US Embassy Travel Warning - March 17th 2016

[Mr. Milton]

The U.

S. Department of State warns U.

S. citizens of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey.  Due to threats from international and indigenous groups, U.

S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling throughout the country. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated February 29, 2016.

Recent terrorist attacks from international and indigenous groups have targeted popular tourist sites, U.

S. government buildings, police, and other local authorities throughout Turkey.  The threat of kidnapping remains a concern, especially in the southeast.  There have been incidents of cross-border shelling from Syria into Turkey.  

For your safety:

·         Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, particularly near the Syrian border.  

·         Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.

·         Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.  

·         Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.

·         Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.

·         Monitor local media.

Travel restrictions remain in place for U.

S. government employees to southeastern Turkey for the provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis, and Elazig. Additionally, the following neighborhoods in Adana:  Sakirpasa, Gulbahcesi, Daglioglu, Barbaros, Anadolu, Ondokuzmayis.