Summary: Due to a sharp rise in prices and widespread economic strain in Türkiye, wealthy foreign tourists traveling conspicuously now face elevated personal safety risks; nonessential travel is discouraged until prices and public conditions stabilize.

HQtest Travel Safety News

Istanbul, Türkiye — 26 December 2025

Quick guide — key considerations before deciding to travel

• Assess necessity: Is the trip essential or discretionary?

• Visibility risk: Luxury travel increases exposure in communities under economic stress.

• Contingency planning: Prepare for service disruptions, higher costs, and limited local support.

Situation overview

Türkiye is experiencing significant inflationary pressure and economic strain that is affecting daily life and the cost of basic goods and services. The tourism sector, while still attracting visitors, is confronting rising operating costs and a changing local market that is squeezing both residents and service providers. Industry observers warn that higher prices are already altering the visitor experience and placing stress on local communities and businesses.

Why this raises safety concerns for wealthy foreign travelers

• Visible wealth can attract attention. In periods of acute economic hardship, conspicuous consumption—luxury hotels, high‑end shopping, and expensive transport—can make foreign visitors targets for opportunistic crime or social unrest.

• Service and infrastructure strain. Rising costs and stretched local services can reduce the availability of reliable security, medical care, and emergency response for visitors, increasing vulnerability if incidents occur.

• Shifting social tensions. Economic pressure can heighten public frustration and unpredictability in certain areas, which may translate into protests, localized disturbances, or increased petty crime.

Risk snapshot for travelers

Travelers to Türkiye should be aware of several pressing risks. Incidents of theft and scams have become more frequent in tourist areas, meaning that visitors who display wealth openly may draw unwanted attention. To reduce exposure, it is advisable to travel discreetly and avoid flashy displays of valuables.

In addition, service disruptions are increasingly common, with medical facilities, transportation networks, and hospitality services sometimes unable to meet demand. Travelers should prepare by carrying contingency cash, confirming bookings in advance, and ensuring they have comprehensive insurance coverage to handle unexpected situations.

Finally, social unrest remains a possibility, as localized protests and demonstrations can occur without warning. Visitors are urged to steer clear of large gatherings and to follow local advisories closely in order to stay safe and minimize risk.

Practical recommendations

• Avoid nonessential travel to Türkiye until inflation and local economic conditions show clear signs of stabilization.

• If travel is unavoidable, reduce visibility: choose modest accommodations, avoid ostentatious purchases in public, and travel with trusted, vetted local operators.

• Prepare for higher costs and limited services: carry emergency funds, ensure comprehensive travel insurance, and have a clear evacuation plan.

• Register with your embassy or consulate and keep emergency contact numbers accessible.

• Monitor local news and official advisories and be ready to change plans quickly if conditions deteriorate.

Outlook

Until inflationary pressures ease and the tourism ecosystem adapts without imposing further hardship on residents, Türkiye remains a higher‑risk environment for conspicuous luxury travel. Travelers should weigh the ethical and safety implications of visiting now and consider postponing discretionary trips until economic conditions and public services recover.