The risk of terrorist attacks is present and these may be aimed at Western tourists. Southeastern Turkey is characterized by unpredictability and tensions. After Turkey launched a military operation northeast of Syria in the fall of 2019, the security situation along the border with Syria is even more unpredictable.
Safety
The risk of terrorist attacks is still present, and these may be aimed at Western tourists. Isil is believed to have a certain presence and will have the capacity and willingness to carry out attacks. Areas where tourists travel may be particularly vulnerable. It is encouraged to exercise caution when traveling in other provinces in the Southeast.
After Turkey launched a military operation northeast of Syria in October 2019, the security situation along the border with Syria is even more unpredictable. According to countryaah, Turkey is one of countries starting with letter T.
The situation in Turkey’s southeastern provinces remains unstable and unpredictable, linked to the ongoing conflict between Turkish security forces and the PKK. The fighting has caused major destruction and anti-terror operations are still being carried out in the area. It is encouraged to exercise caution when traveling in this area.
The individual always has a personal responsibility for safeguarding their own safety when traveling to Turkey. Travelers are encouraged to stay up to date on the security situation in question, as well as follow the advice and directions provided by both the Turkish and Norwegian authorities. Local media can provide useful information and advice, and Norwegian citizens are encouraged to keep up to date also via this channel. The Travel Council for Turkey (see above) is particularly linked to the conflicts in Syria. All travelers visit register their journey via reiseregistrering.no.
In most places in Turkey, life goes on its usual course without major visible changes beyond the sometimes increased presence of police and security personnel. The authorities have carried out several major anti-terrorist operations since the coup attempt on July 15, 2016, which has contributed to the fact that since New Year 2017 there have been no terrorist attacks in the most popular tourist areas or the largest cities.
The state of emergency that was introduced after the coup attempt on July 15, 2016 was abolished overnight to July 19, 2018. However, several proposals for amendments to the legislation have subsequently been adopted, which to a large extent entail the continuation of a number of measures that were implemented during the state of emergency. This is especially true of amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Criminal Code. Over the past two years, major public and private structures have been extensively cleansed, and both Turkish and foreign citizens have been banned from leaving the country.
There is a duty of identification throughout Turkey. It is recommended that you always bring your ID papers with you when you are traveling outside. The only valid identification for Norwegian citizens without residence in Turkey is a passport. Turkish authorities maintain strict control of visitors to all areas of Turkey. This means that anyone, including foreigners, may be denied entry into an area.
The terror threat: As in other countries, a terrorist attack may occur without warning. Such attacks could also hit places visited by foreign nationals. Normally, the authorities cover information on terrorist attacks. The Internet is often slower and it can be difficult to communicate on social media.
Terrorist attacks in Turkey have been carried out by both national and international terrorist groups. These attacks have mainly been directed at Turkish police, military and security forces, as well as political targets. The most serious terrorist attack in Turkey’s modern history, with more than 100 civilians killed, took place in Ankara on October 10, 2015. The last major attack took place in Istanbul on the night of January 1, 2017.
Crime: The level of crime in terms of crime. Robbery, theft and minor acts of violence can be compared to the EU average. In the tourist areas of the coast, especially visiting women have been subjected to sexual abuse. General caution should be exercised while visiting Turkey, and visitors should take common precautions so as not to be subjected to criminal acts. Visitors should also be aware that the punishment for disruptions of order can be higher than in Norway.
It is especially encouraged to take good care of your passport and keep it in a safe place when you are not wearing it. The embassy advises Norwegians to bring a copy of the passport at any time.
Kidnapping and abductions: The risk of being kidnapped in Turkey is consistently low. However, with the war in Syria, where there have been several kidnappings and attempted kidnappings, the risk of such criminal acts also increases in the border regions between Turkey and Syria. Furthermore, Isil’s presence in Turkey may also increase the risk of this type of crime.
