British Embassy > Marmaris > Travel advice and Safety issues
GUIDANCE FOR BRITISH NATIONALS INTENDING TO TRAVEL TO TURKEY
MOST VISITS TO TURKEY ARE TROUBLE-FREE. THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES GIVE A HIGH PRIORITY TO PROTECTING VISITORS. HOWEVER, BRITISH NATIONALS VISITING TURKEY ARE ADVISED TO TAKE SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS GIVEN HEIGHTENED TENSION IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
Terrorist Attack in the United States of America
General

We are not aware of any specific threat to British nationals. Following the terrorist attacks in the US there may be heightened tension and disruption. British nationals are advised to keep a low profile, maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid situations where there might be tension and stay in touch with fast moving events until the situation clarifies. Demonstrations and public events should be avoided.
Visitors are strongly advised to obtain full travel insurance to cover illness, injury and loss of money, baggage and tickets.

Visitors 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.
Flights

There is increased security at all UK airports and travellers should allow extra time for checking in. There is the possibility that some flights might be delayed. Travellers are advised to contact their airline for latest information. All UK carriers have been advised to avoid Afghanistan airspace until further notice.
Safety and Security
Street robbery is common in the major Istanbul tourist areas. Beware of approaches from strangers offering food and drink, which may be drugged.

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

Visitors should advise the Consular Section at the British Embassy in Ankara or the British Consulate General in Istanbul of their travel plans and consult the local authorities before visiting remote areas.
Terrorism
There have been no recent terrorist incidents in coastal 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 and 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 at the security authorities have taken place in Istanbul in recent weeks. The most recent incident occurred on 10 September, when a bomb attack in Istanbul's Taksim area, killed two Turkish policemen and an Australian tourist.
Road Safety
Visitors should take particular care when travelling by road throughout Turkey, as road conditions and driving standards are extremely variable. Always expect the unexpected and drive carefully. Road markings in rural areas are limited with some improvement in major cities. Serious traffic accidents are a regular occurrence.

For a stay of more than six months an International Driving License is required.

Do not drink and drive. Drunk drivers will be breathalysed, fined on the spot and their licence immediately confiscated for three months by the Police Authorities. The current level of permitted alcohol for driving purposes is 2 glasses of wine, 2 bottles of beer or one measure of spirits.

Local Law and Custom
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.

Entry Requirements
Visitors may obtain a multiple entry visitor's visa valid for 90 days at the port of entry on payment of Ten Pounds Sterling, cash (Scottish currency is not accepted). For further information on entry requirements, visitors should check with the Turkish Embassy, 43 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PA; (tel: 020 7393 0202).

Employment is prohibited. Individuals who take employment without the appropriate permission may be escorted from the country by the police authorities or in some cases, deported.

Overstaying your visa will result in a substantial fine upon departure.

Health 
Medical treatment can be expensive.

Visitors to rural areas should ensure that inoculations are up to date, as contagious diseases remain a problem.

Natural Disasters 
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.

19 September 2001

Contact : 

British Embassy

Sehit Ersan Cad. 46/A

Cankaya, Ankara

Tel: +90 312 4553344, fax: 00 90 312 4553353

office hours (GMT) Mon - Fri 0545 - 1430
Marmaris British Honory Consulate
Barbaros Cad. No: 11 / A Yatlimani Marmaris
Tel : +90 252 412 64 86  Extension Line :36  Fax : +90 252 412 45 65
brithonmar@superonline.com