Turkey
Country Specific Information
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April 27, 2012

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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SMARTTRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM(STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Turkey, please take the time to tell our Embassy (and/or Consulate) about your trip. If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you 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: (90) (212) 340-4444 or NIVIstanbul@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
Ümran Baradan Sokak (1387) Sokak No: 1/8, Alsancak, Izmir
Telephone: (90) (232) 464-8755

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ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS: You need a passport and visa to travel to Turkey. Passports should be valid for at least 90 days from the date of entry into Turkey. If you are traveling as a tourist, you can purchase a tourist visa at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate in the United States, or you can purchase a sticker visa at the Turkish airport or other port of entry for $20 (U.S.) cash. There is one exception: foreigners who are traveling to Turkey by cruise ship are allowed to enter Turkey without a visa for a maximum period of 72 hours, with the permission given by the local security authorities at the port of entry.

Effective February 1, 2012, a new law took effect allowing a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. The new regulation will not make any changes to the visa requirements for travel to Turkey, but it will affect how long U.S. citizens can remain in Turkey. If you are planning to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you must get a Turkish residence permit. U.S. citizens who enter Turkey with a tourist visa and who wish to stay in Turkey for tourism purposes for longer than 90 days are now able to get a residence permit for tourism purposes for a maximum period of six months. This will allow U.S. citizens to stay in Turkey for tourism purposes for up to a total of nine months.

In order to obtain a tourist residence permit or any other class of residence permit, please contact the nearest Foreigners Police office in Turkey. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S Citizens to not overstay their visas and to maintain valid residence permits at all times. Turkish authorities do enforce the laws, including those stipulating fines, deportation, and bans on future travel to Turkey for people who overstay their visas or do not maintain valid residence permits.

Foreigners who have overstayed their visas, residence permits, or visa-exempt periods and are subject to a fine can also benefit from the residence permit procedure as long as they pay the related fines.

U.S. CITIZENS WHO LIVE IN TURKEY:

As of January 1, 2012, a new General Health Insurance (GHI) law took effect in Turkey. If you live in Turkey and wish to enroll in and receive GHI coverage you may do so as long as you meet the administrative requirements described below. 

1) Present a valid residence permit and show that you have resided in Turkey for one year.

2) Register within one month of completing one year of residency in Turkey.

3) Fill out and submit an application.

4) Pay the individual monthly premium, which is approximately 213 Turkish Lira (approximately $117) and subject to change.

Since enrollment in GHI is optional for U.S. citizens, if you decide at first to not participate but then later change your mind and decide to voluntarily enroll more than one month after completing one year of residency in Turkey, the following will happen:

1) You must pay an administrative fine equal to one month’s minimum wage, which is approximately 886 Turkish Lira (approximately $490), and subject to change twice yearly.  

2) You must pay the insurance premiums and interest retroactively from the date that you completed one year of residency in Turkey up to the time of enrollment. 

If you are considering enrolling in Turkish GHI you should carefully research what is covered and what is not covered, because once you enroll in GHI your coverage can only be canceled if your residence permit expires or if you move away and no longer reside in Turkey.

For more information, please visit the “Living in Turkey” section of the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services website. 

For further information, travelers in the United States may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkeyat 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, U.S., travelers may contact a Turkish Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Official and diplomatic passport holder straveling on official business must obtain a visa from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate before arriving in Turkey. If traveling as tourists, they may purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for $20 (U.S.) cash.

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 Turkish entry stamps on the passport page containing your visa at the first port of entry before transferring to domestic flights. Failure to obtain these stamps may cause serious difficulties when you leave Turkey. On multiple occasions, Turkish authorities have detained travelers overnight in such situations. You should also get an exit stamp in your passport when leaving Turkey. Otherwise, you may face difficulties re-entering Turkey and be subject to a fine on your next visit.

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 denied entry to Turkey for three months to five years. The length of the ban is determined by the length of the "overstay."

Check with the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey for the most current visa information.

Crossing the border with Iraq can be time-consuming as the Turkish government tightly controls entry and exit.

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 HIV-positive status is discovered.

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

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY:

There have been violent attacks throughout Turkey, and there is 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. In July 2011, 15 terrorists claiming association with al-Qaida were arrested for gathering explosive materials in preparation for a planned attack on the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. These incidents show a willingness on the part of some terrorist groups to attack identifiably Western targets. The possibility of terrorist attacks,from both transnational and indigenous groups, remains high.

The Kurdistan People's Congress (Kongra Gel, or KGK; formerly the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK) 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-2011this terrorist group threatened increased violent activity in urban areas in Turkey, and there is credible information that it intends to continuetotarget tourist areas. There are continued clashes between Turkish security forces and the PKK in parts of Turkey, including outside of its usual operating area in southeast Turkey. The group continues to target Turkish officials and civilian facilities as well.