Road safety and transport: The risk of accidents in traffic is significantly greater in Turkey than in Norway. Turkish motorists drive at higher speeds and smaller margins than in a normal Norwegian driving pattern. Therefore, in traffic, travelers who drive a car should exercise extra care. Please note that drivers do not comply with pedestrian duty to a small extent. Pedestrians should therefore be especially attentive and extremely cautious when crossing the street, even in pedestrian lanes. As a driver, it should be noted that the duty of the right from the right also applies inside the roundabout as opposed to Norwegian traffic rules. Many taxis do not have seat belts. If the taxi driver is experienced driving too fast, it is normal to give notice (“yavaş” means slow).
Women’s security: Turkey is perceived as a safe country to travel in for women as well. However, it is recommended to take some precautions, such as not to take a taxi alone at night and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Sexual abuse occurs in the coastal tourist areas.
Natural disasters: Turkey is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Especially in the last six months there have been several smaller and larger earthquakes, among other things. near Manisa north of Izmir. In January, Elazig and Malatya east of Turkey were hit by a quake measuring 6.7 on Richter’s scale, leading to the loss of 45 lives, over 1,600 injuries and major damage to buildings. The last major earthquake in Turkey happened at the border with Iran near Van, east of Turkey, in February 2020. The quake measured 5.9 on Richter’s scale, leading to some injuries and losses of nine lives. Small shakes are still taking place, but mostly without damage. During heavy rainfall, Turkey is also exposed to floods and landslides. The infrastructure, especially in cities, is vulnerable to such incidents.
The most earthquake-prone areas are in the southeast, an area down to the Mediterranean and a belt that extends along the Black Sea coast and further down the Aegean Sea. The areas west of Antalya are to some extent exposed, and in addition, eastern Turkey is vulnerable. Istanbul with its around 15 million inhabitants is in a vulnerable zone.
In the event of an earthquake, Norwegian citizens are asked to follow directions from local authorities as far as possible. Due to the unpredictability of the magnitude of a possible earthquake, meeting points cannot be predefined either by the embassy or by the Turkish authorities. Follow local directions.
Travel registration : The Embassy recommends all long- and short-term visitors to register their travel to Turkey via reiseregistrering.no.
In the event of a crisis, the Foreign Service will notify Norwegian citizens of Turkey registered on reiseregistrering.no. This is done in the quickest and most appropriate way with concrete advice and recommendations in relation to the situation that has arisen. In addition, we advise everyone to keep up to date on information from local Turkish authorities. Be sure to delete yourself from reiseregistrering.no after leaving the country.
Travel insurance: Turkey is not a member of the EEA, and therefore the European Health Insurance Card does not apply in Turkey. Turkish health care is well developed, and visitors are encouraged to take out travel insurance.
Emergency number: Police 155, ambulance/hospital 112, health issue 184, fire 110, traffic 154.
Emergency: Depending on the situation, the embassy will be able to help Norwegian citizens and how quickly this may happen. It will also be situation dependent on how easy it will be to contact the embassy in Ankara. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a 24-hour operational center, such as can assist with contact to relatives. It is recommended to contact the relatives directly in Norway if you are in an area that has been exposed to an incident. Using social media can be a great way to quickly convey your own situation to your family and friends.
The Norwegian Embassy in Ankara: +90 312 408 48 00. For emergencies outside the embassy’s opening hours, use the same telephone number and you will automatically be transferred to the Foreign Ministry’s Operational Center, which is open 24/7. Updated information will be published on the embassy’s website.
Entry
Please note that entry rules may change. See also information under Health. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Following the coup attempt on July 15, 2016 and the introduction of a state of emergency in Turkey, the Turkish authorities took strict measures against persons suspected of being associated with those behind the coup attempt or suspected of cooperating with terrorist organizations. These measures are still valid. Border control was tightened. It may be enough to be affiliated with an employer or to have contact with persons suspected of contact or a relationship with the Turkish authorities which defines as terrorist organizations. Until now, people have risked various reactions such as exit denial, entry denial and prison. In the extreme, a statement or post on social media that violates Turkish law or is perceived as supporting a terrorist organization can have consequences when entering/staying in Turkey, even if the statements are back in time.
