Turkey

The overall crime level in Turkey is low. However, take the necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never let your drink out of your sight. There have been reports of assaults involving date rape drugs. There have been reports of sexual assaults occurring in Turkish baths (hammams) or spas, in taxis, and when traveling alone at night. 

Always carry a form of official government photo identification document. You may be asked by authorities to present your identification documents.

Penalties for drug offenses are severe.

LGBTI travellers are not protected by anti-discrimination laws in Turkey, and there is widespread intolerance for same-sex relationships. LBGTI individuals have been targets of violence. LBGTI travellers should carefully consider the culture if planning to travel to Turkey.

Public displays of affection may not be tolerated.

When visiting Turkey, you are subject to laws and penalties that might be considered severe in your country of origin.

You could be prosecuted for photographing military installations, visiting Mount Ararat without permission, selling or exporting artifacts without a receipt, official certificate and authorization, using a metal detector to find antique objects, damaging Turkish currency, or failing to comply with any visa conditions. You can be arrested for actions, making statements or expressing opinions that authorities may consider insulting to the country.

Some countries advise against unnecessary travel to Istanbul and Ankara due to the threat of terrorist attack.

Avoid all travel to the Turkish towns of Akḉakale and Ceylanpinar. Avoid all but essential travel to areas within 10 kilometers of Turkey’s border with Syria and border areas with Iraq and Iran. The southeastern region of Turkey is dangerous due to military operations, the risk of kidnapping, criminal activities, and terrorism, especially in the provinces along the border with Iraq and Syria. Avoid all but necessary travel to the areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Şanlıurfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Hatay, Siirt, Tunceli, Diyarbakir, Van, Mus, Batman, Bingol, Bitlis and Hakkari provinces. Mount Ararat in the Ağri province is a special military zone; access permission must be obtained before travelling to Turkey.

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Turkey, including at tourist sites and other locations frequented by foreigners. There are known terrorist groups that are active in Turkey, and there is a risk for terrorist attacks. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Minimize safety risk by avoiding crowded, busy areas that are frequented by foreigners, including shopping and market areas, religious sites, entertainment venues, tourist sites, and police installations.

Since an attempted coup in July 2016, the political situation has calmed. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations. In the past, protests have become violent and people were killed. In some countries, it is against the law for foreigners to participate in political demonstrations.