Avoid non-essential travel to to the following southeastern provinces due to an unpredictable security situation:

Avoid all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria, due to a deteriorating security situation.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country.

This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.

Safety and security

Safety and security

COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions Preventative measures and restrictions are in place. These measures may vary depending on the province or city. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing

Avoid crowded areas

You must wear a face covering in public Individuals aged 65 or older can only leave their accommodation on a daily basis from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Individuals under 18 can leave their accommodation at any time but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You might require an HES (Hayat Eve Sığar) personal code for domestic and international travel. You can obtain an HES code on the HES mobile app, on the e-Government website or by sending an SMS message to 2023. If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.

Border with Syria (see Advisory)

Extremist groups regularly carry out attacks at border crossings and other locations in Syria close to the Turkish border. These attacks are indiscriminate, often result in deaths and injuries and spill over into Turkey. The Turkish government has declared some areas in villages along the border with Syria special security zones as part of military cross-border operations. Expect a heightened military presence and movement restrictions in these areas.

The security situation remains unpredictable.

Exercise extreme caution

Review your security measures regularly

Monitor these events very closely

Southeast region

The three-year ceasefire between the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) ended in July 2015. The TAF has conducted several air strikes against PKK targets in the Turkish–Iraqi border area. The PKK have launched deadly terrorist attacks against Turkish security personnel in several cities and regions in the south and southeast of the country. Curfews can be enforced without notice.

Remain vigilant

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local and international media

Protests and civil unrest in several southeastern cities have led to violent clashes between police and protesters. Gunfire and small-scale bomb explosions have resulted in deaths. Other incidents have caused injuries and property damage.

There is a risk, particularly to foreigners, of kidnapping in the area (see Kidnapping, below). Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Avoid overland travel. If you must, drive during the day and stay on major roads. Do not use public transportation.

Attempted coup

On July 15 and 16, 2016, an attempted coup took place in Turkey. Conditions remain volatile and the situation can change rapidly, especially in large cities. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Expect an increased presence of security forces in large cities, random ID checks and ‎roadblocks. Cooperate during ID checks and always carry your passport and visa or residence permit. Failure to produce these documents or non-compliance with Turkish officials during identity checks could result in fines, detainment or deportation.

Turkish authorities have detained and prosecuted large numbers of people over social media posts criticizing the government, state officials, president, military operations, etc.—even to authors of posts published in the past or while in another country. Keep in mind the sensitivities, think twice before posting or reacting to online content criticizing the government, and restrain/limit your social media footprint.

Even if a case does not go to trial or ends in acquittal, people can be labelled as terrorism suspects, face adverse consequences due to investigations and criminal proceedings, including possible loss of employment and social exclusion.

In addition, authorities have targeted people and groups for publishing statements and organizing news conferences, organizing or participating to nonviolent activities, critical writing and online activism protesting the government, its policies, decisions and/or actions.

Turkish citizens belonging to certain occupational groups may be required to produce a letter from their employer when leaving the country. This may affect dual Canadian-Turkish citizens trying to leave Turkey.

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, some also took place in major cities, including Ankara, Bursa, Istanbul and Izmir. Attacks have targeted:

Turkish military and government facilities

tourist attractions and popular public places

night life

public transportation

airports

Further attacks are expected to occur and terrorist groups have indicated that they will specifically target foreigners and tourists.

Terrorists may also target:

crowded places

places with high pedestrian traffic and where foreigners may gather

commercial establishments

local government offices

public transit stations

busy streets

long queues at tourist attractions

places of worship

Increased security measures are in place throughout the country. Authorities have 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 places

Avoid large crowds

Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times

Kidnapping

There is a threat of kidnapping along Turkey’s 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.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Follow the instructions of local authorities

Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly 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. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, even if the wrapping or container appears intact.

Do not go to down-market bars and neighbourhoods. 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.

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.

Women’s safety

There is a greater risk of sexual assault during the summer holiday period in coastal resort areas.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Safe-travel guide for women

Road safety

Turkey has a modern road network that is constantly being improved. Uneven surfaces and poorly marked lane changes near construction zones, however, are common. 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.

The Government of Turkey tightly controls traffic at the borders with Iran and Iraq.

Consult the General Directorate of Highways for more information on road travel in Turkey.

Rail travel

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

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat, between the eastern provinces of Agri and Igdir, is a special military zone. Access is currently restricted. Permission will not be granted to enter the area or climb the mountain.

There is a threat of kidnapping in this area.

General safety information

There are numerous stray dogs and cats in Istanbul, Ankara and other cities. Dogs often travel in packs and could attack pedestrians and joggers. Do not attempt to feed or pet stray dogs, as they might not be vaccinated.