Travelling Through Turkey: A Safety Advisory for Tourists

Turkey, a captivating country bridging Europe and Asia, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the breathtaking vistas of Cappadocia, Turkey offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. However, like any international destination, it’s essential for those Travelling Through Turkey to be aware of potential safety and security concerns to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. This advisory outlines key considerations for tourists in Turkey, drawing upon official guidance to provide a comprehensive overview of potential risks and preventative measures.

Understanding Terrorism Risks in Turkey

The threat of terrorism in Turkey remains a significant concern for both locals and visitors. It is important to acknowledge that terrorist groups have historically targeted not only Turkish interests but also U.S. citizens and interests within the country. Past attacks have included assaults on the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana, demonstrating a clear intent to target locations associated with the United States.

Terrorist organizations continue to actively plan potential attacks throughout Turkey. These attacks can occur with little to no prior warning, making vigilance crucial. Locations that are particularly vulnerable include popular tourist destinations, transportation hubs such as airports and bus stations, busy markets and shopping malls, government buildings, hotels, entertainment venues like clubs and restaurants, places of worship, public parks, large sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, and other public areas where crowds gather. It’s also important to note that Western tourists and expatriates have been specifically targeted in previous terrorist incidents.

Essential Safety Measures and Personal Security Tips

To mitigate risks and enhance your personal safety while travelling through Turkey, consider implementing the following precautions:

Carry Identification: Always have your passport or a valid form of identity document readily available. Turkish law requires individuals to carry identification, and you may be asked to present it to law enforcement officials.
Stay Informed: Regularly monitor local news sources throughout your stay. This practice will help you remain up-to-date on any emerging situations, potential areas of concern, or specific dates and times that may pose heightened risks.
Exercise Caution and Vigilance: Practice heightened awareness of your surroundings at all times. Exercise good judgment in your activities and movements, maintain a low profile in public, and be vigilant for any signs of suspicious activity.
Avoid Demonstrations: Public demonstrations and protests are common in Turkey and can sometimes escalate and become violent or unpredictable. It is advisable to avoid these events entirely to minimize your risk of being caught in a potentially dangerous situation.
Comply with Security Personnel: Always obey the instructions and directives given by Turkish security personnel. Cooperating with law enforcement and security forces is essential for your safety and security.

Navigating Protests and Public Gatherings

Public gatherings are a regular occurrence in Turkey, encompassing a wide range of events from peaceful protests and demonstrations to holiday celebrations, family gatherings, sporting events, and political rallies, particularly around election periods. While many gatherings are peaceful, it is important for tourists to be aware of the potential risks associated with them.

Avoidance is Key: As previously mentioned, it is best to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings altogether. Even seemingly peaceful events can unexpectedly turn violent, and it’s safer to observe from a distance or choose an alternate route.
Celebratory Gunfire: Be aware that celebratory gunfire is a tradition in some areas of Turkey, particularly during celebrations. This practice is dangerous and has unfortunately resulted in fatalities and injuries in recent years.
Police Intervention: Turkish authorities may take action to disperse public gatherings, even those that have been officially approved. This intervention can include the use of tear gas or the detention of participants. It is crucial to follow the instructions of local authorities and police in such situations.

Understanding Crime Risks in Turkey

While overall street crime rates in Turkey are relatively low compared to some other countries, it’s still important for travellers to be aware of common types of crime and take necessary precautions, similar to those you would employ in any major city or tourist destination in the United States.

Petty Theft: Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging are crimes that can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. To minimize your risk, carry only essential items when you are out and about, and keep valuables secure and out of sight.
Residential Crime: Residential crime, including burglaries, is more prevalent in major cities. Ground floor apartments are often targeted by thieves. If you are staying in a ground floor apartment, ensure windows and doors are securely locked.
Sexual Assault: Incidents of sexual assault have been reported in various settings, including Turkish baths (hamams) or spas, taxis, and when individuals are travelling alone at night. Be particularly cautious in these situations. There have also been reports of assaults involving date rape drugs, so be mindful of your drinks and avoid leaving them unattended.
Confidence Schemes: Be wary of confidence schemes, particularly in tourist areas. One common scam involves travelers being tricked into ordering food or drinks at a restaurant and then being presented with an inflated bill. To avoid this, patronize well-established restaurants and always ask to see a menu with prices before ordering anything.
Scams: Scams are prevalent in Turkey, especially internet-based scams. A common scam involves individuals who meet people online and then request large sums of money for various fabricated reasons. Never send money to someone you have only met online. Exercise caution and due diligence when making purchases, especially for high-value items like jewelry, rugs, or real estate. Refer to resources from the U.S. Department of State and the FBI for more information on common scams.

