Genvisec advises business travel can continue to Turkey avoiding certain areas of the country.

 

We advise against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.

 

We advise against all but essential travel to:

• the remaining areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces

• Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari 

Security force operations against the PKK and related groups are ongoing in the Sur district of Diyarbakir. Similar operations have taken place/ongoing in Sirnak and Hakkari. You should take extreme care in these areas

 

Local travel – eastern provinces

We advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Diyarbakir and Tunceli. Since July there has been an intensive period of PKK attacks on Turkish security forces, their premises and vehicles. Civilians have been affected.

 

Security force operations against the PKK and related groups are ongoing in the Sur district of Diyarbakir with reports of heavy fighting in some areas. We advise against all travel to the city of Diyarbakir. Similar operations have taken place in the cities of Sirnak and Hakkari. Curfews have been imposed in these and other towns and cities in the region. You should take extreme care in these areas.

 

A temporary Turkish military restricted zone has been imposed for the Mount Ararat area. No permission is being given for parties to enter the area, nor to climb the mountain. Other temporary military restricted zones have been established in eastern provinces. Don’t attempt to enter these zones. There may be some disruption to travel in these areas.

 

Demonstrations

 

Since Spring 2013, there have been sporadic demonstrations in cities across Turkey, some of which have become violent. In Istanbul previous demonstrations have centered on the area around Taksim Square, on Istiklal Street and in the Besiktas and Kadikoy districts and more recently in Okmeydani. In Ankara, the protests have mainly taken place in the central Kizilay district around the Prime Minister’s office. In Izmir the focus has been in the town centre, near the water front.

 

You should avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Police have used tear gas and water cannon extensively to disperse protests. The effects of tear gas can be felt several hundred metres beyond the immediate site of demonstrations. Local transport routes may be disrupted.

 

Crime

 

Generally crime levels are low, but street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in your home country. Alcohol and drugs can make you less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars overseas are often strong. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times so they are not spiked. Be wary of strangers approaching you offering food and drink (which may be drugged), to change money or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub.

 

Passports have been stolen from rented villas, even when they have been kept in the villa safe. This is a particular problem in Didim, Kas, Kalkan and the Fethiye/Hisaronu/Ovacik area.

 

In 2014, 14 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to consular staff in Turkey. Most of these cases occurred during the summer holiday period in coastal tourist areas. Most were committed late at night by someone the victim met during the evening. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. You should be extra vigilant in these situations.

 

Never accept lifts from strangers. Find a registered yellow taxi and make a note of the registration number before getting in.

 

Very rarely counterfeit alcohol has been responsible for the death of some tourists. If you have any concerns, seek advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.

 

Road travel

 

Take care when travelling by road throughout Turkey, particularly at night. Roads between the major cities are generally in excellent condition, but can be poor in remote, rural areas. Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving. According to the Turkish police, there were 1,207,354 road traffic accidents in 2013 which resulted in 3,685 deaths and 274,829 injuries.

 

If you drive in Turkey, you must have either an International Driving Permit or a notarised copy (in Turkish) of your EU driving licence. Provisional driving licences are not recognised.

 

You will need an ‘A’ category standard motorcycle licence to hire a motorcycle over 50cc in Turkey. An ‘A1’ category ‘light motorcycle’ driving licence is only suitable for motorcycles below 50cc. By law you must wear a helmet. Failure to do so could result in a heavy fine.

 

Don’t drink and drive. The police will breathalyse drunk drivers, fine you on the spot and immediately confiscate your licence for 6 months.

 

Extreme sports

 

If you participate in extreme sports (including paragliding, parasailing, white-water rafting, off-road driving and hot air ballooning), satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place. Only use reputable operators and insist on training before use. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. British nationals have been injured and in some cases killed participating in extreme sports.

 

Stray dogs

 

Most towns and cities have stray dogs. Local authorities take action to control and manage numbers but packs congregate in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive. Take care, remain calm, and avoid approaching stray dogs. If you’re bitten, seek medical advice as rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.

