Operating in Turkey? Speak with a security consultant.
Turkey sits at the intersection of European and Asian markets and is a significant destination for international trade, manufacturing investment, and corporate travel. Istanbul is Turkey’s commercial capital and a major regional hub for finance, logistics, and tourism.
FCDO advises against essential travel to specific border areas with Syria and Iraq but maintains standard travel advice for Istanbul, with specific warnings for terrorism.
The terrorism picture
Turkey has experienced multiple significant terrorist attacks in recent years. The November 2022 Istiklal Avenue bombing (6 dead, 81 injured) demonstrated that the threat is current. Attacks in 2024 (courthouse, church, aerospace facility) showed the range of group types maintaining capability in Istanbul.
This is not a single-group threat. PKK-affiliated groups, IS-linked cells, and left-wing extremist organisations have all been responsible for attacks. Counter-terrorism resources in Turkey are substantial, but a multi-group threat environment means no target type is definitively low-risk.
The legal and regulatory context
Turkey has expanded its security legislation significantly since 2016. The legal environment creates genuine constraints for foreign nationals, particularly journalists, human rights workers, and individuals with public profiles involving commentary on Turkish or regional affairs.
Business visitors with standard commercial itineraries are at lower legal risk, but awareness of the framework is part of any professional visit briefing.
The earthquake factor
Istanbul’s seismic risk is not a hypothetical. The North Anatolian Fault passes south of the city. The 2025 Sea of Marmara earthquake was a reminder. Emergency protocols for a corporate visit should include seismic response procedures alongside the standard security elements.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Turkey. For a detailed local assessment, see our Istanbul city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Istanbul
Medium riskTurkey's commercial capital. Multi-group terrorism threat, earthquake risk, and civil liberties legal constraints. Growing executive protection market.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
Under Article 3 of Law No. 5188, protection of a person by armed staff needs the permission of the provincial governor, given on a decision of the provincial private security commission. Under Article 8, the commission decides how many firearms, and of what type, may be held for each protection or security service, and under Article 9 officers may not take their weapons outside their duty area. Ask any provider in Turkey to show the governor's permission before an armed assignment.
Licensing
Private security in Turkey is governed by Law No. 5188 on Private Security Services, published on 26 June 2004 and amended since. A company may work in private security only with the permission of the Ministry of Interior. Each private security officer must meet the conditions in Article 10 of the Law, which include Turkish citizenship. The provincial governor's office runs a security check on each officer, issues a work permit after basic training, and issues the identity card the officer must wear on duty.
Foreign Operators
Under Article 5 of Law No. 5188, a foreign person may found a private security company, and a foreign company may provide private security services in Turkey, only on the basis of reciprocity. Private security officers must be Turkish citizens, so a foreign protection officer cannot work as one. Take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Law No. 5188 on Private Security Services, text (Lexpera legal database); Law No. 5188 on Private Security Services, text (Konya Technical University copy).