Eastern and Southeastern Turkey: Areas of Increased Risk

The U.S. government strongly advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to specific areas within eastern and southeastern Turkey and to avoid all travel to areas near the Syrian or Iraqi borders. The security situation in these regions is more volatile, and risks are significantly elevated.

U.S. government employees face travel restrictions to the provinces of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli, and Van. Additionally, Mount Ararat, located in Agri province, is designated as a special military zone, and obtaining prior permission from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate before arriving in Turkey is mandatory for access.

The following specific incidents and activities are associated with eastern and southeastern Turkey:

Terrorist Attacks: Terrorist groups, including Da’esh (ISIS) and the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), have conducted large-scale attacks in this region. These attacks have included suicide bombings, ambushes, and the detonation of car bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other homemade weapons. The PKK has frequently targeted Turkish military and police personnel in these provinces, and bystanders have unfortunately been caught in the crossfire.
Restricted Access: Turkish security forces maintain strict control over access to the southeastern provinces of Hakkari, Mardin, and Sirnak along the Iraqi border, as well as the entire Turkey-Syria border region. It is strictly forbidden to photograph or video Turkish military operations or to attempt to enter military installations anywhere in Turkey.
Cross-Border Shootings: Turkish towns situated along the border with Syria have been struck by bullets and artillery fire originating from within Syria. Tragically, some of these incidents have resulted in deaths and injuries.
Roadblocks and Travel Precautions: Whenever possible, utilize commercial air travel when travelling to southeastern Turkey. If road travel is unavoidable, restrict driving to daylight hours and stick to major highways. The Turkish Jandarma (rural police) operates checkpoints on roads in the region. If stopped at a checkpoint, cooperate fully. Be prepared to present identification and vehicle registration documents. Remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and follow all instructions given by checkpoint personnel. The use of public transportation in the southeastern region is strongly discouraged.
Demonstrations and Clashes: Violent clashes between Kurdish groups and Turkish police have occurred as a result of organized demonstrations in the southeast.
Curfews: The Turkish government has implemented temporary curfews in cities and towns throughout the southeast in response to blockades erected in certain neighborhoods by the PKK. It is essential to adhere to any locally imposed curfews.

Support for Victims of Crime

If you become a victim of crime in Turkey, it is important to report the incident to the local police immediately by dialing 155. You should also contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. Consulate for assistance. Remember that local Turkish authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate can provide various forms of assistance to U.S. citizen victims of crime, including:

Helping you find appropriate medical care.
Assisting you in reporting the crime to the Turkish police.
Contacting relatives or friends with your written consent.
Providing general information about the victim’s role in the local investigation process.
Providing a list of local attorneys.
Offering information on victim’s compensation programs available in the U.S.
In cases of destitution, providing an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support.
Assisting you in finding resources for accommodation and flights home if needed.
Replacing a stolen or lost U.S. passport.

Domestic Violence Resources

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence in Turkey can contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance and consult the Embassy webpage for specific resources and support services available.

Tourism Safety Standards

Turkey’s tourism industry is generally well-regulated, and safety standards are typically enforced. Areas or activities considered hazardous are usually marked with appropriate signage, and organized tourist activities are generally supported by trained professional staff. In the event of an injury, medical treatment is widely accessible throughout the country. However, it’s important to note that outside of major metropolitan centers, it may take longer for first responders and medical professionals to arrive and provide immediate assistance. Purchasing medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended for travellers to Turkey.

By staying informed, exercising caution, and being aware of potential risks, you can significantly enhance your safety and enjoy a rewarding experience while travelling through Turkey. It is always advisable to consult the most up-to-date travel advisories from your home country’s government before and during your trip for the latest information and recommendations.