Turkey

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey because of the high threat of terrorist attack. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

On 1 February 2013 an explosion outside the US Embassy in Ankara killed two people. The Turkish Government has warned that the group claiming responsibility for bombing the US Embassy is planning further attacks.

In recent years, international and domestic terrorist groups have carried out attacks in Turkey. Terrorist attacks have occurred in tourist areas and locations frequented by foreigners. Foreigners have been killed and injured.

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere at any time in Turkey. Significant dates and anniversaries are symbolic and terrorists have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks. You should exercise particular care in the period surrounding significant dates and anniversaries including: 15 February (anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan's capture), 21 March (Nevruz, Persian New Year celebrations), 4 April (Abdullah Öcalan's birthday), 1 May (May Day), 15 August (anniversary of Kurdistan Workers' Party's first attack). Possible locations include major cities, such as Ankara and Istanbul, regional centres and tourist destinations, including those in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. In the past few years, attacks have occurred in Istanbul, Izmir, Marmaris, Antalya, Mersin, Kuşadası, Çeşme, Muğla, Manavgat and Adana.

On 19 March 2012, a domestic terrorist group issued a statement threatening to conduct attacks in Turkey, including in tourist areas. Similar statements have been made in the past.

Turkish authorities regularly arrest individuals suspected of planning terrorist activities. This demonstrates an on-going threat of attack in Turkey.

In the past, terrorist attacks have occurred in tourist areas and locations frequented by foreigners. Foreigners have been killed and injured.

Recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul and Ankara include:

• On 20 March 2013, a bomb exploded outside a government office in the suburb of Maltepe, Istanbul, causing no injuries.
• On 19 March 2013, attacks were launched against the Justice Ministry and the headquarters of a political party in Ankara causing no injuries.
• On 1 February 2013, a suicide bomber detonated a device outside the US Embassy in Ankara killing himself and a security guard and injuring several others.
• On 11 September 2012, a bomb attack targeting a police station in a suburb of Istanbul killed one person and injured several others.
• On 20 August 2012, a bomb exploded outside a police station in the city of Gaziantep, south-east Turkey, killing nine people and injuring 69.
• On 2 April 2012, an explosive device detonated at the Gaziosmanpaşa District Governor’s office in Istanbul, injuring two people.
• On 5 March 2012, one person was injured in an explosion in a government building carpark in central Ankara.
• On 1 March 2012, fifteen police officers were injured in an explosion in Istanbul. On the same day, an explosion in a supermarket in Istanbul injured three people.
• On 11 November 2011, an attempted ferry hijacking off the coast of Istanbul was resolved by the security forces. The alleged hijacker was the only person killed.
• On 20 September 2011, a car bomb in central Ankara killed three people and injured 34 others.
• In May 2011, a bomb mounted on a bicycle exploded near a bus stop in Etiler, a residential and shopping district in Istanbul. Eight people, including a police officer, were wounded.
• In October 2010, thirty-two people, including a number of civilians, were injured when a suicide bomber attacked a police post in Taksim Square in Istanbul. The attack took place near a number of locations popular with foreign tourists.

A domestic terrorist group issued a statement in 2012 threatening to conduct attacks in Turkey, including in tourist areas. Similar statements have been made in the past.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas frequented by foreigners such as public transport facilities, including buses, mini-buses, trains and railway lines, hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, internet cafes, shopping malls and markets, places of worship and other sites associated with religion, embassies, banks, public gatherings, outdoor recreation events, resorts, tourist areas and their surrounds, including beaches, national parks and forests, and ports, including those used by international cruise liners.

Attacks have been conducted against western government, economic, commercial and political interests, including diplomatic premises such as embassies and consulates. Symbols, buildings and sites associated with Turkish security forces, such as military barracks and police vehicles, government, judiciary and political parties, businesses, places of worship, banks, financial institutions and automatic teller machines have been more recent targets.

Kidnapping has occurred in Turkey. The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping threat travel bulletin.

Borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to provinces in the south-east of Turkey, including those bordering Syria, Iraq and Iran, due to the high threat of terrorist attack and the unpredictable security situation. If you do decide to travel to these areas, you should exercise extreme caution.

On 11 May 2013, car bombings in the town of Reyhanli in Hatay province, close to Turkey’s border with Syria, killed at least 40 people and injured around 100 others. This incident underscores the ongoing high threat of terrorist attack in provinces along Turkey’s border with Syria.

