Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers .

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey because of the high threat of terrorist attack. International and domestic terrorist groups have carried out attacks for several years. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere at any time in Turkey. Significant dates and anniversaries are symbolic and terrorists have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks. You should exercise particular care in the period surrounding significant dates and anniversaries including: 15 February (anniversary of Abdullah Ocalan's capture), 21 March (Nevruz, Persian New Year celebrations), 4 April (Abdullah Ocalan's birthday), 1 May (May Day), 15 August (anniversary of Kurdistan Workers' Party's first attack). Possible locations include major cities, such as Ankara and Istanbul, regional centres and tourist destinations, particularly those in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. In the past, attacks have occurred in Istanbul, Izmir, Marmaris, Antalya, Mersin, Kusadasi, Cesme, Cizre, Mula, Manavgat and Adana.

Turkish authorities regularly arrest individuals suspected of planning terrorist activities. This demonstrates an on-going threat of attack in Turkey.

In recent years, terrorist attacks have occurred in tourist areas and locations frequented by foreigners. Foreigners have been killed and injured. Recent terrorist attacks include:

• On 20 September 2011, a car bomb in central Ankara killed three people and injured 34 others.
• In May 2011, a bomb mounted on a bicycle exploded near a bus stop in Etiler, a residential and shopping district in Istanbul. Eight people, including a police officer, were wounded.
• In October 2010, thirty-two people, including a number of civilians, were injured when a suicide bomber attacked a police post in Taksim Square in Istanbul. The attack took place near a number of locations popular with foreign tourists.
• In June 2010, three people were killed by an attack on a military bus in Istanbul. Also that month an attack on a police bus in Istanbul injured 15 people.
• In April 2010 three bombs were detonated in Istanbul near a tourist area and four soldiers were killed in an attack on a Turkish security forces base near Nazimiye in Tunceli Province in eastern Turkey.
• In January 2010, the US Consulate in Adana was the target of a shooting attack.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas frequented by foreigners such as public transport facilities, including buses, mini-buses, trains and railway lines, hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes, fast food outlets, internet cafes, shopping malls and markets, places of worship and other sites associated with religion, embassies, banks, public gatherings, outdoor recreation events, resorts, tourist areas and their surrounds, including beaches, national parks and forests, and ports, including those used by international cruise liners.

Attacks have been conducted against western government, economic, commercial and political interests, including diplomatic premises such as embassies and consulates. Symbols, buildings and sites associated with Turkish security forces, such as military barracks and police vehicles, government, judiciary and political parties, businesses, places of worship, banks, financial institutions and automatic teller machines have also been targeted.

Kidnapping has occurred in Turkey. The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance. For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

Borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran : We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to provinces in the southeast of Turkey, including those in the border region with Syria, Iraq and Iran, due to the unpredictable security situation.

Clashes between terrorist groups and Turkish security forces occur frequently in the south-east. Recently, clashes involving the Turkish security forces and militants have also occurred outside the south-east.

The Turkish military has been conducting operations, including air strikes, in south-eastern Turkey and northern Iraq since November 2007. Terrorist groups have retaliated with violence and attacks resulting in multiple deaths are common.

Following the killing of 24 Turkish soldiers in late October 2011, the Turkish military increased its military operations in south-eastern Turkey and along the border with Iraq.

Military strikes may also trigger violent demonstrations, particularly in south-eastern Turkey. In the past, such demonstrations have resulted in deaths, injuries and widespread property destruction. Roadside explosions are common.

Identification is required at checkpoints in this region and restrictions on travel in areas bordering Iraq are enforced. The security situation is more dangerous at night.

Demonstrations occur regularly in major cities in Turkey. You should avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations throughout Turkey as they may become violent. International events and political developments may prompt demonstrations. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations, you should find a safe location, remain indoors and follow the advice of local authorities.

In the past, violence has occurred during May Day rallies on 1 May in Istanbul's Taksim Square. The Persian New Year (20-21 March), celebrated by Turkey's Kurdish communities as "Nevruz", has also been accompanied by unrest.

Muggings, assaults, pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in Turkey, especially in Istanbul in areas where tourists congregate including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

Foreigners, including Australians, have been drugged and had their passports and other personal effects stolen after being befriended by English-speaking strangers. Drugs may be administered through drinks, food, chewing gum or confectionery. The victim becomes disorientated and compliant and may even become unconscious.

Tourists may be befriended by English-speaking locals, taken to a bar for food or drinks and then expected to pay an inflated bill, often thousands of dollars for a few drinks. Violence is threatened with the demand for payment. These scams are common, particularly in Istanbul.

Sexual assaults have been reported in coastal tourist areas.

On 30 November 2011, a gunman opened fire near the entrance to Topkapi Palace in the touristic Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. The gunman was killed after injuring two members of Turkish security forces.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Turkey, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Turkey.

Turkey has introduced new banknotes and coins. The new currency is equal in value to the notes and coins being replaced. Banknotes in the E-7 and E-8 series can be exchanged until the end of 2015 and 2019, respectively, at branches of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and TC Ziraat Bankasi.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority .

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Hijackings have occurred on commercial aircraft in Turkey over recent years.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin .

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Turkey. Some regions are more conservative than others. You should respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Visitors should dress modestly, particularly at mosques and religious shrines.

Australian males who hold Turkish citizenship may be required to undertake military service upon their return to Turkey. Prior to travel, Turkish/Australian dual nationals should seek advice from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Turkey .

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Severe drought conditions can affect water supply to a number of cities in Turkey. Running water may not be available in many places, including in hotels and other forms of accommodation. You should take additional care to guard against water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (see Health Issues for more information).

Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months (usually June to September), particularly in heavily forested areas and during periods of high temperatures and low rainfall. In the past, fires have burned close to holiday areas on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and in the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Turkey is in an active earthquake zone.

On 23 October 2011, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit near the city of Van in eastern Turkey, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Many buildings collapsed and infrastructure was damaged. Significant aftershocks are continuing, including a 5.7 magnitude quake on 9 November which caused further deaths. Australians in the area should follow the instructions of local authorities.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service . If you are in an area affected by a natural disaster, you should monitor the media and follow the advice of authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities in Turkey we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page , Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council .