The U.S. Embassy in Ankara would like to remind U.S. citizens of the importance of maintaining security vigilance and to take appropriate steps to ensure their ongoing security awareness in light of the continued security situation in Turkey.
As mentioned in the Worldwide Caution from July 29, 2015, “The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas… In response to the airstrikes, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) called on supporters to attack foreigners wherever they are. Authorities believe there is an increased likelihood of reprisal attacks against U.S., Western and coalition partner interests throughout the world.” Also, terrorist organizations such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) have been known to target Turkish Government offices and police stations.
Additionally, our Country Specific Information Sheet on travel.state.gov states, “While there have been no reported kidnappings involving U.S. citizens in Turkey, various terrorist organizations continue to finance their operations through kidnapping for ransom operations.” As noted in the Country Specific Information Sheet for Turkey, “the threat level for the possibility of further terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests remains critical.”
For further detailed information regarding Turkey and travel:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Turkey’s Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara, at +90-312-455-5555, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +90-312-455-5555 or +90-212-335-9000 (U.S. Consulate General Istanbul).
- Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, at +90-212-335-9000.
- Contact the U.S. Consulate in Adana, located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana at +90-322-455-4100.
- Contact the Consular Agency in Izmir at Izmir@state.gov.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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