Turkey travel advice

Most visits are trouble-free. However, there is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey, and a number of terrorist groups remain active in the country. Terrorist attacks are regularly carried out against the security forces in the south east of the country by the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Travellers are advised against all but essential travel in the provinces of Hakkari, Sirnak, Siirt and Tunceli and visitors should remain vigilant when travelling in other provinces in south eastern Turkey. Terrorist attacks have also taken place against both government and civilian targets in major cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, and tourist resorts on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Improvised explosive devices (IED's) have been placed in crowded areas, restaurants, refuge bins, outside banks and hotels and on dolmus mini-buses and trains.

Al Qaida and other networks inspired by religious extremism have specifically targeted western interests in Turkey and there remains a global risk of attack from such groups.

Turkey's Kurds will celebrate 'Newroz', the Kurdish New Year which begins on Saturday 20 March and continues into Sunday. In the past, some Newroz demonstrations have been marred by violence, for example in and around the Taksim area of Istanbul, the coastal road into Istanbul from Ataturk airport and in the cities of south east Turkey where there are large Kurdish populations. Travellers are advised to be extra vigilance at this time and avoid these areas if possible.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel