Turkey Travel Safety

Precautions

Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, even if the wrapping or container appears intact. Do not frequent down-market bars and neighbourhoods. Do not accept letters, parcels or other items from strangers. Drug traffickers sometimes attempt to convince foreigners to deliver packages and messages into and out of Turkey.

Road safety

Turkey has a modern road network that is constantly being improved still Exercise caution, especially when driving in the rain. Severe weather conditions may seriously affect road conditions. Accidents are common. Reckless driving, perilous road conditions, inadequate lighting, poor signage and high traffic congestion pose hazards. Avoid driving after dark. If you are involved in an accident with a vehicle, do not move your vehicle, regardless of whether or not you are blocking traffic or anyone is injured. Wait until the police have made an official report. Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Check the website of General Directorate of Highways for road travel in Turkey.

Rail transportation

Turkey is modernizing its main railroads and has introduced a high-speed corridor between Istanbul and Ankara.

Women's safety

Women may experience physical and verbal harassment. There is a greater risk of sexual assault during the summer holiday period in coastal resort areas.

Scams

One scam, particularly common in Istanbul, involves locals inviting tourists to bars for food and drinks and then forcing them to pay a steep bill

Crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in Istanbul. Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure that personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Muggings, assaults and sexual assaults occur. Drugs may be administered through drinks, food, chewing gum or other means, and drugged victims are usually robbed.

Kidnapping

There is a threat of kidnapping along the borders with Syria and Iraq, where Muslim extremist groups take advantage of porous borders and an unpredictable security situation to carry out operations. Groups such as Daesh and Jabat Al Nusra, who use kidnapping as a means of raising funds, may target the local population, foreigners and even foreign aid workers for kidnapping-for-ransom.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism from domestic and international terrorist groups in Turkey. Many attacks have occurred throughout the country. Although most have occurred in the south and east, they are becoming increasingly common in major cities, in Ankara and Istanbul. Attacks have targeted:Turkish military and government facilities. Tourist attractions and popular public places. night life, public transportation and airports. Further attacks are expected to occur, and terrorist groups have indicated that they will specifically target foreigners and tourists. Increased security measures are in place throughout the country. Authorities also announced that they had prevented several attacks. Turkish security officials may set up roadblocks or close streets when they receive reports on specific threats. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public placesAvoid large crowds. Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times.

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in many parts of the country. Behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. During the lunar month of Ramadan use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts. Women should cover their head with a scarf and all visitors should cover their arms and legs in all places of worship and many rural areas.

LGBT

Homosexuality is legal in Turkey. However, many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and public displays of affection may lead to unwelcome attention. Avoid physical contact, including holding hands.

Illegal or restricted activities

The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Do not agree to carry any baggage that is not yours. It is illegal to denigrate, desecrate or insult the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, the President of the Republic, the Turkish flag and the National Anthem, Turkish currency, the organs and institutions of the State and its judicial bodies, the police and the military. It is forbidden to photograph military or public installations. Avoid photographing public demonstrations or members of police or security forces. Cameras may be confiscated. Do not photograph people without their permission. Turkish antiquities and other cultural artifacts that are considered of historical value or of national importance cannot be exported. Seek advice from Turkish authorities prior to departure from Turkey. If the item can be exported, you will require a sales receipt and the official museum export certificate issued by the Turkish customs office. Although religious proselytizing is not illegal, some activities may be considered illegal and could lead to detention. In public avoid discussions on historical issues and politics.

Identification

It's illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. There is a zero tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving. Consequences could include heavy fines payable on the spot.