New Foreign Office ‘safety and security’ update for popular destination

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its advice

The UK Government has warned the LGBTQ+ community of potential safety risks when travelling to Turkey. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice with new information for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Updating the ‘safety and security’ section in its advice for the country, it said that while same-sex sexual relationships were legal in Turkey, public displays of affection may attract ‘unwanted attention’. Since 2015, Turkish authorities have banned and dispersed Pride events, and have carried out operations against LGBTQ+ activists and organisations across the country.

FCDO advice includes thoroughly researching the area before travelling, taking out the appropriate travel insurance policy and moving away to a safe place if you do receive unwelcome attention.

The FCDO said: “Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. However, some parts of the country are socially conservative and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Same-sex relationships aren’t legally recognised. Since 2015, authorities have banned or dispersed Pride events.

“Anti-LGBT+ statements by senior public figures have increased in recent years and restrictions on LGBT+ organisations have increased. Turkish authorities have carried out operations against LGBT+ organisations and activists across Turkey.”

The Government also warned of the risk of sexual assault when travelling to Turkey. In Turkey in 2025, 29 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff, with the majority of reported cases having taken place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas.

It is thought that these crimes were often committed by someone the victim may have met during the day, with a ‘significant number’ by hotel or spa staff. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone.

The Government is therefore warning travellers to be ‘extra vigilant’.

The FCDO added: “The majority of sexual assault cases that have been reported took place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas. Often these crimes were committed by someone the victim may have met during the day, with a significant number being by hotel or spa staff.

“There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.”

The Government advises anyone who experiences sexual harassment or assault, or who feels threatened or unsafe, to report it as soon as possible to the hotel and to the Turkish police or gendarmerie.

Call 112 for the police. Contact your nearest British Consulate for Consular support.