NZ government advice for Turkey

When travelling to Turkey, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Turkey.

There is high risk to your security in areas close to the border with Iran, Iraq and Syria in southeast Turkey due to the unpredictable security situation. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas. Military operations in the southeast may include restrictions on movement and checkpoints in some areas. New Zealanders are advised to follow the instructions of the Turkish authorities at all times.

There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Turkey due to the threat from terrorism and potential for civil unrest and we advise caution. There have been a number of terrorist attacks in Turkey. Further attacks could well occur including in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, other major centres, tourist areas and along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Terrorist attacks typically increase over the summer months.

Terrorism
On 19 March 2012, a domestic terrorist group issued a statement threatening to conduct attacks in Turkey, including in tourist areas. On 13 March 2012, the Israeli Government issued a warning of a possible terrorist threat to the Jewish community and/or Israeli citizens and interests in Turkey.

Recent terrorist attacks in Turkey include an explosion in a government carpark in Ankara on 5 March 2012, which injured one person. On 1 March 2012, fifteen police officers were injured in an explosion in Istanbul. That same day, an explosion at a supermarket in Istanbul injured three people. In November 2011, an attempted ferry hijacking off the coast of Istanbul resulted in the death of the alleged hijacker following intervention by security forces. In September 2011, a bomb exploded in central Ankara killing three people and injuring more than 30. In July 2011, the Turkish authorities arrested 14 suspected Al Qaeda members accused of planning to bomb American interests in Turkey. In May 2011, an explosion at a bus stop in the Etiler district of Istanbul injured eight people.

New Zealanders in Turkey should exercise a high degree of personal security awareness especially in commercial and public areas, including landmark places known to be frequented by foreigners, public transport facilities, government buildings, hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, places or worship, embassies and shopping areas. You should also be security conscious around buildings and sites associated with the Turkish military or security forces.

Civil unrest
New Zealanders in Turkey are advised to avoid all political gatherings, protests and demonstrations as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. Police may use tear gas to disperse demonstrations. May Day rallies on 1 May in Istanbul?s Taksim Square have turned violent in the past. New Zealanders throughout Turkey are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.

General travel advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in Turkey should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Turkey are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

See our regional advice for Europe

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Contact details are

Street Address Kizkulesi Sokak No. 11, Gaziosmanpasa, Ankara, Turkey
Telephone +90 312 446 3333 Facsimile +90 312 446 3317
Email nzembassyankara@ttmail.com
Website New Zealand Embassy Turkey [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700

Street Address Inonu Caddesi No No: 48/3 Taksim, 34437 Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone +90 212 244 0272 Facsimile +90 212 251 4004
Email nzhonconist@hatem-law.com.tr