Students choosing to study and travel Turkey will find that it is generally very safe, and the people are known for being friendly and helpful towards visitors. Despite its size, Istanbul is reported to be much safer city for visitors than most cities in Europe, including London, Barcelona, Rome and Berlin. Traveling is also safe within most parts of Turkey. However, as anywhere, some common sense precautions should be taken.
As in all big cities, minor thefts and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in more crowded or touristic areas. Travelers are advised to hold their bags close, and not leave phones, laptops or other valuables unattended in public areas.
Students, both women and men, can safely move in most large cities in Turkey both day and night but should know that certain districts are not safe at night particularly for women. There is an active nightlife. However, students should go to such places in groups or couples, not alone. If using taxis late at night, it is advisable to use a taxi from one of the many Taxi Stands rather than flagging a passing taxi in the street.
Women may experience some harassment on the streets in certain districts of the city, at night and in smaller towns. Men may make comments or follow on the street. Touching is rare but can occur in some parts of the city. Turkish young women handle this issue by dressing inconspicuously or more professionally and walking purposively. Making concerted attempts to ‘blend’ and not draw attention to the fact that you are a foreign visitor also helps (including not talking loudly in English). At night, women are advised not to travel alone.
Throughout Turkey both foreign men and women will be approached by people of all ages who are curious and who may want to speak in English. Children particularly will follow with their repertoire of English questions. Such approaches can become irritating and can be handled by politely ignoring the questions and purposively moving on.
Students are advised to avoid petting cats and dogs, particularly the many strays, as there is rabies in Turkey and sometimes even house pets are not inoculated against rabies.
Do not take photographs near any military base. As anywhere, you should seek permission before photographing individuals.
Traveling within Turkey
There are many wonderful places to visit in Turkey, and travel throughout most of the country is considered safe, inexpensive, and highly recommended, especially the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea regions, as well as in Central Anatolia.
However, due to on-going tensions in the region (the crisis in Syria, Kurdish-Turkish tensions, insurgency in Iraq), students are not permitted to travel along the Turkish-Syrian border or in parts of southeastern Turkey. Violation of this policy will result in expulsion from the program.
Hitchhiking anywhere is not safe. Students should not carry large sums of money and should keep passports in a safe place in case they are robbed. Students are required to get a residence permit that should be carried at all times. You are advised not to travel alone in rural areas or at night. It is always advisable, even if traveling in groups, to inquire about the safety of the areas you want to visit.
SUI staff are available to consult with students about the safety of their proposed travel destinations both within and outside of Turkey.
All SUI students are provided with membership to both International SOS and ISIC, both of which provide excellent travel safety and security information. Students (and parents) are encouraged to make use of these services.
SUI Safety Precautions for Students
SUI Center staff continuously monitor the safety and security situation in Istanbul and Turkey and communicate regularly with students in person and electronically. Security updates and alerts are sent to students by email and text whenever there are issues of concern.
It is students’ responsibility to adhere to SU and SUI safety regulations and advisories, including the following program requirements:
- As required by Turkish law, visitors must always carry a piece of official personal identification on their person. We recommend your driver’s license or similar until you obtain your Turkish residence permit (officially recognized, small and easy to carry) as well as a photocopy of your passport. Always keep copies of your identification documents in case replacement becomes necessary.
- Students must inform SU Istanbul whenever you are outside of Istanbul overnight by completing the independent travel form. This information will be used in case of emergencies: serious transportations delays, natural disasters, relatives wanting to contact you, etc.
- Frequently check your e-mail and Turkish cell phone and be responsive to any advisories that we might make to ensure your security.
- Carry your Emergency Contact Card (provided to you during orientation) at all times.
Whilst we at SU Abroad and SU Istanbul do everything in our power to create a safe environment for students, you are ultimately responsible for yourself. Please read the following and make sure you comply with the SU Istanbul safety requirements as soon as possible. Working with the US Consulate and International SOS we will give you up to date information about a variety of security and safety issues, both now and throughout the semester, but it is up to you to use what we give you proactively.
It is Syracuse University’s policy to provide anyone, on request, with a printed copy of the University’s policies and procedures regarding home campus security and safety, as well as crime rates and statistics for the most recent three-year period. A copy of Your Safety and Security at Syracuse University [PDF, 6MB], a handbook that provides this information, is available from DPS. The University’s crime information is also posted on the U.S. Department of Education website .