Turkey
Country Specific Information
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April 15, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Many of Turkey's regions are well-developed with a wide range of tourist facilities of all classes in the main tourist destinations. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Turkey for additional information.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Turkey, please take the time to tell our embassy or consulates about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help us reach your friends and family in an emergency. Here's the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.  

Local embassy and consulate information is available below and at the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy in Ankara
110 Atatürk Boulevard, 06100, Kavaklidere
Telephone: (90) (312) 455-5555
Visa Information: (90) (212) 340-4444 or Visa Information
Emergency after-hours telephone: (90) (312) 455-5555
Facsimile: (90) (312) 468-6131

U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul
Uçsehitler Sokagi No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer
Telephone: (90) (212) 335-9000
Visa Information: ACS_istanbul@state.gov
Emergency after-hours telephone: (90) (212) 335–9000 (ask for American Citizen Services)
Facsimile: (90) (212) 335–9102

U.S. Consulate in Adana
Girne Bulvari No. 212, Güzelevler Mahallesi, Yüregir
Telephone: (90)(322) 346-6262
Facsimile: (90)(322) 346-7916

U.S. Consular Agent in Izmir
Telephone: (90) (232) 464-8755

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: You need a passport and visa to travel to Turkey. If you are traveling as a tourist, you can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for $20 (U.S.) cash. There is one exception: If you are arriving by cruise ship for a day trip to Turkey, you do not require a visa as long as you are not staying on shore overnight. For further information, travelers in the United States may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey at 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone: (202) 612-6700, or the Turkish Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York. Overseas, travelers may contact a Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

Official and diplomatic passports holders traveling on official business must obtain a visa from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate before arriving in Turkey.

If you are planning to work, study, or conduct academic or scientific research in Turkey, you should apply for a visa from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate before arriving in Turkey. Doing these activities while on a tourist visa in Turkey could lead to deportation.

If you are planning to stay more than three months for any purpose, you must obtain a visa from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate. You must also apply for a residence/work permit or Turkish ID card within the first month of your arrival in Turkey. This includes anyone who plans to spend more than three months doing research, studying, or working in Turkey.

You should get entry stamps on the passport page containing your visa at the first port of entry before transferring to domestic flights. If you don't, it may cause serious difficulties for you when you leave Turkey. On multiple occasions, Turkish authorities have detained travelers overnight in such situations.

Due to a revision of Turkish residency requirements in 2008, you should not stay beyond the date permitted on your visa or residency permit. You run the risk of being deported, fined and kept out of Turkey for three months to five years. The length of the ban is determined by the length of the "overstay."

Visit the Embassy of Turkey website for the most current visa information.

Crossing the border with Iraq can be time-consuming as the Turkish government tightly controls entry and exit. Anyone wishing to cross into Iraq from Turkey must have a valid travel document, such as a passport.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any specific HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or for foreign residents of Turkey; however, Turkey will generally deport foreigners once their HIV positive status is discovered.  

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page. 

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SAFETY AND SECURITY: There is an overall increase in violence and a continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout Turkey. Terrorist bombings over the past several years – some causing significant numbers of casualties – have hit various targets in Turkey. Some attacks deliberately targeted U.S. and Western interests. Terrorists claiming association with al-Qaida were responsible for suicide bombings in Istanbul in 2003. These incidents show a willingness on the part of some terrorist groups to attack Western targets. The possibility of terrorist attacks, from both transnational and indigenous groups, remains high.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK, also known as Kongra Gel) is the most active terrorist organization in Turkey. Over the last few decades, PKK terrorist activity has been responsible for the deaths of more than 30,000 Turkish citizens. In mid-2010 this terrorist group threatened increased violent activity in urban areas in Turkey, and there is credible information that the PKK intends to target tourist areas. There are continued clashes involving security forces and the PKK in parts of Turkey outside of its usual operating area in southeast Turkey, and the group continues to target Turkish officials and civilian facilities as well.

The following paragraphs describe some of the terrorist activity in major cities and regions in Turkey:

Ankara: In May 2007, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the Ulus district of Ankara during rush hour, resulting in six deaths and injuring more than 100. While there was no claim made by the PKK, the material used in the device was similar to that frequently used by the group.

