The German Federal Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid Turkey’s Kurdish-majority southeastern provinces bordering Syria and Iraq due to significant security risks. The warning specifically discourages travel to Şanlıurfa (Riha), Mardin (Mêrdîn), Şırnak (Şirnex), and Hakkari (Colemerg), regions historically affected by conflict and military operations.
German authorities highlighted the volatile security situation, warning of potential armed clashes, cross-border incursions, and military operations that could escalate without notice. The advisory urges German nationals to exercise extreme caution and reconsider any non-essential travel to the affected regions.
Beyond security concerns, the advisory draws attention to the increasing criminalisation of political dissent in Turkey. German citizens are warned against participating in demonstrations or engaging in online discourse that could be perceived as oppositional by Turkish authorities. The advisory notes that actions protected under German and international law—including social media activity such as commenting, sharing, or even ‘liking’ posts—have led to legal repercussions in Turkey, including arbitrary detention and travel restrictions.
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The statement also highlights a growing trend of German nationals facing entry bans, legal action, or arbitrary detention upon arrival in Turkey. Individuals with past affiliations to Kurdish advocacy groups or other political movements, as well as those involved in activism in Germany, are particularly at risk. Reports suggest that Turkish authorities have compiled surveillance lists targeting individuals for potential prosecution, regardless of the legality of their activities outside Turkey.
This warning comes amid increasing political turmoil in Turkey. The recent detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and over a hundred others has exacerbated domestic unrest, with critics accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government of intensifying its crackdown on opposition figures. The advisory warns that “the political climate in Turkey remains highly unstable, with increasing efforts to suppress dissent and criminalise opposition figures.”
The advisory also underscores Erdoğan’s growing hostility toward the Kurdish movement, viewing the Kurds and opposition parties as a united front against his rule. The Foreign Office states that “the Turkish government has systematically expanded its crackdown on Kurdish political actors and their allies, with legal actions often based on tenuous or politically motivated charges.”
In addition to concerns about the Kurdish-majority southeast, the advisory also warns about increased restrictions in Istanbul.
A four-day ban on demonstrations around Taksim Square, alongside roadblocks and metro station closures, has disrupted public transport and urban mobility. The advisory notes that the duration and extent of these restrictions remain uncertain, advising travellers to remain flexible and well-informed.
Financial risks are also a concern, with reports of counterfeit foreign banknotes circulating in Istanbul. Authorities have detected forged US dollar bills in ATMs and currency exchange offices, prompting a warning for travellers to verify their banknotes carefully and use official exchange services.
Given these developments, the German Foreign Ministry strongly advises its citizens to remain vigilant, avoid politically sensitive areas, and stay informed through reliable media sources and official governmental updates. Travellers are also encouraged to register with German consular services while in Turkey to ensure access to assistance in the event of an emergency. “The erosion of democratic norms in Turkey and the criminalisation of political opposition present increasing risks for foreign nationals,” the ministry concluded.
