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Turkey
Country Specific Information
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February 13, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Turkey is a moderately developed nation 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.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Currently, holders of all types of passports, if they are traveling as tourists, can purchase
a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for USD $20 cash. For further information, travelers in the U.S. 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. Visit theEmbassy of Turkey web site for the most current visa information. 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.
All travelers planning to stay more than three months for any purpose are required to obtain a visa from a Turkish embassy
or consulate. Such travelers must also apply for a residence/work permit or Turkish ID card within the first month of their
arrival in Turkey. This includes anyone who plans to spend more than three months doing research, studying, or working in
Turkey.
All travelers are advised to obtain entry stamps on the passport page containing their visa at the first port of entry before
transferring to domestic flights. Failure to obtain entry stamps at the port of entry may cause serious difficulties for travelers
when they attempt to depart the country. On multiple occasions, Turkish authorities have detained travelers overnight in such
situations.
Due to a revision of Turkish residency requirements in 2008, all travelers should also be careful not to stay beyond the date
permitted by their visas or residency permits. Once a traveler has stayed beyond the date permitted in their visa or residency
permit, he or she will be subject to deportation, a fine, and a travel ban restricting their return to Turkey for a period
of between three months to five years. The time of the ban is determined by the length of time of the “overstay.”
Crossing the border with Iraq can be time-consuming, as the Turkish Government tightly controls entry and exit. All travelers
wishing to cross into Iraq from Turkey must still have a valid travel document, such as a passport. In fact, travelers wishing
to enter Turkey from any of its neighboring countries around Turkey must have both a valid travel document and current Turkish
visa.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Terrorist bombings over the past five years – some causing significant numbers of casualties – have struck religious, government,
government-owned, political, tourist and business targets in a number of locations in Turkey. These incidents show an increased
willingness on the part of terrorists to attack Western targets.
A variety of leftist or Islamic terrorist groups have targeted U.S. and Western interests as well. Terrorists claiming association
with al-Qa’ida were responsible for suicide bombings in Istanbul in 2003 that targeted Western interests. . The possibility
of terrorist attacks, both transnational and indigenous, remains high.
The Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK, also known as Kongra Gel) is one of the most active terrorist organizations in Turkey.
Over the last few decades, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of more than 30,000 Turkish citizens. This terrorist
group continues to target Turkish officials and various civilian facilities.
The following paragraphs describe the extent of terrorist activity in major cities and regions in Turkey:
Ankara: In May 2007, an explosive device was detonated by a suicide bomber 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. In September 2007, 600 kilograms of explosives were found in a minivan parked in a multi-story
car park in the central Sihhiye area of Ankara. Investigations revealed a suspect with ties to the PKK.
Istanbul: On July 9, 2008, a terrorist attack on the Turkish police guarding the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul resulted in three
police officer deaths and wounding of two other police personnel. Responsibility for the attack has not been claimed by or
assigned to a specific terrorist group. In April 2007, Turkish police captured a PKK terrorist in one of Istanbul’s major
tourist centers, Taksim Square. The female terrorist was intercepted carrying a bomb made of five kilograms of A-4 explosive;
the target was suspected to be a large gathering celebrating the founding of the Turkish Police. In December 2007, a suspected
male PKK member carrying three kilograms of A-4 explosive material in a backpack was arrested by Turkish National Police in
Istanbul’s Mecidiyekoy Square; the intended target was believed to be the Istanbul Metro. In October 2008, a suspected female
PKK member was captured at Okmeydani in Sisli district with 8 kilograms of explosives.
In November 2003, al-Qa’ida-associated suicide bombers attacked the British Consulate, an HSBC Bank, and two synagogues, killing
dozens and wounding hundreds of people. In Istanbul, small-scale bombings and violent demonstrations, and more recently vehicle
arsons, have occurred regularly since 2006. Most, but not all, of these incidents have happened in neighborhoods not generally
frequented by tourists, including a July 2008 bombing in the Güngören neighborhood that killed 17 Turkish citizens. PKK supporters
on a number of occasions have set public buses on fire after ordering passengers to disembark. In April 2006, an attack of
this type resulted in three deaths and at least one severe wounding. Thus far, no attacks on buses have taken place in tourist
areas of the city. In Istanbul, May Day (May 1) celebrations have resulted in violent clashes between police and workers
who have been prohibited from commemorating this day in Taksim Square.
