The situation continues to evolve, and both regions advise travelers to stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings while traveling.