The March 30th anniversary of the founding of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party – Front (DHKP/C – an indigenous terrorist organization), the August 15th anniversary of the first PKK attack against the Turkish government, the February 15th anniversary of the arrest of PKK’s founder, and the mid-March celebration of the Kurdish holiday of Nevruz stand out as dates with an elevated potential for terrorist action. Nevruz celebrations, generally held in cities and towns throughout southeastern Turkey and in other major cities in mid-March, have been combined with political rallies in the past, and have turned violent and involved clashes with police.

On these and every other day, U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness; you should follow local news sources during your stay to remain abreast of any potential areas, dates, or times of concern, as well as registering with the STEP program detailed above.

Past terrorist activity and other threats to safety and security in major cities and regions in Turkey include:

Ankara: In September 2011, a car bomb in the downtown district of Kizilay killed 3 and injured 15. In July 2011, 15 people were arrested in conjunction with an al-Qa’ida plot to attack multiple sites in the capital, including the U.S. Embassy. In May 2007, a suicide bomber in the downtown district of Ulus killed six and injured more than 100. The Turkish police attributed these attacks to PKK-related groups.

Istanbul: In May 2011, a bomb believed to have been placed by the PKK to target a nearby police facility exploded in a residential area, injuring eight. 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 the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) claimed responsibility (see below). In October 2010, a suicide bomber struck a Turkish police bus in Taksim Square, injuring 15 Turkish police officers and 17 Turkish civilians. In 2008, there were three significant events starting with a bombing in July 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 the wounding of two other police personnel. Small-scale bombings, violent demonstrations and vehicle arson occur on a regular basis. Most of these incidents happened in neighborhoods not generally frequented by tourists.

Kastamonu: In June 2011, terrorists launched an attack on a convoy of election campaign vehicles belonging to the Prime Ministry, resulting in the death of one police officer. 

Mediterranean/Aegean Regions: The TAK , 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, 10 British citizens and 6 Turkish citizens 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): U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions and require advance approval prior to official or unofficial travel to the provinces of %u0218irnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mu%u0219, Mardin, Batman, Bingöl, Tunceli, Hakkâri, Bitlis, and Elâzi%u011F. U.S. military and Department of Defense civilians have additional restrictions and should consult their local area commander to obtain the latest travel guidance. Mount Ararat, in A%u011Fri 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. In July 2008, three German tourists were kidnapped by armed PKK militants while camping on Mt. Ararat with their 13-member climbing team. U.S. citizens traveling in southeastern Turkey, as well as to Mt. Ararat should exercise extreme caution.

On October 16, 2011, during a pro-PKK rally in Adana, an improvised explosive device was detonated, as a result of which six police officers and three civilians were seriously wounded. 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 there are indications 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. 

Turkish police periodically mount major operations against the PKK and terrorist cells in 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 conduct operations throughout southeastern Turkey regularly carrying out attacks that are primarily focused 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. 

Roadside explosions caused by remote-controlled land mines or other improvised explosive devices have occurred several times in the past yearin the Batman, %u0218irnak, Hakkâri, Siirt, Mardin, Diyarbakir, and Tunceli provinces , as havesmall-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 terrorist movement. Small "sound" bombs, producing only loud noise, are frequent eventsthroughout the region. There have also been a number of PKK raids on Jandarma (rural 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 %u0218irnak, 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.

Use commercial air travel whenever possible while traveling to southeastern Turkey. If road travel is necessary, 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 cooperate if stopped at any checkpoint. 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.

For all of Turkey, do not accept letters, parcels, or other items from strangers for delivery either inside or outside of Turkey. The PKK has attempted to use foreigners to deliver messages and packages inside and outside of Turkey. Individuals acting or seen to be acting as "couriers" could be arrested for aiding and abetting the terrorist organization.

In addition to terrorist activities, there have been instances of violence targeting Christians in Turkey, including: an April 2011 assault on a church in Izmir; an 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; and the fatal shooting of a Catholic priest in Trabzon in February 2006.

Following Israel's Gaza offensive in December 2008, there were incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti and statements by private individuals. The level of anti-Israeli feeling remains significant. Turkish officials expressly said they excluded Jewish people, in Turkey and elsewhere, from their criticism of the Government of Israel in the wake of the intervention by Israeli Defense Forces on the Free Gaza Flotilla in May 2010.

While recent May Day (May 1) celebrations in Istanbul's Taksim Square have been peaceful, past May Day celebrations have resulted in violent clashes between police and workers, and should be avoided.