Please note that there will be restrictions on the Norwegian authorities’ ability to provide consular assistance to citizens considered by Turkish authorities to be Turkish nationals.
Persons without Turkish citizenship can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days over a period of 180 days.
Freedom of visa: Turkey introduced visa freedom for Norwegian citizens from 2 March 2020 (tourist visa).
Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months after entry into Turkey.
For further questions about visa or residence permit, please contact the Turkish Embassy in Oslo, the Turkish Consulate Section’s call center or with local Turkish authorities.
Contact information:
Embassy of Turkey
Halvdan Svartes gate 5,
N-0244 Oslo
Phone: (47) 22 12 87 60
Fax: (47) 22 55 62 63
E-mail: embassy.oslo@mfa.gov.tr
Website.
Consulate section call center +90 312 292 29 29
Visa information for Turkey.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Coronavirus has now been detected in Turkey. The actual extent is unknown. Norwegian travelers should stay as up-to-date as possible about the spread of the coronavirus. The situation picture is currently very unclear and there is little information about which regions are most severely affected by the coronavirus. Follow local media and local government (Turkish Ministry of Health) advice, guidance and directions on how to deal with the situation. You can find Covid-19 guidelines in English here.
For advice on suspicion of infection, call 184 from Turkish phone, for immediate help call 112.
To reduce the risk of infection for covid-19, the Turkish authorities announced on March 28 that all passenger flights to and from Turkey have been stopped. The flight ban is initially expected to apply until May 1. This means that it will only be possible to get to Norway during this period by means of an extraordinary flight. If you wish to return home to Norway, please register on reiseregistrering.no and follow the embassy’s website where information on a possible flight will be made available.
Also, contact insurance companies for information on what they can assist with. Information and guidance from Norwegian health authorities can be found on the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s website. See also UD’s answers to current travel and coronavirus questions.
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No vaccination certificate is required for travelers from Europe, and Turkey generally has a very good health and hospital offer.
However, there is a risk of rabies infection throughout Turkey. Visitors who are bitten or bitten by dogs or cats should consult a physician as soon as possible so that rabies treatment can be initiated. This treatment is given over time and may have to be completed after returning to Norway.
If you are planning activities such as camping or orientation, you should consider vaccine against the cephalitis.
Health and hospital services in Turkey, both public and private, are considered good and are well developed. Turkey markets itself as a country one can visit to get medical treatment at private health agencies. At the same time, the health care system may be overloaded in connection with the coronary pandemic. The capacity of the hospitals can quickly be reduced, and the health and hospital services you are accustomed to are no longer available.
Practical information
There is 220 volt power, and the same type of outlet is used as in Norway. For various reasons, the flow can disappear completely arbitrarily, even in the big cities. However, this is generally only for short periods.
Telecommunications services appear to be generally satisfactory, but there may be limited capacity at times. Calling on a mobile phone from Turkey to abroad, and especially on a non-Turkish subscription, is expensive. Turkey is not a member of the EU/EEA and is therefore not part of the scheme for free mobile use. The telephone bill can therefore quickly become expensive if certain precautions are not taken.
According to allcitycodes, to dial Turkey use area code +90.
The use of credit cards in the major cities and in most of the tourist destinations is well organized, depending on the place you shop. Visa, Eurocard, Diners Club, Mastercard and American Express are accepted by most credit card providers. In smaller cities and in the countryside, cash should be based. Withdrawals from ATMs with Norwegian bank cards generally work fine. Taxis only take cash.
In the large department stores the opening hours are normally between 10:00 and 22:00. In general, businesses stay longer open than in Norway. Bank opening hours are normally between 08: 30-12: 30 and 13: 00-16: 30. Public offices have the same opening hours.
