This is the advisory Im getting from the Turkish Government, especially in the town that Im staying and returning to. Its true though, especially in the most Southern town, you can hear the sounds of gunfire and bombs going off. You can see the border light up. Some sound near and some far away. I looked at the reaction of the family I'm staying with, comfort. As if that stuff is super far away and they've been through worse.
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
SAFETY IN SOUTHEAST TURKEY AND ALONG THE TURKEY/SYRIA BORDER
The Embassy advises U.S. citizens that we have recently added the provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep and Sanliurfa to the list of provinces in southeast Turkey for which special permission is required for any necessary official or unofficial travel by U.S. Government employees. The other such provinces are Sirnak, Diyarbakir, Van, Siirt, Mus, Mardin, Batman, Bingol, Tunceli, Hakkari, Bitlis and Elazig. U.S employees are required to take special precautions when travelling in these provinces, to include consulting with local security officials on current threats. Road travel is permitted only during daylight hours and on major highways. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the situation in southeast Turkey, while usually calm, can change without warning. Over the past several months, provinces in southeast Turkey have experienced a substantial increase in terrorist attacks and kidnappings. Turkish towns located directly along the border with Syria have also been struck by bullets and artillery rounds that originate in Syria, some resulting in deaths or injuries.
In addition to the well-known longstanding threat from PKK terrorists, other violent extremists have transited Turkey en route to Syria. Therefore, we recommend that American citizens take care in any meetings with individuals claiming to represent the Syrian opposition movement.
We remind U.S. citizens travelling to the southeastern part of Turkey or residing in Turkey to provide their contact and next- of-kin information through the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad.”
Americans visiting or residing in Turkey for business or pleasure typically enjoy a richly rewarding and safe experience. Nevertheless, we encourage all U.S. citizens to pay attention to local news media and the advice of Turkish authorities, and to maintain a modest and respectful demeanor throughout Turkey. The Department of State advises all Americans abroad to take prudent steps to ensure personal safety: remain vigilant and aware of surroundings, listen to news reports, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and vary times and routes for all travel.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens travelling abroad should regularly monitor theDepartment’s website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747toll-free in the United States and Canada or, a regular toll line at +1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). We also invite U.S. citizens to read the Country Specific Information for Turkey.
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:
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 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916.
The Consular Agency in Izmir can be reached at tel: (90) (232) 464-8755, fax (90) (232) 464-8916.