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. However, even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable; they should be avoided. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what local news media say. Obey the instructions of Turkish security personnel at all times. Information on specific demonstrations can be found under ”Messages for U.S. Citizens” at each of our respective Mission websites: Messages for U.S. Citizens - Embassy Ankara; Messages for U.S. Citizens - Consulate General Istanbul; and Messages for U.S. Citizens - Consulate Adana.

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CRIME: The rate of street crime remains relatively low in Turkey. 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 the 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, especially when alone. 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 knowingly buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are bootleg copies of copyrighted goods illegal to bring back into the United States, if you purchase them, you may also be breaking local law. 

The Embassy and Consulates have received e-mail complaints from U.S. citizens about online scams – ranging from fraudulent awarding of diversity ("lottery") visas to fronts for Internet dating and romances to scams about purchases of pets – and were subsequently defrauded of hundreds of dollars. Be very careful about suspicious requests for deposits and various types of registration fees. Consulate General Istanbul’s website has a section detailing some of the more common scams. 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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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport;
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape;
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we cancontact family members or friend; and
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the 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.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including 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; for instance, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or possessing or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime that is 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, use 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 Turkish conscription and compulsory military service. Those with questions are strongly advised to consult with officials at Turkish embassies or consulates before traveling. Turkish law does not allow for 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.

JUDICIAL ASSISTANCE: Judicial assistance between the United States and Turkey is governed by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. For more detailed information please see the State Department’s Turkey Judicial Assistance page.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: On January 1, 2009, Turkey introduced a new, smaller-sized currency referred to as Turkish Lira. For more information please see the website of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.

Disaster Preparedness: A seismically active country, earthquakes regularly occur throughout Turkey. A major earthquake in 1999 killed approximately 18,000 people approximately 60 miles east of Istanbul. You should make contingency plans for your travel in Turkey 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 Istanbulwebsitefor 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. 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.

Persons with disabilities generally find Turkish airports and metro stations are easily accessible, but other public transportation such as buses or taxis are not. 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 these are uncommon. The pedestrian crossing rules and their enforcement are different than in the United States. Cars rarely stop when they see a pedestrian, and may not stop when the traffic light is red or at a pedestrian crosswalk. Sidewalks and footpaths are at times high and uneven. Overpasses and underpasses are generally not designed for the disabled. Roads and footpaths are frequently under construction and may contain extensive obstructions. In addition, vehicles may park on footpaths or otherwise obstruct access to footpaths. 

While some accessible hotels and restaurants exist in tourist destinations, in general, accessibility for people with disabilities in Turkey is poor. 

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: You can find detailed information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websiteor at the CDC's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747). For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website, which also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

The care provided in Turkish hospitals varies greatly. New private hospitals in Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and Istanbul have modern facilities and equipment, numerous U.S.-trained specialists, and international accreditation. However, some still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions. While the State Department prefers medical evacuation for its personnel who will be giving birth, there are private hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul that meet Western standards of obstetric care. Turkish Airlines only allows women who are 28-36 weeks pregnant to fly with a medical clearance. After 36 weeks of pregnancy, it will not permit pregnant women to board a plane. 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.

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.

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 outside of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation back to the United States?

In many places, doctors and hospitals 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. 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.

Drive defensively at all times and take every precaution while driving in Turkey. Drivers routinely ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs, and turning left from the far right lane. These and other similar driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents. 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. Using a cell phone while driving is strictly prohibited by law. Driving while using a cell phone can lead to a 72 TL (approximately $40) fine. 

Be extremely cautious while driving at night. We recommend that you not drive after dark outside of major cities. Some local drivers drive without their lights on or with very low lights, making it difficult to see them. It is not unusual to find hazardous objects in roadways such as 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, while conditions in other areas vary. The legal limit for alcohol is 0.50 promil (100 milliliter blood and 50 milligram alcohol), which is approximately 0.05%. Penalties for driving drunk include a fine of 650 TL (approximately $365) and the individual’s license will be confiscated for 6 months. 

To enter Turkey with your own vehicle you need: your passport, international driving license, car registration (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 can be obtained if one applies before the end of the initially declared and approved period. Applications may be submitted 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). To obtain a Turkish license, you will have to attend private driving lessons for 6 weeks before the final exam, which is administered in Turkish. On average, to obtain a Turkish driver’s license takes 8 weeks.

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 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 may be held liable for the accident. If anybody has been 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 accident 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 this 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.

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

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 line resulted in 45 fatalities and scores of injuries.

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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 April 15, 2011, to update sections on Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, Entry/Exit Requirements, Threats to Safety and Security, Crime, Dual Citizenship, Disaster Preparedness, Accessibility, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

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