Istanbul: In October 2010, a suicide bomber struck a Turkish police bus in Taskim Square, injuring 15 Turkish police officers and 17 Turkish civilians. In June 2010, two roadside bomb attacks, one on a police bus, and one on a contract bus with Turkish military passengers caused many casualties, including at least eight deaths; the PKK-affiliated group TAK claimed responsibility (see below). In 2008 there were three significant events starting in July with a bombing in the Güngören neighborhood that killed 17 Turkish citizens. On July 9, 2008, a terrorist attack on the Turkish police guarding the U.S Consulate General in Istanbul resulted in the deaths of three police officers and wounding of two other police personnel. Also in Istanbul, small-scale bombings, violent demonstrations and vehicle arson have occurred regularly since 2006. Most of these incidents have happened in neighborhoods not generally frequented by tourists. In November 2003, al-Qaida-associated suicide bombers attacked the British Consulate, an HSBC Bank, and two synagogues, killing 57 and wounding hundreds of people.

Mediterranean/Aegean Regions: The Kurdistan Liberation Falcons (TAK, also known as the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks), which was named a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" organization by the Department of State in January 2008 and is ostensibly aligned with the PKK, has routinely warned tourists not to visit Turkey. Consistent with its threats, this group claimed responsibility for a number of bombings in tourist areas in the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal resort areas (as well as in Istanbul) prior to 2007. In August 2006, ten Britons and six Turks were injured when an improvised explosive device on their minibus detonated in Marmaris, and a bomb killed three and injured 87 in a blast at a shopping area in the city of Antalya.

Eastern and Southeastern Provinces (including Adana): In June 2010, an assailant shot at a U.S. citizen in Adana. Reports indicate that extremists initiated the attack based solely on his U.S. citizenship and the fact that he resides in Turkey. In January 2010, the U.S. Consulate in Adana was fired upon after hours, although indications are that the Turkish police standing guard outside may have been the actual targets. There have been anti-U.S. demonstrations and efforts by some groups to encourage the departure of U.S. Air Force personnel from Incirlik Air Base, just outside Adana. In July 2008, three German tourists were kidnapped by armed PKK militants while camping on Mt. Ararat with their 13-member climbing team. This kidnapping highlights the risks to traveling in this area and in Turkey's southeast. Turkish police periodically mount major operations against extremist cells in the southeastern provinces; operations have been launched to prevent what were believed to be imminent terrorist attacks, as well as to cripple terrorist cells' fundraising and recruiting capabilities. Some disrupted cells have had strong links to al-Qaida. In addition, the PKK retains a presence in certain parts of southeastern Turkey, and regularly carries out attacks focused primarily on security personnel; occasionally, however, attacks injure or kill civilians. There were also attacks in Iskenderun and Osmaniye in 2010. Travel is difficult and should be considered dangerous in some portions of this region. U.S. citizens traveling in southeastern Turkey, as well as to Mt. Ararat in Agri province in the northeast should exercise extreme caution. 

Roadside explosions caused by remote-controlled land mines or other improvised explosive devices occur regularly in the Batman, Sirnak, Hakkâri, Siirt, Mardin, Diyarbakir, and Tunceli provinces , as do small-scale attacks with Molotov cocktails and other home-made weapons. These attacks usually target Turkish military or police personnel, but occasionally harm innocent bystanders. Attacks are more frequent before major political events and anniversaries associated with the PKK resistance movement. Small bombs producing only loud noise are a frequent event throughout the region. There have also been a number of PKK raids on Jandarma (village police) posts and ambushes of Turkish security force vehicle patrols in many of Turkey's rural southeastern areas. In January 2008, a PKK remote-controlled car bomb killed seven people and injured 66 when it exploded on a street in downtown Diyarbakir. In June 2007, the Turkish General Staff declared parts of the southeastern provinces of Sirnak, Hakkâri, and Siirt as "sensitive areas" due to ongoing counter-insurgency operations carried out by Turkish military forces. Access to these areas, mostly along the Iraqi border, is controlled by the security forces.

