Talking Points: Turkey Travel Warning (March 29, 2017)
Talking Points – Turkey Terror Attacks
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The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients who have questions about travel to Turkey. (Updated March 29, 2017)
1. Turkey has been rocked by high profile terror attacks, including a nightclub shooting in Istanbul on New Year’s Day and the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, as well as a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016.
2. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Turkey on March 28, 2017, due to increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and because “an increase in anti-American rhetoric has the potential to inspire independent actors to carry out acts of violence against U.S. citizens.”
3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.
1. Turkey has been rocked by high profile terror attacks, including a nightclub shooting in Istanbul on New Year’s Day and the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, as well as a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016.
Due to these attacks, and the possibility of future terrorist activity, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has included Ataturk Airport in Istanbul in its new airline electronics ban.
o All flights departing Ataturk and flying directly to the United States will not be allowed to have electronic devices larger than a smartphone in the main cabin (they can be in checked baggage).
o In all, the electronics ban includes nine (9) non-U.S. airlines and direct flights from 10 major airports, including Ataturk Airport.
On January 1, 2017, 39 people were killed, and 70 injured, at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul.
o ISIS took credit and CNN noted that “ISIS has typically refrained from claiming responsibility for attacks in Turkey to create “an environment of suspicion in Turkish politics…
o Due to the attack, a three-month extension of Turkey’s “state of emergency” went into effect on January 19, 2017.
On December 19, 2016, Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was assassinated by a lone gunman. The assassin, an off-duty police officer, referenced Syria during the killing.
On the night of July 15, 2016, a faction of Turkey’s armed forces attempted to overthrow the government and seize power.
o According to the BBC, “At least 246 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured in clashes during the abortive coup.” In addition, “Turkey says 8,651 members, or 1.5%, of the nation’s armed forces took part in the failed coup on July 15.”
In the aftermath of the failed coup:
o The Turkish government instituted a “state of emergency” where, according to CNN, it can “impose curfews and declare certain public and private areas off limits, and it can ban or restrict meetings, gatherings and rallies.”
o Deutsche Welle reported on January 19, 2017: “More than 350 people have been killed and scores more wounded in terror attacks during this period, including the 39 victims of a deadly shooting in Istanbul on New Year’s Eve, claimed by the so-called ‘Islamic State’ (IS).” In addition:
“…Nearly 90,000 civil servants have been sacked via legislative decrees, and more than 1,500 associations, 15 universities and several trade unions have been shut down. Some 1,656 people have been arrested, 10,000 face investigation and many detainees are in custody pending official charges, according to the Ankara-based Human Rights Association. At least 177 media outlets have been shut down, nearly 10,000 journalists and media members have lost their jobs and 144 journalists have been imprisoned during the state of emergency, the group said in its January report.”
2. The U.S. State Department updated its Travel Warning for Turkey on March 28, 2017, due to increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and because “an increase in anti-American rhetoric has the potential to inspire independent actors to carry out acts of violence against U.S. citizens.”
On March 28, 2017, the U.S. State Department updated its existing Travel Warning for Turkey to warn U.S citizens to “carefully consider the need to travel to Turkey at this time, and avoid travel to southeast Turkey due to the persistent threat of terrorism.” The Travel Warning further states:
o “Additional attacks in Turkey could occur at major events, tourist sites, restaurants, nightclubs, commercial centers, places of worship, and transportation hubs, including aviation services, metros, buses, bridges, bus terminals, and sea transport. Foreign and U.S. tourists and expatriates have been explicitly targeted by terrorist organizations in Turkey for kidnapping and assassination.”
Travelers to Turkey should be aware that “Numerous large gatherings and rallies, many of a political nature, are expected to be held throughout Turkey in late March and April 2017. U.S. Mission Turkey recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all gatherings, protests, or demonstrations in Turkey, regardless of their purpose, due to the potential for violence or personal injury.”