 

Local laws and customs

Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in all indoor workplaces and public places. Smoking is restricted in some outdoor areas where cultural, artistic, sports or entertainment activities are held.

 

Turkey has strict laws against the use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs. If you are convicted of any of these offences, you can expect to receive a heavy fine or a prison sentence of 4 to 24 years. The possession, sale and export of antiquities is against the law.

 

Dress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine.

 

It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

 

Don’t take photographs near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.

 

Homosexuality is legal in Turkey. However, many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and public displays of affection may lead to unwelcome attention.

 

It is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface or tear up currency.

 

Money

ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. You can get local currency from banks and exchange bureaux, known as DOVIZ in Turkish.

 

Health

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is not valid in Turkey. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

Many parts of Turkey are subject to earthquakes and tremors.

 

You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and follow any advice given by the local authorities.

 

Terrorism

There is a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect places visited by foreigners.

 

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could affect places visited by foreigners. A number of terrorist groups are active in Turkey. During 2015 there was an increase in PKK (Kurdish separatist) terrorist activity in south-east Turkey. There have been a number of attacks by other groups including suicide attacks by Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), and attacks by the far left DHKP(C) and Kurdish separatist TAK in cities including Ankara and Istanbul.

 

On 13 March 2016 a bombing in central Ankara killed more than 30 people.

There was an explosion near a military base in central Ankara on 17 February 2016. The Turkish authorities have confirmed that 28 people were killed and 61 injured. 

There was a mortar attack on Sabiha Gokcen airport in Istanbul while the airport was closed for the night on 23 December 2015.

There were 2 explosions near the main Ankara train station in the Ulus area on 10 October 2015. At least 100 people were killed and more than 180 injured. 

On 19 August 2015 there was an incident involving gunfire and a sound grenade in an attack on Turkish national police guards stationed outside Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul.

On 10 August, 2 people opened fire outside the US Consulate-General in Istanbul. 

On 20 July 2015, a suicide bomber killed 33 people and injured over 100 others in Suruc, Sanlurfa province near the Syrian border.

On 9 June, 4 people were killed in an attack in Diyarbakir. On 5 June, two people were killed and many injured by an explosion at an HDP rally in Diyarbakir.

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Turkey shares a long border with Syria. Thousands of foreign nationals, including some British nationals, have recently used Turkey as a transit route with some joining terrorist groups like ANF (Al Nusra Front) and ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in Syria. ISIL, although based in Syria and Iraq, have the capacity to carry out attacks in neighbouring countries, including Turkey. Media reports suggest that terrorists could target areas throughout Turkey, including Ankara, Istanbul and areas close to the Syrian border.

 

Extremist groups in northern Syria have recently targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border, including a roadblock leading to the Bab al-Hawa crossing near Reyhanli in Hatay province (in Turkey). In May 2014, a car bomb was detonated at a garage on the Syrian side of the border near the Bab Al-Salameh border crossing point between Turkey and Syria. In March 2014, a Turkish police checkpoint between Adana and Niğde provinces came under fire from a group of foreign extremists who had been based in Syria. Three Turkish nationals were killed.

 

There is a domestic terrorist presence in the south east of the country, including in Van, Bitlis, Bingol, Elazig, Mus, Batman, Erzincan, Diyarbakir and Agri provinces. But following the launch of talks in December 2012 between the Turkish Government and the PKK (proscribed as a terrorist group in the UK), there has been a marked decline in terrorist activity in the region. A significant number of PKK terrorists have left Turkey as peace talks continue, though the group froze its withdrawal in September 2013.

 

The anti-western, proscribed terrorist group, THKP/C-Acilciler (Turkish People’s Liberation Party/Front) and the linked DHKP/C (Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front) remain active. In 2013, a DHKP/C suicide bomber targeted the US Embassy in Ankara killing himself and a Turkish security guard.

 

Between approximately 30 March and 20 April, there are several dates significant to the DHKP/C, starting with the 30 March anniversary of their founding which may have been linked to previous attacks. 19 December is also recognised as an important date around which the DHKP/C may be active.

 

On 1 April, members of the terrorist DHKP-C organisation opened fire on a police station in central Istanbul. One terrorist was killed.

