This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Health Issues (H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza)). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

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

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey because of the high threat of terrorist attack. International and domestic terrorist groups have carried out attacks for several years. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets. See list below of possible targets. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

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. Significant dates and anniversaries include: 15 February (anniversary of Abdullah Ocalan's capture), 21 March (Nevruz, Turkic new year celebrations), 4 April (Abdullah Ocalan's birthday), 1 May (May Day), 15 August (anniversary or Kurdistan Workers' Party's first attack). Possible locations include major cities, such as Ankara and Istanbul, regional centres and tourist destinations, particularly those in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. In the past, attacks have occurred in Izmir, Marmaris, Antalya, Mersin, Kusadasi, Cesme, Mugla, Manavgat and Adana.

The tourist season during Turkey's spring and summer months has traditionally been marked by increased terrorist attacks. Foreign tourists have been killed and injured.

A domestic terrorist group made a public statement in March 2008, similar to statements issued in past years, that it would attack "Turkish tourist sites".

Recent incidents include:

• On 7 March 2009, a bar in the Black Sea port of Trabzon was bombed, injuring nine people.
• In December 2008, a Turkish military vehicle was attacked by gunmen outside a mosque in the south-eastern town of Cizre, killing three and injuring 12 people.
• Also in December 2008, a bomb exploded outside a bank in central Istanbul injuring two people and an office of the governing political party in Istanbul was attacked with a parcel bomb, injuring ten people.
• In October 2008, a woman was arrested in downtown Istanbul carrying 10 kilograms of explosive and a detonator in her bag.
• In August 2008, a police minibus was attacked with a bomb in Izmir, injuring 11 policemen as well as a number of civilians.
• Also in August 2008, a military barracks in Istanbul was attacked by mortar shells, injuring three people.
• In July 2008, twin explosions killed 17 people and injured more than 150 in a busy residential area of Istanbul. The second blast detonated minutes after the first, killing and injuring those who had gone to the scene to help.
• Also in July 2008, armed gunmen attacked the US Consulate in Istanbul and killed three police officers.

Clashes between terrorist groups and Turkish security forces occur frequently in the south-east. Credible reports suggest terrorists are planning attacks in response to Turkish military action against terrorists and their bases in northern Iraq.

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 and railway lines, hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, internet cafes, shopping malls and markets, places of worship, 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, government, judiciary and political parties, businesses, places of worship, banks, financial institutions and automatic teller machines have also been targeted.

Borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to provinces in the southeast of Turkey, including those in the border region with Syria, Iraq and Iran, due to the unpredictable security situation.

The Turkish military has been conducting 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.

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 common.

In July 2008, three German tourists were kidnapped by terrorists while descending from a climb of Mount Ararat. They were released 11 days later. You should take particular care in this region. See also Local Laws below.

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.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations throughout Turkey as they may become violent. 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.

You should also read our travel bulletin entitled Re-publication of cartoons.

Crime

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. Several Australians have been recent victims.

Sexual assaults have been reported in coastal tourist areas.

Local Travel

Turkey has one of the highest road accident rates in the world and fatalities occur frequently. With the exception of major freeways and arterial roads, the standard of road construction in Turkey is generally poor. Travel at night on most country roads is very dangerous due to inadequate lighting and local driving practices. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

Visitors to the Gallipoli Peninsula Peace Park should be aware that winter storms and the heavy volume of traffic seriously affect many coastal roads, including those in the park. Traffic restrictions may apply to the Anzac Cove road. However, pedestrians will still be able to access places of interest in the park.

Australians intending to visit Gallipoli for the Anzac Day commemorative services should read our Anzac Day 2009 travel bulletin.

In recent years, train accidents and derailments have resulted in deaths and injuries.

It is illegal not to carry photographic identification with you in Turkey. You should carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Airline Safety

Several hijackings have occurred on commercial aircraft in Turkey over recent years.

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Severe drought conditions are affecting 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 Issues 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. During 2008, fires burned close to holiday areas on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and in the Gallipoli Peninsula Peace Park.

Turkey is in an active earthquake zone.

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.

Wildlife

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, 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 overseas.

Turkey is in the process of introducing new banknotes and coins. The new currency is equal in value to the notes and coins being replaced. Both old and new currencies will be in use until the transition is complete at the end of 2009.