In its latest Turkey Travel Warning the State Department has “terminated its October 29, 2016, decision to direct family members of employees posted to the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul to depart Turkey temporarily. However, there are restrictions on personal and official travel by U.S. government personnel and their family members travelling to and residing in Istanbul.” Tight restrictions remain though:
o “U.S. government personnel and their family members residing in or visiting Istanbul are restricted from congregating or traveling in large groups and are not permitted to visit these Istanbul locations without prior approval from the Consulate:
Large, crowded areas such as shopping malls and houses of worship frequented by expatriates, entertainment complexes, nightclubs, public sporting/cultural performance venues, and crowded pedestrian thoroughfares
Tourist destinations throughout Istanbul, to include historical sites, monuments, large bazaar markets, and museums.”
o “Foreign and U.S. tourists have been explicitly targeted by international and indigenous terrorist organizations.”
As stated in the Worldwide Caution dated March 6, 2017: “Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Europe as foreign fighters return home from Syria and Iraq, while other individuals may be radicalized or inspired by ISIS propaganda. European authorities continue to warn of additional attacks on major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers, places of worship, and the transportation sector, frequently prompting heightened security at notable public venues and coordinated counterterrorism operations.”
o The State Department “remind[s] U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans including communications preparedness/connectivity; to monitor local news for breaking events; to remain vigilant at all times; and to check in with loved ones after an attack or security incident.”
o “U.S. citizens should also be aware that the Government of Turkey has closed its border with Syria. The Government of Turkey prohibits border crossings from Syria into Turkey, even if the traveler entered Syria from Turkey.”
o For your safety:
Avoid travel to southeastern Turkey, in particular large, urban centers near the Turkish/Syrian border.
Stay away from large crowds, including at popular tourist destinations.
Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists.
Stay away from political gatherings and rallies.
Follow the instructions of local authorities in an emergency.
Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place.
Monitor local media.
Multiple cruise lines altered itineraries that include ports of call in Turkey, due to the ongoing situation and active U.S. Travel Warning.
o According to FOX News, in February 2017, Royal Caribbean cancelled all stops to Turkey.
o USA Today reported in December 2016 that Holland America Line, Cunard and P&O Cruises will not visit Turkey in 2017.
o Silversea Cruises removed Istanbul from its itineraries “…e are taking the proactive step to remove Istanbul from itineraries in the immediate future and through the whole of 2017, and replace it with a stop in Athens, Greece.”
The United Kingdom’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) says that “The situation has calmed following an attempted coup on 15 to 16 July 2016. But the security environment remains potentially volatile and a state of emergency is in place.”
o “British nationals made over 1.7 million visits to Turkey in 2016. It’s generally safe to travel to Turkey, but you should take additional safety precautions. Be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with
foreign nationals, including during festival periods such as Christmas and New Year.”
o “In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the Turkish authorities are stopping members of the public to conduct ID checks. There’s also a larger than usual number of police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. You should co-operate with officials conducting checks, and keep your passport and a printed copy of your e-visa or your residence permit with you at all times.”
o “There is a high threat from terrorism. Terrorist groups, including Kurdish groups, Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) and far left organisations, continue to plan and carry out attacks. Further attacks are likely and could be indiscriminate.”
o “Campaigning has started in Turkey ahead of a national referendum on 16 April 2017. Rallies and demonstrations, official and unofficial, may take place at short notice. You should stay well away from any demonstrations.”
o “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir.”
o “The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
the remaining areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Kilis and Hatay provinces Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari”
The Government of Canada advises does not have a nationwide advisory in effect for Turkey. However, it states that individuals “should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, the threat of terrorist attacks and ongoing demonstrations throughout the country.”
o “Global Affairs Canada advises against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria, due to a deteriorating security situation.”
o “Global Affairs Canada advises against non-essential travel to the south-eastern provinces of Hakkari, Siirt, Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Tunceli, Batman, Mus, Diyarbakir, Elazig, Bingol, Bitlis, Van, and Hatay, due to an unpredictable security situation.
3. Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.
We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.
While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:
o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a
demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.
o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.
The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful Traveler’s Checklist that provides additional travel tips.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.