The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its Turkey travel advice on June 3, moving Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir to Level 3. The advisory cites frequent large-scale protests and potential for sudden unrest. British nationals are told to avoid city centers during demonstrations and register with the embassy.
Level 3 status recommends against all but essential travel to affected districts. Insurance providers may review coverage for trips booked after the update. Turkish authorities have deployed additional police around Taksim Square and the Grand Bazaar.
Background indicates protests began in late May over economic policies and have continued weekly. Previous Level 2 advisory had been in place since 2024. Tourism from the UK reached 1.1 million visitors in 2025 despite earlier warnings.
Hotel occupancy in coastal resorts remains unaffected as demonstrations are concentrated in major cities. Airlines have not yet altered flight schedules.
What this means for you
Reconsider city-break itineraries to Istanbul and opt for Antalya or Bodrum beach resorts instead. Check your travel insurance policy wording regarding Level 3 destinations before departure. Download the Turkish government travel app for real-time protest alerts.
Keep copies of passport and hotel bookings offline. Avoid wearing political symbols or discussing sensitive topics in public. Monitor FCDO updates daily in the week before travel.
Many operators are offering free date changes to southern resorts for affected bookings made before June 10.