How to travel safely and securely in Turkey
Turkey is a popular destination for Nordic travellers. We have gathered some good advice for travellers' safety in Turkey.
Updated May 2022
Follow the travel advice of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Turkey
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.um.dk
Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.formin.finland.fi
Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.mfa.is
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.regeringen.no
Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – www.regeringen.se
We also recommend that you sign up on the travel data base of your local Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to be informed and warned by the authorities if necessary.
Other links for travellers in Turkey
Prior to travelling, remember to investigate whether your local and European corona pass is recognised as evidence of test results, vaccinations, and immunity.
You can find more information by contacting your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Hospital services in Turkey
The standard of the Turkish health service is acceptable in most areas and in larger cities it is of a high standard. However, one should be aware that Scandinavian standards should not be expected outside the larger cities.
Linguistic challenges may arise just like at many other foreign destination.
In Turkey, a lacking knowledge of English is most prevalent amongst hospital nursing staff whereas the knowledge of English is really quite good in most outpatient clinics.
Are you looking for medical help in Turkey? We recommend you contact SOS International before you seek doctor or go to the hospital in Turkey
With our large network, we can provide you with a doctor or a hospital nearby and thus secure quality and price.
Call SOS International at +45 7010 5050
There are currently no required vaccinations when travelling to Turkey.
You are advised to consult your doctor and/or vaccination centre well in advance of your travel for advice on vaccination, prophylaxis, precautions and diseases.
Country specific and individualised vaccination advice can be found at:
Denmark: www.vaccination.dk
Finland: www.thl.fi
Iceland: www.landlaeknir.is
Norway: www.fhi.no
Sweden: www.vaccinationsguiden.se
The ambulance service is of high quality in large urban areas, and the ambulances are well equipped and reliable. In rural areas, they are less accessible and much longer waiting times are to be expected.
In the event of a serious or life-threatening illness, a medical evacuation may be required. Hospitals in rural areas may be unable to treat major medical complications. In these cases, evacuation to a hospital in a big town or returning to the country of origin is recommended.
Our alarm centre and doctors will help you if evacuation is needed.
There are well-equipped private clinics of a high standard in most big towns and tourist areas. Doctors can also typically speak English or German. However, this is not always the case with care staff.
Therefore, we advise travellers to seek medical attention in metropolitan areas or popular travel destinations.
Contact SOS International before seeking medical attention, and we will help you find a doctor or clinic nearby.
Prescription medicines are widely available and over-the-counter medicines can be bought in pharmacies (‘eczane’), as well as in supermarkets and kiosks.
Although travellers are unlikely to experience problems with their own prescription medicines on entry, it is advisable to keep all prescription medicines in their original container with the patient’s name on it.
We also recommend that you bring medication for diarrhoea and to prevent dehydration.
Are you looking for a doctor in Turkey?
Call SOS International at +45 7010 5050.
Avoid Traveller's diarrhoea in Turkey
"Traveller's diarrhoea"or in medical language “Gastroenteritis,” is one of the most frequent diagnoses at SOS International, along with other infections. And we often receive cases from Turkey.
There are many patients who are hospitalised with the illness and many more that are not hospitalised.
- Wash hands before all meals
- Only eat street food that is cooked in front of you and that is piping hot
- Consider whether you think that the hygiene looks acceptable at restaurants and cafes
- Respond quickly to vomiting and diarrhoea and contact our alarm centre, so you can get in touch with a doctor in our network and be treated as soon as possible
The general security situation in Turkey
- There is an increased risk of terrorism and civil unrest including violent demonstrations in Turkey.
- Crime is a problem, especially in large cities such as Ankara and Istanbul.
- Outside the big cities, road conditions can be bad which may result in traffic accidents.
- There is a risk of terrorism all across the country.
- Crowded areas – such as public transport, tourist attractions, night clubs, restaurants and market places - are more prone to terrorist attacks.
- Avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations.
- Keep an eye on your belongings at all times and be aware of distraction burglary.
- Always keep an eye on your drink to prevent people from pouring sedatives into it.
- Carry a copy of your passport and ID at all times in order to be able to identify yourself to the authorities.
- Always wear seat belts while driving and if you feel unsafe, do not hesitate to let the driver know. Be aware of bad road conditions outside major cities and urban areas.
- If you are victim of a criminal offense, report this to the local Turkish police as soon as possible.
Local emergency numbers in Turkey:
SOS – all services: 112
Ambulance etc.: 112
Fire Service: 110
Police: 155
Our 24/7 alarm centre is ready to provide help at +45 7010 5050.
Contact us
Are you travelling and in need of acute assistance?
Contact SOS International's alarm centre on +45 7010 5050.