What vaccines do I need for Turkey?

Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (for travelers with outdoor or animal exposure in rural areas).

Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Turkey. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

🇹🇷

Europe / Middle East

Turkey Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Turkey is a moderate-risk destination where the primary health concerns are foodborne illness, tick-borne diseases, and sporadic vector-borne infections. Major tourist destinations including Istanbul, the Aegean coast, and Cappadocia carry low infectious disease risk, though hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination is advised for all travelers. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is endemic in central and northern Anatolia and is transmitted by Hyalomma ticks.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

Track disease activity in Turkey before and during your trip.

Virus Watcher monitors 200+ diseases across 190+ countries in real time. Get push alerts when conditions change at your destination.

Track on iPhone Track on Android Web App

Vaccines for Turkey

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies (for travelers with outdoor or animal exposure in rural areas)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Turkey

Malaria Risk

No significant malaria risk for travelers in Turkey.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is chlorinated in major cities but bottled water is recommended for travelers. Turkish cuisine from reputable restaurants is generally safe. Exercise caution with unpasteurized dairy products in rural areas.

Key Health Tips for Turkey

Perform thorough tick checks after any outdoor activity in rural or forested central Anatolia; Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever from Hyalomma ticks is a genuine risk from spring through autumn.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin and tuck trousers into socks when hiking.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for all travelers regardless of travel style.
Heat-related illness is a real risk along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts in July and August; stay hydrated and limit midday sun exposure.

Disease Risks in Turkey

Official Resources

Real-time alerts for Turkey

Virus Watcher sends push notifications when disease conditions change at your destination.

Download for iPhone Download for Android

Get Turkey travel health alerts by email.

Weekly digest of outbreak activity at your destination. Unsubscribe anytime.