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.

For Parents

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

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Turkey, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences in Turkey are severe and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences.

Drink driving carries a minimum penalty of an on-the-spot fine and confiscation of your driver's licence.

It is illegal to photograph military installations in Turkey.

Mount Ararat, in the east of Turkey, is a special military zone. You need permission from the Turkish government to visit.

Exporting antiquities is prohibited and carries long jail sentences. Authorisation is required for the purchase and removal of Turkish antiquities and other cultural artefacts from Turkey. You need a receipt and an official certificate to legally export these items.

Homosexuality is not illegal, but is not widely accepted.

Public displays of affection could result in prosecution for public order offences.

It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation, the national flag and the name and image of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

It is illegal to deface or destroy currency.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

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.

Information for Dual Nationals

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 Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Turkey for the most up-to-date information.

Australians who enter or depart Turkey by sea, including those who make short trips to the Greek islands and then return to Turkey, should ensure that they are correctly processed by Turkish immigration and that their passports are stamped for all exits and arrivals. Failure to do so may result in difficulties when departing Turkey, including the prospect of fines and/or detention.

Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Health Issues

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza 09 in a number of countries throughout the world, including Turkey. For a list of these countries, visit the WHO website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on H1N1 Influenza 09.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities throughout Turkey varies. While private hospitals with international standard facilities can be found in major cities, services can be limited elsewhere. Private hospitals generally require confirmation of insurance or a guarantee of payment before admitting a patient. Costs can be very expensive. Generally, serious illnesses and accidents can be treated at private or teaching hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul. However, medical evacuation, at considerable cost, may be necessary in some serious cases.

Decompression chambers are located near popular dive sites throughout Turkey in Cubuklu, Izmir, Bodrum, Oludeniz, and Eceabat.

Malaria is a risk from May to October mainly in the south-eastern part of the country, and in Amikova and Cukurova Plain. There is no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country. Other insect-borne diseases (such as leishmaniasis and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, CCHF) also occur. CCHF is prevalent in central Anatolia to the north and east of Ankara. Recent seasonal outbreaks (from early summer) of CCHF have been fatal. We recommend that you consider the need for prophylaxis against malaria and use insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne, and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis, measles and rabies) occur with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food, and avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Stray dogs are numerous in Turkish cities, including Ankara and Istanbul, and have attacked pedestrians in busy, built-up areas.

Avian influenza: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed human deaths from avian influenza in Turkey. The Department of Health and Ageing advises Australians who reside in Turkey for an extended period to consider, as a precautionary measure, having access to influenza antiviral medicine for treatment. Long term residents are at a greater risk of exposure to avian influenza over time. You should seek medical advice before taking antiviral medicines. Australians intending to travel to Turkey for shorter periods are at much lower risk of infection but should discuss the risk of avian influenza with their doctor as part of their routine pre-travel health checks.

If the avian influenza virus mutates to a form where efficient human-to-human transmission occurs, it may spread quickly and local authorities could move quickly to impose restrictions on travel. Australian travellers and long-term residents in Turkey should be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being, including deciding when to leave an affected area and ensuring they have appropriate contingency plans in place. Australians in Turkey should monitor the travel advice and bulletin for updated information and advice, and ensure that their travel documents, including passports and visas for any non-Australian family members, are up to date in case they need to depart at short notice.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world, including Turkey. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website.

Where to Get Help

In Turkey, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy
88 Ugur Mumcu Caddesi
Gaziosmanpasa
Ankara TURKEY
Telephone (90 312) 459 9500
Facsimile (90 312) 446 4827
Website http://www.turkey.embassy.gov.au/

or

Australian Consulate-General
16th Floor, Suzer Plaza (Ritz Carlton Hotel),
Askerocagi Caddesi No. 15, Elmadag
Istanbul TURKEY
Telephone (90 212) 243 1333
Facsimile (90 212) 243 1332

or

Australian Consulate
Kolin Hotel
Kepez 17100
Canakkale TURKEY
Telephone (90 286) 218 1721
Facsimile (90 286) 218 1724

The nationwide police 24-hour hotline number is 155. In rural areas, the Jandarma can be contacted on 154. Foreigners can also contact the Istanbul Tourist Police on +90 212 527 4503.

If you are travelling to Turkey, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the missions, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.