You should use commercial air travel whenever possible while traveling to southeastern Turkey. If road travel is necessary, you should drive only during daylight hours and on major highways. The Turkish Jandarma and police forces monitor checkpoints on roads throughout the southeastern region. You should be cooperative if stopped at any checkpoint. You should be prepared to provide identification and vehicle registration if stopped. At these checkpoints, roll down the driver's side window (the passenger side also, in vehicles with tinted windows) when stopped by security force officials. Security forces can then safely inspect the vehicle and its occupants. Remain calm, do not make any sudden movements, and obey all instructions immediately. Security officials may restrict access to some roads at times, and security force escort vehicles may be required to "convoy" visitors through troublesome areas. In some cases, this must be arranged in advance. We strongly discourage the use of public transportation at any time in the southeastern region.

Department of State personnel are subject to travel restrictions in the provinces of Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingöl, Tunceli, Hakkâri, Bitlis, and Elâzig. U.S. military and Department of Defense civilians should consult their local area commander regarding any restrictions in effect for southeastern Turkey. Mount Ararat, in Agri province, is a special military zone and access permission must be obtained from the Turkish government through a Turkish Embassy or Consulate before coming to Turkey.

For all of Turkey, do not accept letters, parcels, or other items from strangers for delivery either in or outside of Turkey. The PKK has attempted to use foreigners to deliver messages and packages in and outside of Turkey. Such individuals could be arrested for aiding and abetting the terrorist organization.

In addition to terrorist activities, there have been several instances of violence targeting Christians in Turkey: the April 2011 assault on a church in Izmir, the assault on a Christian in Istanbul in August 2009; the stabbing of a Catholic priest in Izmir in December 2007, the murder of three Christians, one of them a German citizen, in a Bible bookstore in Malatya in April 2007; the murder of Armenian Turkish writer/journalist Hrant Dink in Istanbul in January 2007; and the fatal shooting of a Catholic priest in Trabzon in February 2006. While not terrorist-related, a prominent Christian was also murdered in June 2010 in the city of Iskenderun.

Following Israel's Gaza offensive in December 2008, there were incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti and statements by private individuals. The level of anti-Semitic feeling remains significant, even though senior Turkish officials expressly excluded Jewish people from their harsh rhetoric against the Government of Israel in the wake of the Free-Gaza flotilla clash of May 2010.

You should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant with regard to your personal security. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists may seek softer targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to live, congregate, shop, or visit. Be especially alert in such places.

International and domestic political issues sometimes trigger demonstrations in major cities in Turkey. Remember that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We urge you to avoid the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Be alert to local media reports and other sources for information about possible demonstrations or civil disturbances, and obey the instructions of security personnel at all times. 

While the 2010 May Day (May 1) celebration in Istanbul's Taksim Square was peaceful, past May Day celebrations have resulted in violent clashes between police and workers. We urge you to avoid them in Turkey. Similarly, Nevruz celebrations, generally held in cities and towns throughout SE Turkey and in other major cities between mid-March and March 24, have t been combined with political rallies in the past, and have turned violent and involved clashes with police.  

Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. 

You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Take some time before travel to improve your personal security—things are not the same in other places as they are in the United States. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME: While the rate of street crime remains relatively low in Turkey, it has increased in large urban centers such as Istanbul and Izmir. In Istanbul, petty street crime is most common in tourist areas such as Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, and in the areas around the Grand Bazaar and Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar. You should carry a copy of your passport and visa with you and leave your U.S. passport in your hotel safe. Carry only what you need when in these areas.  

As in other large metropolitan areas throughout the world, common street crimes include pick pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging. Often the crime is preceded by some sort of diversion such as an argument, a fight, or someone bumping you. Residential crime is an issue in major cities, with criminals targeting ground floor apartments for theft. Do not be complacent regarding your personal safety. You should use same precautions you would in the United States.

The embassy and consulates have received reports of crimes against women. Female travelers are urged to exercise caution and use common sense. Female travelers should request a female attendant in the "mixed" Turkish baths, or hamams. Incidents involving the use of "date rape" drugs (Nembutal and Benzodiazepine) have been reported.

Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, you may be breaking local law too.

The embassy and consulates have received email complaints from U.S. citizens about online scams – ranging from diversity visas to puppy purchases - and were subsequently defrauded of hundreds of dollars. Be very careful about bogus requests for deposits and various types of registration fees. You should also exercise due diligence when purchasing real estate in Turkey. Please carefully research the background of any property in order to ensure that everything is legal.

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate (see the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates). If your U.S. passport is stolen, we can replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can help find medical care, contact family members or friends and help get money from them. Although the investigation and prosecution of crimes is the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney.

The local equivalent of the "911" emergency line (for police, fire or ambulance) in Turkey is 155. The emergency number for ambulance assistance only is 112.

Please see our information on victims of crime which includes possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While traveling in Turkey, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can differ from ours. Criminal penalties vary from country to country. There are also some things that while legal in the country you visit are still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Penalties for similar offenses can be more severe overseas than in the United States. Below are some Turkish laws of which you should be aware:

Insulting the State: It is illegal to show disrespect to the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic, or to insult the Turkish Government, flag, or security forces.

Religious Proselytizing: Although there is no specific law against religious proselytizing, some activities can lead to your arrest under laws that regulate expression, educational institutions, and religious meetings.  The Department of State's Annual Report on International Religious Freedom contains additional information on religious freedom in Turkey.

Cultural Artifacts: Turkish law has a broad definition of "antiquities" and makes it a crime to remove any from the country. Offenders are prosecuted. All historic sites, and everything in them, on the grounds, or in the water, are the property of the Turkish government. If you buy antiquities, uses only authorized dealers and obtain the museum certificate for each item they are authorized to sell. At departure, you may be asked to present a receipt and the certificate. Failure to have them can result in your arrest and jail time. Contact the Embassy of Turkey in Washington or one of Turkey's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Dual Citizenship: Turkish- U.S. dual nationals may be subject to additional laws that impose special obligations on Turkish citizens. Male dual citizens over the age of 18 may be subject to conscription and compulsory military service. Those with questions are strongly advised to consult with officials and a Turkish embassies or consulates before traveling. The Government of Turkey does not permit U.S. officials to visit or provide consular assistance to Turkish-U.S. dual nationals arrested in Turkey. Please see our information on dual nationality.

Arrest notifications in Turkey: Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Turkey, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: We are not aware of any special currency or customs circumstances for this country, but please review in the information on the purchase of antiquities list above. 

On January 1, 2009, Turkey introduced a new, smaller-sized currency referred to as Turkish Lira. The old "New Turkish Lira" banknotes expired on December 31, 2009, but can still be redeemed until December 31, 2019, at branches of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankasi. For more information please see the website of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.

Disaster Preparedness: A seismically active country, earthquakes occur throughout Turkey. A major earthquake in1999 killed approximately 18,000 people in the Izmir area, approximately 60 miles east of Istanbul. You should make contingency plans and leave emergency contact information with family members outside of Turkey. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Please visit the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul's website for further information on disaster preparedness.

Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different in Turkey from what you find in the United States. It is true that the Turkish constitution prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of state services, employment, education, and access to health care, and the government generally enforces the law effectively. However, the law does not mandate access to buildings and public transportation for persons with disabilities, and access in most cities is quite limited.

Turkish airports and metro stations are easily accessible, but it is not the same for public transportation such as buses or taxis. There are reserved seats for disabled, pregnant or elderly people in public buses, but neither the roads nor the buses are designed for easy access for the disabled. In a few big cities, some traffic lights have sound systems for the visually impaired, but it is uncommon. The pedestrian crossing rules and their enforcement are different than in the U.S. Cars rarely stop when they see a pedestrian, and may not stop when the traffic light is red or at a pedestrian crosswalk. Sidewalks or footpaths are high and uneven. Overpasses and underpasses are generally not designed for the disabled. Roads and foot paths are frequently under construction and may contain extensive obstructions. In addition, vehicles may park on footpaths or in a way that obstructs access to footpaths. 

While it is often easier to find accessible hotels and restaurants in tourist destinations, in general, accessibility for people with disabilities in Turkey is poor. 

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

The care available in Turkish hospitals varies greatly. New, private hospitals in Ankara, Antalya, and Istanbul have modern facilities and equipment, numerous U.S.-trained specialists, and international accreditation; some still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions. The State Department prefers medical evacuation for its personnel who will be giving birth; however there are private hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul that meet Western standards of obstetric care. Those planning prolonged stays in Turkey should bring or secure a supply of necessary medications (e.g., heart medications, birth control pills). Certain medications are difficult to obtain in Turkey. Nursing care and diagnostic testing (including mammograms) meet U.S. standards at specific institutions in the larger cities. Unlike in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, and Adana, health care standards are lower in small cities in Turkey. 

