Travel tips, safety updates for expats and tourists in Istanbul during Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr in Türkiye is one of the year’s busiest travel periods, as both locals and international visitors use the time off to travel across the country.

With the holiday extended to 9 days and coinciding with the school break, traffic in and out of Istanbul is already building up this year. Tourists and foreign residents planning to stay in the city or travel during this time will face packed airports, congested highways, and tightened safety measures.

This guide explains what to expect during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in Istanbul, based on official announcements from Turkish authorities.

Nine-day Eid al-Fitr holiday includes leave for public employees

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the Eid al-Fitr break will run from March 30 to April 1.

Public employees were also granted administrative leave from April 2 to 4, creating a nine-day public holiday ending on Monday, April 7. Schools will also be closed for a mid-term break during the same period, intensifying national travel.

Travel restrictions apply to heavy vehicles on intercity highways

To reduce congestion and prevent road accidents, the Interior Ministry introduced a traffic ban for heavy vehicles on major roads leaving Istanbul.

The restriction applies from Friday, March 28, at 4:00 p.m. until Sunday, March 30, at 1:00 a.m. During this time, trucks, tankers, and trailers are not allowed to travel on the following intercity routes:

• From Istanbul to Ankara via the O-4 Anatolian Motorway, O-7 Northern Marmara Motorway, D-100 and D-750 highways
• From Istanbul to Izmir via the O-5 Gebze–Izmir Motorway and the D-200, D-260, and D-300 highways
• From Istanbul to Antalya via the D-650 and D-300 highways

Exceptions apply to vehicles transporting essential goods such as fresh produce, fuel, and medical supplies. These vehicles may travel under strict conditions and are expected to avoid main routes where possible.

Istanbul airports experience significant congestion ahead of the holiday

Istanbul’s two airports—IST (Istanbul Airport) and SAW (Sabiha Gokcen)—are witnessing record levels of activity. Travelers heading to other parts of Türkiye or abroad are advised to prepare for delays and long queues.

At Istanbul Airport:

• 1,544 flights are scheduled today, with more than 242,000 passengers expected
• Security and check-in lines are busy, especially in the domestic terminal
• Families with children are directed to use designated fast-track lanes

At Sabiha Gokcen Airport:

• Passenger traffic is projected to increase by 8% between March 28 and April 6
• More than 7,000 flights are scheduled during this period
• Airport management has expanded passport control areas, added 22 x-ray devices, and assigned additional personnel

Passengers are advised to arrive at least three hours before international departures and two hours before domestic flights.

Emergency services, inspections will continue across Istanbul

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul confirmed that police, medical, fire, and emergency response teams will operate 24/7 during the holiday. Authorities will focus on accident-prone areas and intensive inspections across the city and intercity terminals.

Traffic teams will monitor drivers for fatigue and seat belt compliance. Travelers leaving by bus from terminals such as Esenler will hear regular safety announcements, including reminders about seat belt usage.

The governor also emphasized Istanbul’s experience in managing large-scale events and public gatherings, assuring that safety measures will be applied equally to all licensed and permitted activities.

Türkiye increases nationwide road safety operations during Eid travel

The Transport and Infrastructure Ministry has mobilized nationwide teams to monitor and manage traffic through the Smart Transportation Systems Center (AUS). Orange-uniformed teams will remain on duty 24 hours a day across critical highway points.

Additional measures include:

• Suspension of non-essential roadworks along busy routes
• Inspection and repair of all traffic signs and safety barriers
• Real-time traffic updates through sensors, cameras, and signal systems

Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu noted that previous warnings and markings have been reviewed and updated for visibility. In areas affected by heavy rain or natural causes, such as landslides, temporary signs have been installed to guide drivers safely.

Travelers can check real-time road conditions on the official website of the General Directorate of Highways.

Interior Ministry deploys 69,000 personnel to prevent traffic accidents

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that road safety efforts are being intensified across Türkiye. In total, 69,011 personnel have been deployed for the holiday, including 47,749 police officers and 21,262 gendarmerie forces.

Additional measures include:

• Speed checks via 468 average-speed detection systems across 54 provinces
• Day and night radar surveillance by 1,872 mobile units
• Use of drones and aircraft to monitor intercity traffic patterns
• Public transport inspections at terminals, focusing on seat belt enforcement

According to Yerlikaya, Türkiye recorded an average of 510 deaths per month in traffic accidents last year. Excessive speed was one of the leading causes. The ministry’s goal for the Eid holiday is “zero loss of life.”

In a public service film released by the Ministry, Yerlikaya stated, “Roads exist to bring us closer to our loved ones—not to take them away.”

Summary of practical advice, travel tips for expats and tourists

Authorities will continue sharing daily traffic reports and enforcement updates throughout the holiday period.

• Avoid traveling on major highways between Friday afternoon and early Sunday
• Arrive early at airports and use e-passport lines where available
• Wear seat belts and follow all traffic signs, especially when traveling long distances
• Stay updated on road and airport conditions using official government sources
• Use public transport during peak travel days if you are staying in Istanbul

For tourists and expats, staying informed and prepared can make the difference between a stressful journey and a peaceful Eid.