Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Turkey is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. Located in the Middle East along the Mediterranean and Black Seas (north of Syria and south of Bulgaria), the climate is extremely diverse with classifications that range from humid temperate (no dry season) to dry (semi arid), with cooler temperatures in some high-altitude areas.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
(2018) Local malaria transmission has been interrupted; no locally-acquired cases have been reported since 2010. There is no Malaria risk in the country.- Recommended prevention in risk areas: none
WHO Country List footnote: When available, the date of the most recent update or confirmation is indicated in parentheses in the country list. If no date is indicated, the most recent update or confirmation was provided before 2013.
CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, with minimal risk in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Chikungunya, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include air pollution, anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hantavirus, leptospirosis, marine hazards, plague, snakebites.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to terrorism and ongoing security concerns, US (DOS) advises avoiding travel to within 6 mi (10 km) of the border with Syria and to Sirnak and Hakkari provinces. UK (FCO), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) have more limited warnings.
Terrorism Risk
High risk of attack by domestic and transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in southeast areas, Istanbul, and Ankara. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
High risk of kidnapping by terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in southeastern areas including areas bordering Syria and Iraq. Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners), journalists, and aid workers.
Crime
Moderate risk of violent crime (armed robbery, home robbery, sexual assault, and assault) and moderate risk of petty crime exist throughout the country, especially in areas frequented by tourists in Istanbul (particularly in Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and Sultanahmet Square) and in coastal resort areas such as Antalya.
Scams involving requests to export parcels that contain hidden narcotics, substitution of inferior goods (such as carpets) after purchase, and exorbitant fees for services at bars have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
A dangerous security environment exists and armed conflict may occur in areas bordering Syria and in eastern and southeastern provinces. Restricted areas may exist in the area of Mount Ararat, Agri Province.
Water Safety
Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.
Outdoor Safety
Basic safety standards for adventure activities (including hot air ballooning, paragliding, and recreational off-roading) may not be in place. Travelers should only use reputable adventure-sport operators for activities and equipment rentals.
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Airline Safety
The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that the civil aviation authority of this country oversees its air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards.
Natural Disasters
Forest fires occur during the dry season from June through September.
Seismic activity frequently occurs, especially in northern areas.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Turkey
- United States: [+90] 312-455-5555; tr.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+90] 312-409-2700; www.turkey.gc.ca
- United Kingdom: [+90] 312-455-3344; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-ankara
- Australia: [+90] 312-459-9500; www.turkey.embassy.gov.au
Turkey's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: washington.emb.mfa.gov.tr
- In Canada: ottava.be.mfa.gov.tr
- In the U.K.: london.emb.mfa.gov.tr
- In Australia: kanberra.be.mfa.gov.tr
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.
