Turkey presents moderate risk in its major cities, but the southeast, Syrian border zone and journalist/media environment are significantly more challenging. Specialist cover is advisable for field and reporting assignments.
We provide specialist insurance for journalists, NGOs, border zone field teams and contractors operating in Turkey.
Turkey is moderate risk in major cities, but significantly higher in the southeast, border zone and for journalists. Specialist cover is advisable for field assignments.
Standard insurance may be inadequate for border zone work, southeast field operations or journalism assignments covering sensitive subjects.
Can you get insurance for Turkey?
We provide specialist insurance for journalists, NGOs, contractors and field teams operating in Turkey, including southeast assignments and Syrian border zone operations.
Country risk context
The situation
Turkey (officially Türkiye) is a NATO member state with a functioning government, strong military and good medical infrastructure. For most international travellers and business visitors, it presents risks typical of a large, complex emerging-market country. However, for journalists, security researchers, Kurdish rights workers and personnel operating near the Syrian border, the risk profile is substantially more acute.
The PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) insurgency has persisted in southeastern Turkey for decades, with periodic escalations involving Turkish security force operations, IED attacks and military confrontations in Hakkari, Şırnak, Mardin and surrounding provinces. Turkey also conducts regular military operations into northern Syria and northern Iraq targeting PKK and YPG positions — operations that generate cross-border spillover risks and have resulted in incidents on Turkish soil. IS has previously conducted major terrorist attacks in Istanbul (Sultanahmet 2016, Ataturk Airport 2016) and Ankara.
Press freedom restrictions in Turkey are severe. Turkey has been among the world's largest jailers of journalists. Foreign journalists covering Kurdish issues, the PKK, government corruption or military affairs face detention risk. The government's Terrorism Law (TMK) has been used to prosecute journalists for reporting deemed supportive of terrorist organisations. This creates a distinctive risk environment for media workers that goes beyond physical safety.
What to watch
Why it can be challenging
PKK insurgency in southeastern provinces
The PKK conflict in Turkey's southeastern provinces is a persistent low-to-medium intensity insurgency with periodic escalations. IED attacks, ambushes and military confrontations occur in Hakkari, Şırnak and surrounding areas. Non-combatants — particularly journalists and researchers — operating in these areas face real risk from both PKK violence and Turkish security force operations.
Terrorism risk in major cities
Istanbul and Ankara have experienced major IS-linked terrorist attacks. Turkey's IS threat level has reduced but not been eliminated. Complex attacks targeting crowded public spaces, tourist areas and transport hubs remain a planning risk for non-combatants in Turkey's major cities.
Journalist detention and media restriction risk
Turkey consistently ranks among the most restrictive environments for journalists globally. Reporting on Kurdish affairs, military operations, the Gülen movement or government corruption carries risk of detention under broad terrorism laws. Foreign journalists are not exempt — several have been detained and expelled.
Syrian border zone risk
The Turkey-Syria border zone — particularly the areas near Hatay, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa and Mardin — presents elevated security risks from cross-border conflict spillover, refugee displacement and IS activity. Turkish military operations in northern Syria generate a dynamic security environment along the border.
Emergency support
NGS provides round-the-clock emergency support. Turkey has good medical infrastructure in Istanbul and Ankara. For southeast field operations, NGS coordinates evacuation to major centres or beyond.
24/7 response
Round-the-clock support every day of the year
Medical coordination
Coordinating care across Turkey including southeast field evacuations
Evacuation support
Exit via Istanbul, Ankara or Adana airports as appropriate
Case management
Handling the incident through to a safer outcome
Exclusions
This policy is designed to protect people, not possessions.
Cover not included
Activity exclusions
Property exclusions
Threat intelligence
For a deeper understanding of the current situation, including operational risks and regional dynamics, see our threat intelligence hub.
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