 

On 31 March, two DHKP-C terrorists and a hostage were killed following an exchange of fire with police at an Istanbul court.

 

One Turkish national was killed following a bombing in the Sisli district of Istanbul on 25 March. Turkish police intercepted a vehicle carrying weapons into Istanbul over the weekend of 21/22 March.

 

Following a suicide bombing in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul on 6 January, police discovered a number of explosive devices planted in a range of locations across Istanbul during the weekend of 17/18 January. One device exploded but there were no casualties.

 

On 9 October 2014, two2 police officers in Bingol (south eastern Turkey) were killed in a suspected terrorist attack.

 

Methods of attack have included armed assaults, suicide bombings, car bombings and rocket attacks and improvised explosive devices left in refuse bins, crowded areas and on public transport.

 

Be vigilant, monitor media reports and keep up to date with the travel advice.

 

Kidnapping

 

There is a threat of kidnapping near the Syrian border in Turkey.

 

Terrorist groups operating in Syria, including those like ISIL who routinely use kidnapping as a tactic, are present in the Syrian border areas and are capable of conducting kidnappings from across the border. ISIL and other terrorist groups view those engaged in humanitarian aid work or journalism as legitimate targets. If you’re kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as protection or secure your safe release.

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Turkey, except for cruise ship passengers with  passports entering the country for a day trip, remaining in the port of embarkation and returning to the ship the same day.

 

You can get an e-Visa online before you travel through the official e-Visa website. An e-visa costs $20 and you can pay using a credit or debit card. You can apply up to 3 months in advance of your travel date. Turkish visit visas issued on arrival are valid for multiple stays up to a maximum of 90 days in a 180 day period.

 

If you have any queries regarding e-Visas call the Visa Contact Centre (details provided by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

 

Some unauthorised websites may charge for information about e-Visas, and for submitting applications. These websites are not endorsed by or associated with the Turkish government. Be wary of such sites and businesses, particularly those that seek additional fees for other services.

 

In case of problems with the computer systems at the Turkish port of entry, print off and carry a paper copy of your e-Visa, or make sure you have an electronic copy on a smart phone or other device to show to the immigration officer.

 

Until further notice EU citizens can get a multiple entry visitor visa, valid for 90 days, on arrival at any port of entry on payment of £20 in cash  However, the visa on arrival service is likely to be phased out at some point in the near future. To avoid possible problems or delays at the Turkish border, or when boarding your flight, get an e-Visa before you travel. At Istanbul Ataturk airport (and possibly at other airports) there will be self service e-Visa kiosks and Wi-Fi areas where visitors can apply for an e-Visa on arrival using their own smart devices.

 

You can also apply for a visa before you travel from the Turkish Consulate General your home country. If you’re planning to study or work in Turkey, or are unsure about the type of visa you require, you should apply for a visa before travel.

 

Make sure your passport has a blank page for the visa stamp. If it doesn’t, the Turkish authorities will issue an ‘Entry-Exit form’ and put your entry-exit stamp on there. You should carry this form with you in Turkey and present it to the border officers when you leave.

 

If you plan to remain in Turkey for a period of more than 90 days, you should either apply for a longer stay visa before you travel, or get a residence permit from the local authorities in Turkey before your 90 day stay has elapsed. If you intend to work in Turkey, ensure you have the correct permits. More information is available from the Turkish Ministry of the Interior. If you don’t abide by the terms of your visa or permit, you may be fined, deported and banned from re-entering the country.

 

If you’re entering Turkey via a land border crossing, make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing area.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turkey and have at least 3 months validity from the date you leave Turkey.

 

From 1 January 2015, when you enter Turkey your passport must also have at least 60 days validity beyond the expiry date of your visa or residence permit.

 

The Turkish authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Travelling with children

 

If you are leaving Turkey with a child who is a dual Foreign-Turkish national, you may be asked to show the Turkish immigration authorities evidence that the Turkish parent has given permission for the child to travel.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Turkey within the dates printed on the document. ETDs should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Turkey.