Mediterranean/Aegean Regions: The Kurdistan Liberation Falcons (TAK, also known as the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks), which was
designated 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). In
July 2005, TAK claimed responsibility for a bomb that exploded on a minibus in the holiday resort town of Kusadasi, killing
five persons, including a British tourist and an Irish tourist. In June 2006, the group also was responsible for an explosion
that killed three European tourists in Manavgat, a town in Antalya Province, as well as other attacks in the Antalya and Mugla
Provinces. 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 January 2008, Turkish police mounted a major operation against an
Al-Qa’ida cell in the southeastern city of Gaziantep. The operation, which was launched to prevent what was believe to be
an imminent terrorist attack by the cell, resulted in the death or capture of nearly two dozen Turkish members of a group
strongly linked to Al-Qa’ida. One Turkish policeman was killed, and two wounded, in the operation. 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. Travel is difficult and should be considered dangerous in some portions
of this region. Americans traveling in southeastern Turkey, as well as to Mt. Ararat in the Agri, northeast, should exercise
extreme caution. On July 3, 2008, three German tourists were kidnapped by armed PKK militants while camped on Mt. Ararat with
their 13-member climbing team. This kidnapping highlights the risks to traveling in this area and in Turkey’s southeast.
Roadside explosions caused by remote-controlled land mines or other improvised explosive devices in the Batman, Sirnak, Hakkâri,
Siirt, Mardin, Diyarbakir and Tunceli provinces occur regularly. Sound bombs 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 2005, the PKK attacked two trains and kidnapped two Turkish government
employees in the region. In August 2006, two bombs exploded in Adana, injuring four people. In September 2006, a bomb detonated
in the city of Diyarbakir, killing ten and injuring 15 Turkish nationals. 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.
Visitors to southeastern Turkey should use commercial air travel whenever possible. If road travel is necessary, travelers
are advised to drive only during daylight hours and on major highways. The Turkish Jandarma and police forces monitor checkpoints
on roads throughout the southeastern region. Travelers should be cooperative if stopped at any checkpoint. Drivers and all
passengers in the vehicle should be prepared to provide identification cards or passports, a driver’s license, 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. Use of public transportation, at any time, is strongly discouraged in the
southeastern region.
Department of State personnel are subject to travel restrictions in the provinces of Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus,
Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkâri, Bitlis, and Elazig. 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 the 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, travelers are cautioned not to 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 or outside of Turkey.
If discovered, 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 fatal
shooting of a Catholic priest in Trabzon in February 2006; the murder of Armenian Turkish writer/journalist Hrant Dink in
Istanbul in January 2007; the murder of three Christians, one of them a German citizen, in a Bible bookstore in Malatya in
April 2007; and the stabbing of a Catholic priest in Izmir in December 2007.
Americans should exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and remain vigilant with regard to their 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 Americans and Westerners are known to live, congregate,
shop, or visit. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations
is unavoidable.
International and domestic political issues sometimes trigger demonstrations in most major cities in Turkey. We wish to remind
American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations, if possible, and to exercise caution if within
the vicinity of any demonstrations.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-free line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate protective measures travelers can take in an overseas environment, see the Department
of State’s A Safe Trip Abroad.
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. It is strongly recommended that you carry only what is needed,
and leave your U.S. passport in your hotel safe.
As in other large metropolitan areas throughout the world, common street crimes include pocket picking, purse snatching, and
mugging. Often the crime is preceded by some sort of diversion such as an argument, a fight, or someone bumping you. In other
cases, English- or French-speaking persons have befriended tourists and then drugged them, using tea, juice, alcohol, or food.
Two common drugs used are Nembutal and Benzodiazepine which, when used incorrectly, are fatal. In other cases, tourists are
invited to visit clubs or bars, and then presented with inflated bills (often exceeding $1,000), and coerced to pay them by
credit card or to withdraw cash from a nearby ATM to cover the charge. Residential crime appears to be on the increase in
major cities, with criminals targeting ground floor apartments for theft. Visitors should not be complacent regarding personal
safety or the protection of valuables. The same precautions employed in the United States should be followed in Turkey.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to both the local police and the nearest U.S.
Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact
the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you in finding
appropriate medical care, contacting family members or friends, and explaining how funds could be transferred. Although the
investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you
to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. For information about assistance upon
return to the U.S. including possible compensation, see our information on Victims of Crime.
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.
TURKISH BATH (Hamam) : Tourists may want to experience the distinctly Turkish experience of the Turkish bath or “hamam.” While the “hamam” can
be a relaxing cultural experience, female tourists are advised to request a female attendant in the “mixed” hamams.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.
Persons violating Turkish laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use,
or trafficking in illegal drugs in Turkey are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable
in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
Below are some of the laws of which foreign travelers should be aware:
Insulting the State: It is illegal to show disrespect to the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, 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 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. The report is available
on the Department's web site.
Cultural Artifacts: Turkish law has a broad definition of "antiquities" and makes it a crime to remove any from the country.
Offenders are prosecuted. Under Turkish law, all historic sites such as fortresses, castles and ruins, and everything in them,
on the grounds, or in the water, are the property of the Turkish government. While many sites do not have signs cautioning
the unwary, official silence does not mean official consent. Certain antiquities may be purchased, but only from authorized
dealers who have been issued a certificate by a museum for each item they are authorized to sell. If an antiquity has been
purchased without having obtained the necessary certificate, competent museum personnel should evaluate it before its removal
from Turkey. You may be arrested and placed in jail for one month or longer even for accidental cases.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Turkish customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Turkey of items
such as antiquities (very broadly defined) or other important artwork and cultural artifacts. At the time of departure, travelers
who purchase such items may be asked to present a receipt from the seller, as well as the official museum export certificate
required by law. Contact the Embassy of Turkey in Washington or one of Turkey's consulates in the United States for specific
information regarding customs requirements.
Please see our Customs Information.
In addition to being subject to all Turkish laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to additional
laws that impose special obligations on Turkish citizens. Male U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are also considered to
be Turkish citizens may be subject to conscription and compulsory military service upon arrival and to other aspects of Turkish
law while in Turkey. Those who may be affected are strongly advised to consult with Turkish officials and inquire at a Turkish
embassy or consulate to determine their status before traveling. The Government of Turkey will not permit American officials
to visit or provide consular assistance to Turkish/American dual nationals arrested in Turkey. For additional information
on dual nationality, see our dual nationality flyer.
On January 1, 2005, Turkey created the “New Turkish Lira.” On January 1, 2009, the term “New” was eliminated and Turkey introduced
a new, smaller-sized currency referred to as Turkish Lira. Until December 31, 2009, both currencies will be accepted by shopkeepers
at a one for one exchange rate. The old “New Turkish Lira” banknotes will expire on December 31, 2009, but can still be redeemed
from January 1, 2010, until December 31, 2019, at branches of the Central Bank of Republic of Turkey and Türkiye Cumhuriyeti
Ziraat Bankasi. For more information please see the web site of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
Disaster Preparedness: Turkey is a seismically active country and earthquakes occur throughout Turkey. A major earthquake
along the North Anatolian fault line in 1999 killed approximately 18,000 in the Izmit area, approximately 60 miles east of
Istanbul. American citizens 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). The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul can provide
a Disaster Preparedness checklist upon request via email.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Turkish hospitals vary greatly. The new, private hospitals in Ankara, Antalya, and Istanbul have modern facilities and equipment,
numerous U.S.-trained specialists, and international accreditation. However, they 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 whose level of obstetric care is considered to meet Western standards. Those planning
to remain in Turkey for a prolonged period of time should consider bringing or securing a supply of necessary chronic medications
(e.g., heart medications, birth control pills) to cover them while they are in the country, as certain medications are difficult
to obtain in Turkey. Nursing care and diagnostic testing (including mammograms) meet American standards at specific institutions
in the larger cities. Health care standards are lower in small cities in Turkey in comparison to bigger cities such as Ankara,
Istanbul, Izmir, and Adana.