You should drink only bottled water or water that has been filtered and boiled. Bottled beverages are safe to drink. Most local dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, are safe to consume. Take care when buying perishable products to be sure vendors use adequate refrigeration. Wash vegetables and fruits carefully and cook meat thoroughly before eating it.

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the CDC's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website.

H1N1 and Other Influenza: The U.S. government remains concerned about the possibility of a severe influenza pandemic resulting from changes in the 2009-H1N1 virus or the emergence of an even newer influenza virus that may affect U.S. citizens abroad. Both H1N1 and H5N1 (avian influenza), have been reported in Turkey. Avoid poultry farms and contact with animals in live food markets. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed plans for individuals and groups to protect themselves against infection during a pandemic. They include simple techniques such as washing your hands, practicing cough etiquette, staying home when you or family members are sick, limiting contact with others and avoiding public gathering places. For the most current information see the State Department's Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet.

Tuberculosis is a health concern in Turkey. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

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MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can't assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. Find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I'm out of the U.S.?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors' and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy does not cover you when you travel, it's a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

Many people come to Turkey to practice various "extreme" sports. You need to make certain that your insurance company and travel insurance cover these activities while overseas.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Turkey, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

You should drive defensively at all times and take every precaution while driving in Turkey. Drivers in Turkey routinely ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs, and turning left from the far right lane; these driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents. Drivers should be aware of several particular driving practices prevalent in Turkey. Drivers who experience car troubles or accidents pull to the side of the road and turn on their emergency lights to warn other drivers, but many drivers place a large rock or a pile of rocks on the road about 10-15 meters behind their vehicles instead of turning on emergency lights. You may not use a cell phone while driving. It is strictly prohibited by law.

Be extremely cautious while driving at night. We recommend that you not drive after dark outside of major cities. Some local drivers tend to drive without their lights on or with very low lights, making it difficult to see them. It is also not unusual to find in roadways dead animals, large rocks, missing sewer covers, deep holes, or objects fallen from vehicles.

Roads in Turkey run the full gamut from single-lane country roads to modern, divided, trans-European motorways of European standard. Highways in the tourist-frequented western, southwestern, and coastal regions of Turkey are generally in good condition and are well maintained.

To enter Turkey with your own vehicle you need: your passport, international driving license, car license (note: if the vehicle belongs to another individual, a power of attorney is needed), international green card (insurance card) with the "valid in Turkey" sign visible, and, for those who wish to proceed to Middle Eastern countries, a "carnet de passage" transit book. A vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 months; extensions are possible by applying to the Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil, 1. Oto Sanayi Sitesi Yani, 4. Levent, Istanbul, Tel: (212) 282 81 40 or Fax: (212) 282 80 42), or to the General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü, Ulus, Ankara Tel: (312) 306-8000, Fax: (312) 306-8995, 306-8965 or 306-8195) before the end of the initially declared and approved period.

In Case of an Accident: For accidents involving only vehicular damage, the drivers may exchange insurance information and depart if both sides agree. New Turkish traffic rules do not require a call to the police in the cases where no injury or death occurs, but instead require drivers to fill out a form and provide pictures of the car damage. As the form is in Turkish only, it is the best for non-Turkish speakers to call and wait for the police; otherwise, drivers can be held liable for the accident. However, if anybody is injured or if there is disagreement about the accident, the drivers are to remain at the traffic accident site, and are not to move their vehicle — even to move it out of the way — until the Traffic Police arrive. The accident should be reported to the Traffic Police (Tel: 154) or Jandarma (Tel. 156). That report will then need to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should also apply to the customs authority with his passport and report. If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and then take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled (only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country). When in doubt, it is best to call the Traffic Police or the Jandarma in the event of an accident.

Train Travel: There have been several train accidents on the popular Ankara-Istanbul train route that have led to loss of life and injury. Two large accidents in 2004 on the Ankara-Istanbul line resulted in 45 fatalities and scores of injuries.

Please refer to our Road Safety page and the U.S. Embassy in Ankara's website for more information. Visit the Embassy of Turkey website for more information on driving in Turkey.

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AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority as complying with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Turkey's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children's Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Turkey dated July 29, 2010, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Crime, Criminal Penalties, Accessibility, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

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Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

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