In Turkey, Turkish lira (TRY or TL) is used. One hundred kuruş (penny) goes on one Turkish lira. The most common banknotes are 5-10-20-50-100 lira. The 200 banknotes are less common, and it may be a problem to exchange these in smaller shops and taxis.
Turkey is one hour ahead of Norway at Norwegian summer time and two hours ahead of Norway at Norwegian winter time. Turkey is in the UTC + 3 time zone year-round.
Turkey has both fixed and moving holidays: January 1 – New Year’s Day, April 23 – National Sovereignty Day and Children’s Day, May 1 – International Workers’ Day, May 19 – in memory of Atat¨¹rk, Youth and Sports Day, July 15 – the day of democracy and national unity (established the year after the coup attempt in 2016), August 30 – Victory Day and October 29 – Republic Day. In addition, the moving holidays associated with the religious holidays which for 2020 are May 23-26 – Ramazan Bayramı, and (moving holidays marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan) will be July 30 – August 3 – Kurban Bayramı/Eid al-Adha.
Most Turks are polite, friendly, hospitable and service-minded. They show to a greater extent than is usual in today’s Norway a reverence/respect for natural authorities and superiors, such as parents, elderly people, teachers, etc. These are addressed in courtesy, and it is common for young people to give way to seniors on public transport. and such. Turks appreciate that holidaymakers show interest and respect for the country and culture.
In today’s Turkey, there are major differences in dress traditions. The modern and the traditional go side by side. For women, it is now more accepted than before to use traditional skirts and coats in public spaces. Regular Norwegian dress code is perfectly acceptable. Bikini top walking in the city is not recommended. When visiting mosques, the shoes should always be removed, and visitors should wear long leggings. Women must cover their shoulders, arms and head, and wear garments that extend below their knees. Shawls are very useful.
The extent to which Turks are fluent in English depends a great deal on where in the country one is located. In typical tourist places English, German and French are quite common. Foreign languages are otherwise not widely used in the rest of the country, and it can therefore be somewhat difficult to communicate if one is not fluent in Turkish. Pocket watches and smart phone use are useful. Addresses and any map can be included and displayed to the driver.
Travelers to Turkey, like any other country, are subject to local legislation, including criminal law. Thus, if someone in Turkey commits acts that are punishable under Turkish law, then Turkish provisions apply. Turkey has a different legal tradition than, for example, Norway, which means that what is punishable here may differ slightly from how it is elsewhere. Visitors are advised to show common courtesy and public opinion, avoid provocative behavior and abide by directions from police and other responsible authorities.
Following the coup attempt on July 15, 2016 and the introduction of a state of emergency in Turkey, the Turkish authorities took strict measures against persons suspected of being associated with those behind the coup attempt or suspected of cooperating with terrorist organizations. Border control was tightened. Until now, people have risked various reactions such as exit denial, entry denial and prison. In the extreme, a statement or post on social media that violates Turkish law or is perceived as supporting a terrorist organization can have consequences when entering/staying in Turkey, even if the statements are back in time.
Please note that there will be restrictions on the Norwegian authorities’ ability to provide consular assistance to citizens considered by Turkish authorities to be Turkish nationals.
Identification papers should always be worn. The only valid identification for Norwegian citizens without a residence permit in Turkey is a passport.
With many travelers from Norway to Turkey every year, it is almost impossible to avoid certain ports in unforeseen and unpleasant situations. The travel companies that bring Norwegian tourists to Turkey are committed to helping to resolve such situations as quickly and correctly as possible.
Norwegian travelers who commit, or are exposed to, criminal acts may be assisted by guides and hotel staff who are often experienced in handling unforeseen situations. Turkish police – especially in the tourist areas – are also better trained than before in assisting foreigners.
In Istanbul, Antalya, Alanya and Iskenderun there are Norwegian honorary consulates who will be able to assist in future cases. The embassy is located in the capital Ankara, and is available at any time should it be needed. The same applies to the UD’s operational center.