Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Increased Threat Levels due to PKK Anniversary and Concerns about Travel near the Syrian Border

August 14, 2012

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that August 15 marks the anniversary of the first PKK, Kurdistan People’s Congress, (also known as the Kongra-Gel (KGK)) attack against Turkish government installations.  The PKK anniversary has historically served as a pretext for an escalation of violence throughout Turkey.  The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for terrorist-related violence and the possibility of increased PKK activity in urban and tourist areas.  While the PKK's intentions for this year’s anniversary are unclear, the potential for violence or unrest warrants increased awareness during this period.  U.S. Government travelers have been ordered not to visit southeastern Turkey during this time.

Also, the Embassy strongly recommends avoiding the Syrian border area where ongoing humanitarian operations could pose inconveniences/dangers for U.S. citizen travelers.  Travelers are specifically advised not to photograph Turkish military operations or installations near the Syrian border.  On August 1, the U.S. Department of State updated the Travel Warning for Syria.  This travel warning remains in effect.

U.S. citizens traveling to the southeastern part of Turkey or residing in Turkey are advised to provide their contact and next-of-kin information through the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or nearest Consulate to contact them in the case of an emergency.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad".  

We encourage all U.S. citizens to exercise caution and maintain a low profile throughout Turkey.  We reiterate the U.S. Department of State’s advice to take prudent steps to ensure your personal safety: remain vigilant and aware of surroundings, listen to news reports, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and vary times and routes for all travel. 

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll 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).  We also invite U.S. citizens to read the Country Specific Information for Turkey.  You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook as well.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information.

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.  The Internet address is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.  After hours emergencies, please call 90) 312-455 5555. 

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Uçsehitler Sokagi 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's web site at http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/.  After hours emergencies, please call 90-212-335 93 68.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, web site: http://adana.usconsulate.gov.  After hours emergencies, please call (322) 346-6262 for 24-hour assistance.

The U.S. Consular Agency in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.