Travel

Last updated: February 26, 2015 15:36 ET Still valid: April 10, 2015 23:18 ET Latest updates: A minor editorial change was made.

Advisories

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Turkey. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, the threat of terrorist attacks and ongoing demonstrations throughout the country .

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) advises against all travel within 10 km of the border with Syria, due to a deteriorating security situation. See Security for more information.

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

Since mid-2015, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has made substantial military gains in Syria along the Turkish border. As a result, extremist groups, including ISIL, are now targeting border crossings and other locations in Syria close to the Turkish border. These attacks are indiscriminate, often result in deaths and injuries and spill over into Turkey. Exercise extreme caution, review your security measures regularly and monitor these events very closely, as the security situation remains unpredictable.

The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) carry out occasional air and ground strikes against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets in the Turkish-Iraqi border area. TAF have established six temporary security zones in Hakkari, Siirt and Sirnak provinces, in which they strictly monitor and limit movement to prevent insurgent infiltration.

Protests and civil unrest in several southeastern cities have led to violent clashes between police and protesters, with gunfire and small-scale bomb explosions that have resulted in deaths. Other incidents have also caused injuries and property damage.

There is a risk, particularly to foreigners, of kidnapping in the area. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Avoid overland travel. If you must undertake road travel, drive during the day and stay on major roads. Do not use public transportation.

Avoid crossing the border with Iraq. The Government of Turkey tightly controls border traffic between the two countries.

On September 21, 2015, ISIL released a statement threatening retaliation for the American-led coalition campaign against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. The statement encouraged opportunistic and indiscriminate attacks against citizens and interests of countries supporting the coalition, including Canadians. Individuals and terrorist groups in the region may be inspired to carry out attacks in a show of solidarity with ISIL. Canadians could also be targeted by a terrorist attack and be considered prime kidnapping targets. Exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, maintain a heightened level of vigilance and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

There is a significant terrorist threat from domestic and international terrorist groups throughout Turkey. There are regular reports by local media of planned attacks against such targets as Syrian opposition officials in Ankara, Antakya (Hatay), Gaziantep and Istanbul.

Large- and small-scale bomb attacks have occurred. While Turkish institutions are usually the targets, terrorists also target locations frequented by foreigners. On February 1, 2015, a suicide attack on the United States embassy in Ankara left two dead. On March 1, 2015, a remote-controlled explosive device was detonated near the Justice and Development Party building in Istanbul’s Sutluce district, injuring 15 police officers and one civilian.

Heightened security measures are in place throughout the country. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly around security and military installations and areas with high pedestrian traffic, including hotels, shopping malls and open air bazaars. Exercise caution in commercial establishments, public places and other areas where large numbers of people, particularly foreigners, may congregate.

There is a threat of kidnapping along the borders with Syria and Iraq, where Muslim extremist groups take advantage of porous borders and an unpredictable security situation to carry out operations. Groups such as ISIL and Jabat Al Nusra, who use kidnapping as a means of raising funds, may target the local population, foreigners and even foreign aid workers for kidnapping for ransom.

Avoid all demonstrations, particularly those in Taksim Square in Istanbul, as even peaceful gatherings may lead to violent incidents and clashes with security forces, which have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local and international media.

There is a higher risk of clashes between protesters and police on days of national significance, particularly on May Day, held annually on May 1.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in Istanbul. Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure that personal belongings and passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Muggings, assaults and sexual assaults occur. Drugs may be administered through drinks, food, chewing gum or other means, and drugged victims are usually robbed. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, even if the wrapping or container appears intact.

Do not frequent down-market bars and neighbourhoods. One scam, particularly common in Istanbul, involves locals inviting tourists to bars for food and drinks and then forcing them to pay a steep bill.

Do not accept letters, parcels or other items from strangers. Drug traffickers sometimes attempt to convince foreigners to deliver packages and messages into and out of Turkey.

Women may experience physical and verbal harassment. There is a greater risk of sexual assault during the summer holiday period in coastal resort areas. See Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information for Canadian women.

Turkey has a modern road network that is constantly being improved; however, uneven surfaces and poorly marked lane changes near construction zones are common. Exercise caution, especially when driving in the rain. Severe weather conditions may seriously affect road conditions.

Accidents are common. Reckless driving, perilous road conditions, inadequate lighting, poor signage and high traffic congestion pose hazards. Avoid driving after dark.

If you are involved in an accident with a vehicle, do not move your vehicle, regardless of whether or not you are blocking traffic or anyone is injured. Wait until the police have made an official report.

Pedestrians do not have the right of way.

Consult the General Directorate of Highways for more information on road travel in Turkey.

Turkey is modernizing its main railroads and has introduced a high-speed corridor between Istanbul and Ankara.

See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Mount Ararat, in the eastern province of Igdir, is a special military zone. Mountain climbing is permitted only with official permission, and if accompanied by a professional guide. There is a threat of kidnapping in this area.

Leave your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy for identification purposes, as police may erect checkpoints without warning, particularly in southern Turkey.

There are numerous stray dogs and cats in Istanbul, Ankara and other cities. Dogs often travel together in packs and attack pedestrians and joggers.

Dial 155 for police (or 154 if you are in a rural area), 112 for an ambulance and 110 for firefighters.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Turkish authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

To visit Turkey, Canadians must present a passport. which must be valid for at least six months following the issuance of the visa, and for 60 days beyond the date of entry into the country.

Work visa: Required

Tourism visa: Required

Business visa: Required

Student visa: Required

Canadians travelling to Turkey for tourism or trade are encouraged to purchase an electronic visa prior to entering the country. Canadians can also obtain a visa on arrival. If you are planning on studying or working in Turkey, you must obtain a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate.

To renew a 90-day visa, you must leave the country for at least 90 days before being allowed to re-enter. If you wish to remain in Turkey for longer than 90 consecutive days, you must obtain a residence permit from the police in the province in which you reside.

Do not overstay your visa, as you may be subject to substantial fines.

Ensure Turkish immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival. Failure to produce a stamped passport is punishable by a fine, detention and/or deportation and can lead to significant delays at departure.

If you wish to travel to Syria, you must obtain your visa from the Syrian embassy in Ottawa prior to departure from Canada. The Syrian embassy in Ankara does not issue visas for non-residents in Turkey.

Seek advice from local authorities if you intend to travel outside tourist areas, as Turkish authorities have restricted access to some areas and have declared some areas as military zones.

See Health to obtain information on this country s vaccination requirements.