As in other large metropolitan areas throughout the world, there is some crime against tourists, including pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging. In Istanbul, some tourists have been robbed by English or French-speaking foreigners who first befriend them, then drug them using tea, juice, alcohol, or food. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Travel by road in Turkey can be hazardous since local drivers do not always obey traffic rules or take appropriate safety measures, such as using headlights at the onset of darkness.
Turkey has a very high rate of accident fatalities and injuries to pedestrians.
It is imperative to drive defensively and to avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas. Driving conditions off the main highways and in remote areas are particularly dangerous. In the eastern provinces, the incidence of terrorism and military countermeasures pose additional risks for road travelers. Turkish authorities expect travelers to cooperate with travel restrictions, security check points, and other security measures. The U.S. Embassy has a Turkey-specific driver safety briefing available on request.