Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens Message #7

December 30, 2011

Demonstrations Due to Recent Airstrikes on the Turkey-Iraq Border

Due to the violent protests that occurred on December 29 in and around Taksim Square in Istanbul, as well as New Year’s / Yılbaşı celebrations this weekend, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara reminds U.S. citizens of the fluid security situation in Turkey and the need to maintain constant awareness of one’s surroundings. 

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for terrorist-related violence and/or violent protests.  We reiterate Department’s advice to take prudent steps to ensure your personal safety: remain vigilant and aware of surroundings; listen to news reports; avoid crowds and demonstrations; and vary times and routes for all travel. 

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling to or residing in Turkey enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  U.S. citizens and nationals without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Enrolling allows you to receive updated information about areas abroad, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you or your designated contact in case of an emergency.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, a regular toll line at +1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information. 

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey are as follows:

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90) (312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.  

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Uçsehitler Sokagi No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.  

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916. The Consular Agency in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.