Various Turkish news and social media are reporting that demonstrations will take place in cities in Turkey on Saturday, May 31, the anniversary of the Gezi Park protests of 2013. The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for violence on and around May 31, and to avoid areas where large crowds appear to be gathering. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Everyone should practice astute personal security awareness and remain vigilant at all times. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Turkey enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
We also recommend regularly monitoring the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Please also read the Country Specific Information for Turkey. For additional information, you may refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
You may contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
- The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131. The after hours emergency contact number is (90)(312) 455-5555 (Ask for American Citizen Services).
- The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. The after hours emergency contact number is (90) (212) 335-9000 (Ask for American Citizen Services).
- The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916. The after hours emergency contact number is (90)(322) 346-6262.
- The Consular Agency in Izmir can be reached at tel: (90) (232) 464-8755, fax (90) (232) 464-8916 or at Izmir@state.gov. The after hours emergency contact number is +90(312) 455-5555.
