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Security Alert – U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Turkey

March 4, 2018

Location: U.S. Embassy Ankara, Kavaklidere district, Ankara.

Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens that the U.S. Embassy in Ankara will be closed to the public on March 5, 2018, due to a security threat. The Embassy will announce its reopening, once it resumes services.

During this period, only emergency services will be provided. Routine services, such as passport renewals including lost or stolen passports, reports of birth abroad, and notarial services, are not considered emergencies. Requests for these services will be processed through our online appointment system once the Embassy reopens. Visa interviews and other routine services are cancelled; applicants will be informed directly of steps to take.

Actions to take:

• Avoid large crowds.
  
  
• Avoid the Embassy.
  
  
• Heighten your personal security posture and awareness if you choose to visit popular tourist sites, shopping malls, shopping districts, and sports and entertainment venues.
  
  
• Notify family and friends of your safety.
  
  
• Monitor local media for updates.
  
  
• Keep a low profile.
  

Read the full security alert here:

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Turkey is currently under a Level 3 Travel Advisory which urges American citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to the threat terrorism and arbitrary detentions.. 

Read the full travel advisory here:

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Recent terror attacks in Turkey include the following:

On January 1, 2017, there was an attack on the Reina nightclub in Ortakoy, Istanbul; 39 people were killed and 69 injured.

On December 10, 2016, a car bomb exploded near the Besiktas football stadium in the Macka/Dolmabahce area of Istanbul. 44 people, mostly police officers, were killed, and over 150 injured.

On June 28, 2016, Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul was attacked. More than 40 people were killed.