Istanbul Warning or Danger Tips by PinkDolphine

Street robbery is common in the major Istanbul tourist areas. Beware of approaches from strangers offering food and drink which may be drugged.

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A number of sexual assaults have been reported in coastal tourist areas.

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Travellers should advise their Embassy in Ankara of their travel plans and consult the local authorities before visiting remote areas.

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Drug offences carry severe penalties. Do not get involved.

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Travellers should take particular care when travelling by road throughout Turkey. Serious traffic accidents are a regular occurence.

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Travellers should exercise particular caution given heightened tension in the Middle East.

There have been no recent terrorist incidents in resort areas, and the security situation in Eastern Turkey has improved considerably. But there have been sporadic incidents involving the PKK and Turkish security forces, particularly in the Emergency Rule Region (Hakkari, Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Tunceli provinces); and neighbouring provinces in the south-east.

Travellers to south-east Turkey should exercise caution, keep to main roads and towns, and avoid travel at dusk or after dark.

Sporadic bomb attacks targeted primarily security authorities have taken place in Istanbul in recent weeks.

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Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic fault line and Turkey is subject to earthquake and tremors. The last major earthquakes hit Turkey in 1999 measuring 6.7 and 7.2 on the Richter Scale. The areas worst affected by the earthquakes were Izmit and Duzce. These are not tourist areas.

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Medical treatment can be expensive. Travellers to rural areas should ensure that inoculations are up to date as contagious diseases remain a problem.

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The use of metal detectors and the export of antiquities is against the law.
It is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface or tear up currency.

Do not take photographs near military or official installations. Seek permission before photographing individuals.

Travellers are strongly advised to obtain full travel insurance to cover illness, injury and loss of money, baggage and tickets.

Travellers should stay only at hotels and guest houses that have been approved by the Ministry of Tourism. Ministry approved hotels and guest houses are available from $US20 upwards per night.

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