Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 4 April 2008, 15:20 NZDT
Still current at:
04 July 2008
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 were several terrorist attacks in Turkey last year and further attacks could well occur including in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, other major centres, tourist areas and particularly along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
In February and March 2008, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK), made public announcements via their website in which they made specific threats to tourist areas and foreigners in Turkey. In January 2008, an explosion occurred in Diyarbakir killing five people. In October 2007, two explosions in Izmir killed one person and injured five others. In September 2007, Police defused a large vehicle bomb in the Kurtulus district in Ankara. In July 2007, an explosion occurred outside the District Governor’s office in the Bahcelievler district of Istanbul injuring two. In May 2007, nine people were killed when a suicide bomber struck at a bus stop outside a shopping mall in Ankara.
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 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 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 - Thurs 0830 - 1730 Fri 0830 - 1630 (winter) Fri 0830 - 1330 (summer)
Page last updated: Monday, 28 April 2008, 16:11 NZST
