Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
- Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.
Country Summary:Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated. U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government (including on social media), can result in arrest.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Turkey.
If you decide to travel to Turkey:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
- Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Turkey.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and Any Area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, and improvised explosive devices, as well as shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to these provinces and to any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border without prior approval.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
As an expert in international travel advisories and security considerations, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise in assessing the risks associated with various regions. I have closely followed geopolitical developments, analyzed travel advisories, and monitored security situations around the world.
Now, diving into the provided information on travel to Turkey, it is evident that the U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Advisory urging increased caution due to the presence of terrorism and arbitrary detentions in the country. The advisory highlights specific areas with heightened risk, including Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border. These regions are classified as Level 4, indicating a "Do Not Travel" recommendation.
The key points from the advisory include:
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Terrorist Threats: Turkey faces ongoing threats from terrorist groups, and the advisory emphasizes that these groups may carry out attacks with little or no warning. The potential targets encompass a wide range of locations, from tourist spots and transportation hubs to markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
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Detentions and Travel Bans: The security forces in Turkey have reportedly detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, over alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations. The grounds for these detentions seem to be based on scant or secret evidence and may have political motivations. U.S. citizens have also faced travel bans preventing them from leaving the country.
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Risk Mitigation Measures: The advisory provides specific recommendations for individuals who decide to travel to Turkey. These include staying alert in locations frequented by tourists, avoiding demonstrations and crowds, choosing hotels with identifiable security measures, monitoring local media, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for travel alerts, and having a contingency plan for emergency situations.
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Restricted Areas: The highest level of caution is emphasized for Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles of the Turkey/Syria border. The continued threat of terrorist attacks, armed conflict, and civil unrest in these areas prompts a Level 4: Do Not Travel designation. Specific security concerns mentioned for these regions include suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, improvised explosive devices, shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence.
In conclusion, this comprehensive travel advisory serves as a crucial resource for individuals planning a trip to Turkey, offering valuable insights into the security landscape and practical guidance to mitigate risks. Always stay informed, follow the recommended safety measures, and be prepared for unexpected developments when traveling to regions with elevated security concerns.
