Turkey Travel Advice & Safety

On 23 October, the US Government warned of credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against US citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey.

Generally there is an ongoing high threat of terrorist attack in Turkey, particularly in south-eastern Turkey.

Attacks could take place anywhere and at any time.

Terrorists continue to call for attacks in Turkey, including in urban areas and at tourist spots.

Future terrorist attacks targeting Western interests, including travellers, are expected.

Possible targets include:

diplomatic missions
tourist sites
public transport and transport hubs
shopping malls
Western hotels

Terrorists may also target entertainment areas, such as:

Kizilay and Tunali in Ankara
Istiklal Street in Istanbul

Past terror attacks

Past terrorist attacks have targeted:

tourist sites
government
judiciary
political parties
businesses
places of worship
areas popular with Westerners

Terrorists have also targeted places associated with the Turkish security forces, such as military barracks and police vehicles.

Deadly attacks have occurred across the country, including in major cities and towns.

Turkish authorities have disrupted some terrorist attacks. But there have been a number of deadly attacks recent years.

In January 2017, an armed attack at Reina nightclub in Istanbul killed 39 people and injured 69.

In December 2016, a coordinated terrorist attack at a major football stadium and a nearby park in central Istanbul killed 44 people and injured more than 100.

In June 2016, a terrorist attack at Istanbul’s Atatürk airport killed 47 people and injured more than 250.

In March 2016:

terrorist group the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) claimed responsibility for an explosion in the Kizilay district of Ankara that killed 37 people and injured 130
a suicide bombing in Istiklal Street, Istanbul killed 5 people and injured 39, including foreign tourists

Terrorists have attacked on significant dates and anniversaries, such as:

15 February — anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan’s capture
21 March — Persian New Year (Nevruz) celebrations
30 March — the founding of Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front (DHKP/C)
4 April — Abdullah Öcalan’s birthday
1 May — May Day
15 July — anniversary of the 2016 coup attempt
15 August — anniversary of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s first attack
27 November — anniversary of the founding of the terrorist group the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)
19 December — a significant date for DHKP/C

Border regions

The threat of terrorist attack, violence and acts of war is high along the borders with Syria and Iraq. Rockets have been fired from Syria and Iraq into Turkish territory.

There’s a high threat of:

politically motivated violence
cross-border terrorist attacks
kidnapping

South-eastern and eastern provinces

The south-eastern and eastern provinces see occasional clashes, particularly between terrorist group the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Turkish security forces.

Attacks by the PKK on government institutions, infrastructure and other sites have affected civilians.

Large-scale terrorist attacks have occurred in these areas, including:

suicide bombings
ambushes
car bombings
bombings with improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
shootings
violent demonstrations

The situation is more dangerous at night and in rural areas. Tensions are high. More clashes are likely.

To stay safe, avoid large crowds and queues around:

shopping centre entrances
tourist attractions
restaurants
hotels
businesses
other symbols of Western culture

To protect yourself:

minimise the time you spend in possible terrorist target areas
be alert to threats, especially in public places and around significant dates
report suspicious activity or items to police
monitor the media for new and emerging threats
take official warnings seriously
follow the advice of local authorities

If there is an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it’s safe to do so.

More information: