Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/turkey.tvl

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#CARD:Turkey:Travel\Consular Information
Turkey - Consular Information Sheet
February 14, 1994

Country Description:  Turkey is a moderately developed European nation.
Tourist facilities are widely available.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  A visa is not required for
tourist or business visits of up to three months.  For further information
on entry requirements to Turkey, travelers can contact the Embassy of the
Republic of Turkey at 1714 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036,
tel: [phone], or the nearest Turkish consulate in Chicago, Houston,
Los Angeles, or New York.

Areas of Instability:  Urban and rural acts of terrorism have caused injury
and loss of life to Turkish government officials and civilians throughout
Turkey.  While Turkish authorities are actively working to prevent
terrorism, there have been terrorist attacks in Istanbul and other Turkish
cities over the past two years.  Two terrorist incidents in Istanbul in
August 1993 were directed specifically against tourists:  a grenade was
thrown under a tour bus injuring eight persons and a bomb was thrown at a
group of tourists as they were sightseeing around the city walls, resulting
in six injuries.  In June 1993, four bombs allegedly set by the PKK
(Kurdistan Worker's Party) exploded in Antalya wounding 26 persons, some of
whom were tourists.  In July 1993, a hand grenade was found buried on a
public beach southeast of Izmir, Turkey.  There have been reports of similar
incidents occurring in other areas along the Turkish coast.  Intermittent
terrorist bombings have also occurred in Ankara causing damage to vehicles,
property and loss of life.  The PKK claimed responsibility for four bombings
on buses in January 1994, and as a result, travelers on local intercity
buses may be subject to security baggage screening by the Turkish National
Police.  Terrorists have also targeted the personnel and property of
organizations with official and commercial ties to the United States.

Eastern Provinces:  With the exception of the Mediterranean and Black Sea
coasts, travel to eastern Turkey is hazardous.  Terrorist acts by the PKK
continue throughout the eastern provinces.  These attacks are not only
against Turkish police and military installations but also against civilian
targets including public ground transportation.  While most attacks have
been at night, day-time attacks are increasingly frequent.  Over the past
nine years, several thousand Turkish civilians and security personnel have
been killed in terrorist attacks.  In 1991, the PKK began kidnapping
foreigners in eastern Turkey to generate media attention for their
separatist cause.  Over the past two years, a number of foreigners,
including Americans, have been held by the PKK and eventually released.  As
recently as October 9, 1993, an American tourist was abducted by the PKK
while traveling by bus on the main highway between Erzurum and Erzincan.
Due to the tense security situation, the climbing of Mt. Ararat in eastern
Turkey is extremely dangerous, even with the required Turkish government
permits.  In light of the dangerous security conditions for travelers in
eastern Turkey, the U.S. military has advised its personnel to avoid all
tourist travel to this region.  U.S. Embassy and consulate personnel travel
to eastern Turkey only for essential U.S. Government business and only with
prior approval.  In instances where travel to cities in eastern Turkey is
essential, air travel is considered safer than other forms of public
transportation.

Medical Information:  Medical facilities are available, but may be limited
outside urban areas.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid
outside the United States.  Travelers have found that in some cases,
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to
be useful.  Further information on health matters can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404)
332-4559.

Crime Information:  There is some crime against tourists, including
pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging.  In Istanbul, incidents have
been reported of tourists who have been drugged and robbed in nightclubs and
bars, usually by other foreigners who speak English and French.  The loss or
theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local
police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The Department of State's
pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.  It
provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal
security while traveling abroad.

Public Safety:  Travel by road after dark is hazardous throughout Turkey.
Road and driving conditions off the main highways and in remote areas are
particularly dangerous.  In the eastern provinces, the incidence of
terrorism poses additional risks for road travelers.  Turkish authorities
expect travelers to cooperate with travel restrictions and other security
measures imposed in the east.

Dual Nationality:  U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Turkish
citizens may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of
Turkish law while in Turkey.  Those who may be affected can inquire at a
Turkish embassy or consulate to determine status.  In some instances, dual
nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  In Turkey, the penalties for possession, use, and
dealing in illegal drugs are extremely strict, and convicted offenders can
expect jail sentences and fines.

Other Pertinent Information:  Unauthorized purchase or removal from Turkey
of antiquities or other important cultural artifacts is strictly forbidden.
Violation of this law may result in imprisonment.  At the time of departure,
travelers who purchase such items may be asked to present a receipt from the
seller as well as the official museum export certificate required by law.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate may obtain updated information on travel and
security in Turkey.

Embassy and Consulate Locations:  The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at
110 Ataturk Boulevard, telephone [phone].  There are U.S. Consulates
in Istanbul at 104-108 Mesrutiyet Caddesi, Tepebasl, telephone (90-1) 251-
3602; and in Adana at Ataturk Caddesi, telephone [phone].  There is
a Consular Agent in Izmir at the Turkish American Association, Sehit Nevres
Boulevard, No. 23, Alsancak, telephone [phone] or 3644.

No. 93-011

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 6, 1993, to add
information on bus bombings and security tips for travelers.

#ENDCARD