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Reviewed: 01 April 2010, 14:50 NZDT
Still current at:
03 September 2010
There is high risk to your security in areas close to the Iraq border in southeast Turkey due to military operations and terrorist activity. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas. There are restrictions on movement and checkpoints in some parts of the southeast. New Zealanders are advised to follow the directions of the Turkish authorities at all times.
There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Turkey due to the threat from terrorism 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 particularly along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
In January 2010, the US Consulate in Adana was the target of a shooting attack. In November 2009, one person was killed when a Molotov cocktail was thrown into a public bus in Istanbul. In March 2009, an explosion in a bar in the Black Sea port of Trabzon injured nine people.
In October 2008, a woman carrying explosives and a detonator was arrested in downtown Istanbul. On 21 August 2008, a bomb attack against a police minibus in Izmir injured several police officers and civilians. On 19 August, in Mersin, terrorists detonated an explosive in their vehicle while being pursued by police, killing one person and injuring several police officers. On 7 August, in Istanbul, mortar shells were used to attack military barracks, injuring three.
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, and popular shopping areas. You should also be security conscious around buildings and sites associated with the Turkish military or security forces.
New Zealanders in Turkey are advised to avoid any political gatherings and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent. Violent demonstrations in the past have resulted in deaths and injuries.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Turkey should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders visiting or living in Turkey are encouraged to record/update their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Europe
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
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Britain - United States - Canada - Australia
Abolition of border controls in Europe
Contact details are
Street Address Level 4, Iran Caddesi 13, Kavaklidere 06700, Ankara, Turkey
Telephone +90 312 467 9054/6/8 Facsimile +90 312 467 9013
Email nzembassyankara@ttnet.net.tr
Website New Zealand Embassy Turkey [external link]
Office Hours Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700
Street Address Inonu Caddesi No 92/3 Taksim, 80090 Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone +90 212 244 0272 Facsimile +90 212 251 4004
Email nzhonconist@hatem-law.com.tr
Print this page Tuesday, 24 August 2010, 11:07 NZST
