Turkey LGBT Travel Advice After Major Crackdown Sees Dozens Detained

Published: 14 September 2026

LGBT travellers heading to Turkey may want to familiarise themselves with the latest UK Government advice after Turkish authorities carried out a major series of raids targeting LGBT organisations, activists and businesses on 13 September 2026.

At least 47 people were detained following operations across the country. According to Reuters, the wider investigation spans 15 provinces and involves 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses, making it a significant development for Turkey’s LGBT community.

What has happened in Turkey?

Turkish authorities carried out coordinated operations across several provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Offices connected to LGBT and HIV organisations were searched, while some websites and social media accounts linked to LGBT groups were also blocked.

The crackdown may particularly concern travellers with strong ties to Turkey’s LGBT scene, including those who regularly visit LGBT venues or community spaces. However, the action is primarily a domestic development involving organisations and individuals within Turkey rather than the introduction of new restrictions specifically targeting foreign LGBT tourists.

What does the UK Government say?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently states that same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. It also warns that many parts of the country are socially conservative and that showing affection in public could attract unwelcome attention.

There has been no new UK Government warning telling LGBT people generally not to travel to Turkey following the raids. British travellers should therefore avoid interpreting the latest developments as meaning LGBT people are prohibited from visiting destinations such as Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum or Marmaris.

The FCDO separately advises against all travel to some parts of Turkey for wider security reasons, including areas close to the border with Syria. Those regional warnings apply to travellers generally and are not specifically related to sexual orientation.

What LGBT travellers should consider

The latest events make it sensible for LGBT travellers to understand the difference between the legal position and social attitudes within Turkey. The UK Government advises LGBT travellers to research both local laws and attitudes before travelling because experiences can differ significantly between countries and regions.

People planning to visit LGBT bars, clubs or community venues may also want to check current information shortly before travelling. Individual venues or organisations could alter events or opening arrangements at short notice, particularly while the situation affecting LGBT organisations continues to develop.

The FCDO also advises LGBT travellers to be cautious when using dating apps overseas. Its guidance warns that criminals can use apps to target LGBT people in some destinations, so meeting in public places and taking care with personal information are sensible precautions.

Travelling with medication

Anyone travelling with medication should check the rules before departure. UK Government LGBT travel guidance specifically advises travellers carrying medicines including HIV medication, PrEP or hormone treatments to check whether they can legally take them into their destination or any countries they travel through.

Travellers should carry enough medication for their trip and check what supporting documentation may be required. Keeping medication in its original packaging and travelling with a copy of a prescription can also help when crossing borders.

Should LGBT travellers cancel holidays to Turkey?

There is currently no UK Government advice telling LGBT people generally to cancel holidays to Turkey because of the 13 September crackdown. Same-sex sexual activity remains legal and the FCDO continues to provide destination-specific guidance rather than an LGBT-specific warning against travelling to the country.

The developments are nevertheless serious, particularly for LGBT people living in Turkey and organisations supporting them. Travellers who are uncomfortable with the changing environment may understandably take that into account when deciding where to visit, while those travelling should keep themselves informed and follow current official guidance.

Where to check the latest official advice

British travellers should check the official UK Government Turkey travel advice before departure and again if circumstances change while they are away. It contains the latest information on regional warnings, safety and security, entry requirements and local laws.

UK Government Turkey travel advice:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey

The UK Government also publishes dedicated guidance for LGBT travellers. This covers local laws and attitudes, relationships, dating apps, medication and getting help while overseas.

UK Government LGBT travel advice:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice

The situation in Turkey is worth following, particularly if further measures begin affecting LGBT venues, events or tourists. For now, the most useful approach is to understand what has happened, follow verified UK Government advice and make travel decisions based on current information rather than assuming the crackdown amounts to a ban on LGBT tourism.