Turkey Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Turkey
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated June 9, 2026
Turkey recorded 3.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Turkey #91 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 16% over the past decade (from 2.8 in 2015). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Turkey at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
3.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#105 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2003-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 16% over the past decade (from 2.8 in 2015). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Turkey Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Turkey, the homicide rate for men is 2.8× higher than the rate for women — 4.8 vs 1.7 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Turkey has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
34(2024)
Military Spending
1.9% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Turkey:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. An area of increased risk was removed. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Trkiye due to terrorism , armed conflict , and arbitrary detentions . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to the border region with Syria and Iraq due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Turkey
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 27, 2025).
Terrorism
The potential for terrorist attacks in Turkey, including against U.S. citizens and interests, remains high. Terrorists have previously attacked U.S. interests in Turkey, including the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Terrorists have also previously targeted Western tourists and expatriates. Under laws passed in 2018, Turkish security forces have an expanded legal ability to stop and search individuals and to detain individuals without charge.
Protests and gatherings
Public gatherings are common in Turkey and can include protests or demonstrations, holiday celebrations, family events, sporting events, and political events in the lead up to elections and following the announcement of election results. U.S. citizens should Avoid demonstrations and gatherings, as they may become violent and unpredictable. Be aware celebratory gunfire is common in some areas and has resulted in deaths in recent years. Follow local authorities instructions, police may take action to disperse the group, including possibly using teargas or detaining participants, even when the government has approved gatherings.
Crime
Overall street crime in Turkey is low; however, you should use the same precautions you would take in the United States. The following types of crime have been reported in Turkey: Pick-pocketing , purse snatching , and mugging. Carry only necessary items when in tourist areas. Residential crime occurs more often in major cities, with criminals targeting ground floor apartments for theft. Sexual assault has occurred in Turkish baths ( hamams ) or spas, in taxis, and when traveling alone at night. Assaults involving date rape drugs have also been reported. Confidence schemes occur where travelers are tricked into ordering food or drinks at a restaurant, and then are charged incredibly high prices. Patronize well-established restaurants and ask to see a menu with prices before ordering anything. Scams are common in Turkey, particularly internet scams involving people who met online.
U.S. Government employees are subject to travel restrictions
to the provinces of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van. Mount Ararat , in Agri province, is a special military zone, and access permission must be obtained before coming to Turkey from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate. The following incidents and activities have taken place in eastern and southeastern Turkey : Terrorist attacks: Terrorist groups, including Da’esh, also referred to as The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or The Islamic State of Iraq and ash Sham (ISIS), and the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party), have conducted large-scale attacks in the area, including suicide bombings, ambushes, and the detonation of car bombs, improvised explosive devices, and other homemade weapons.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police by dialing 155 and contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We urge U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U.S. Embassy or closest consulate. We can: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. provide a list of local attorneys provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance and visit the Embassy webpage for resources.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Turkey Population & Demographics
Population of 85,518,661, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Turkey at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 3.2 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Turkey?
Turkey has an intentional homicide rate of 3.2 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #91 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Turkey?
Turkey is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Turkey compare to other countries?
Turkey's homicide rate of 3.2 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.