Travelers are advised to drink only bottled water or water that has been filtered and boiled. Bottled beverages are considered
safe to drink. Most local dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, are safe to consume. However, care must be taken
when purchasing all perishable products, as many vendors do not have adequate refrigeration. Travelers are advised to wash
vegetables and fruits thoroughly and to cook meat thoroughly before eating.
HIV/AIDS: Although variably interpreted and enforced, Turkey will generally deport foreigners once their HIV positive status
is discovered.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site. Further health information for travelers is available from the WHO.
Avian Influenza: In January 2006, the WHO and Turkish authorities confirmed human cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza,
commonly known as the "bird flu." The Government of Turkey immediately quarantined the affected region (mostly eastern and
southeastern region) and no human cases have been reported since then. Travelers to Turkey and other countries affected by
the virus are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to
be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. In addition, the CDC and WHO recommend eating only fully cooked
poultry and eggs. For the most current information and links on avian influenza in Turkey, see the State Department's Avian Influenza Fact Sheet or visit the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara .
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Turkey is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in
a particular location or circumstance.
Motorists should drive defensively at all times and take every precaution for safety while driving in Turkey. Drivers routinely
ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs and turning left from the far right hand lane.
These driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents. Statistics released by the Turkish State Statistics Institute indicate
that daytime hours are the most dangerous times on local highways. Drivers should be aware of several driving practices that
are prevalent in Turkey. Normally drivers who experience car troubles or accidents pull over by 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 their emergency lights.
Drivers should exercise extreme caution while driving at night. The Embassy recommends 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 impossible to
see their vehicles. While driving, it is also not unusual to come across dead animals, large rocks, missing sewer covers,
deep holes or objects that have fallen from trucks.
Roads in Turkey run the full spectrum from single lane country roads to modern, divided, Trans-European motorways built to
European standards. Highways in the southwestern, coastal portion of the country, which is frequented by tourists, are generally
in good condition and well maintained.
Further information on driving in Turkey is available on the Embassy's web site. For more information on driving in Turkey, visit the web site of the Embassy of Turkey or the Turkey Road Report . Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
Those who wish to enter the country with their own vehicle will have to provide the following documentation: 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 a transit book "carnet de passage" (for those who
want to proceed to the Middle East). The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 months. If an extension is needed,
apply to the Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Turkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu 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 (Gumrukler Genel Md.lugu Ulus Ankara
Tel: (312) 306-8000, Fax: (312) 306-8995, 306-8965 or 306-8195) before the end of the period declared.
In Case of an Accident: Drivers are to remain at the traffic accident site, and they are not to move their vehicle — even
to move it out of the way — until the Traffic Police arrive. The new Turkish traffic rule does not require a call to the police
in the cases where no injury or death occurs, but instead it only requires the drivers to fill out a form and get 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. 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 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.)
Train Travel: There have been several train accidents on the popular Ankara-Istanbul train route. These accidents have led
to loss of life and injury. In 2003 there were 556 accidents (collisions, derailments, falling from train) resulting in 162
fatalities and 299 injuries on trains throughout Turkey. Previous year’s statistics reflect the same pattern. Two large accidents
in 2004 on the Ankara-Istanbul line resulted in 45 fatalities and scores of injured alone.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Turkey’s Civil Aviation Authority as being
in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standardsfor oversight of Turkey’s air
carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa .
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption of children and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Turkey are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the
State Department’s travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkey. Americans without Internet access may register directly
with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate
to contact them in case of emergency and to make preparations in emergency situations.
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Atatürk Boulevard, tel.: (90) (312) 455-5555, fax (90) (312) 468-6131. Visa information
is also available at (90) (212) 344-4444. Non-emergency e-mail messages about consular matters may be sent through the web
site at http://turkey.usembassy.gov/.
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel.: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.
Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate General's web site. Non-emergency e-mail messages about
consular matters may be sent by email to the consulate.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Güzelevler Mahallesi, Yüregir, Adana, Turkey. Tel: (90) (322) 346-6262, fax (90) (322)
346-7916. General information can be accessed at the Consulate’s web site.
The U.S. Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90) (232) 464-8755.
* * *
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 18, 2008 to update the following sections: Traffic Safety and Road
Conditions, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Crime, and Safety and Security.