Clashes between terrorist groups and Turkish security forces occur frequently in the south-east. Recently, clashes involving the Turkish security forces and militants have also occurred elsewhere in Turkey.

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General advice to Australian travellers.

Since late May 2013, demonstrations have been taking place in Istanbul (Taksim Square, Taksim Gezi Park, Istiklal Caddesi and Besiktas area), Ankara and other locations including Izmir, Antalya and Adana. Police are using tear gas and water cannons in response. We advise Australians to avoid all demonstrations.

The protests have generally been forming in the afternoon and intensifying throughout the evening. Even though the areas may appear to be business as usual during the day the situation can quickly deteriorate resulting in violent clashes. There have been recorded incidents where protesters and people passing by have sustained minor and major injuries. Authorities have also been detaining protesters and other persons in the vicinity.

Demonstrations occur regularly in major cities in Turkey. You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations throughout Turkey as they may become violent. International events and political developments may prompt demonstrations. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and follow the advice of local authorities.

In the past, violence has occurred during May Day rallies on 1 May in Istanbul's Taksim Square. The Persian New Year (20-21 March), celebrated by Turkey's Kurdish communities as "Nevruz", has also been accompanied by unrest.

The Turkish military has conducted operations, including air strikes, in south-eastern Turkey and northern Iraq since November 2007. Terrorist groups have retaliated with violence and attacks resulting in multiple deaths are common.

Following the killing of 24 Turkish soldiers in late October 2011, the Turkish military increased its military operations in south-eastern Turkey and along the border with Iraq.

Military strikes may also trigger violent demonstrations, particularly in south-eastern Turkey. In the past, such demonstrations have resulted in deaths, injuries and widespread property destruction. Roadside explosions are relatively frequent.

Turkish nationals have been injured and killed in Akçakale, Sanliurfa, and other areas near the Syrian border - Turkey is carrying out cross-border attacks against Syria and these can occur at any time and without warning.

Identification is required at checkpoints in this region and restrictions on travel in areas bordering Iraq are enforced. The security situation is more dangerous at night.

Muggings, assaults, pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in Turkey, especially in Istanbul in areas where tourists congregate including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

Foreigners, including Australians, have been drugged and had their passports and other personal effects stolen after being befriended by English-speaking strangers. Drugs may be administered through drinks, food, chewing gum or confectionery. The victim becomes disorientated and compliant and may even become unconscious.

Tourists may be befriended by English-speaking locals, taken to a bar for food or drinks and then expected to pay an inflated bill, often thousands of dollars for a few drinks. Violence is threatened with the demand for payment. These scams are common, particularly in Istanbul.

Sexual assaults have been reported in coastal tourist areas (including Istanbul) and in other locations.

On 30 November 2011, a gunman opened fire near the entrance to Topkapı Palace in the Sultanahmet tourist area of Istanbul. The gunman was killed after injuring two members of Turkish security forces.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Turkey, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Turkey.

Turkey has introduced new banknotes and coins. The new currency is equal in value to the notes and coins being replaced. Banknotes in the E-7 and E-8 series can be exchanged until the end of 2015 and 2019, respectively, at branches of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and TC Ziraat Bankasi.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Hijackings have occurred on commercial aircraft in Turkey over recent years.

For further information, please refer to our air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Turkey. Some regions are more conservative than others. You should respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Visitors should dress modestly, particularly at mosques and religious shrines.

Australian males who hold Turkish citizenship may be required to undertake military service upon their return to Turkey. Prior to travel, Turkish/Australian dual nationals should seek advice from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Turkey.

Our Dual nationals page provides further information for dual nationals.

Severe drought conditions can affect water supply to a number of cities in Turkey. Running water may not be available in many places, including in hotels and other forms of accommodation. You should take additional care to guard against water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (see Health for more information).

Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months (usually June to September), particularly in heavily forested areas and during periods of high temperatures and low rainfall. In the past, fires have burned close to holiday areas on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and in the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Turkey is in an active earthquake zone. Our Earthquakes bulletin provides further information on travel in earthquake prone areas.

On 23 October 2011, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit near the city of Van in eastern Turkey, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Many buildings collapsed and infrastructure was damaged. Australians in the area should follow the instructions of local authorities.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If you are in an area affected by a natural disaster, you should monitor the media and follow the advice of authorities.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with children page.