Male U. S. citizens between the ages of 20 and 38, who are also considered to be Turkish citizens, may be subject to conscription and compulsory military service upon arrival, and to other aspects of Turkish law while in Turkey, particularly if they entered the country and are residing in Turkey based on their Turkish identity documents. Those who may be affected should inquire at a Turkish embassy or consulate to determine their status prior to traveling. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad. Dual nationals may be subject to Turkey's laws, which impose special obligations. For years, urban and rural acts of terrorism throughout Turkey have caused loss of life and injury to government officials and civilians in Turkey, including some foreign tourists.
Turkish authorities conduct highly effective counter operations.
Most incidents have occurred in eastern Turkey. In recent years, several PKK bomb attacks, including some at Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, resulted in the deaths of four people, including two foreign tourists, and 36 injuries. The decision is under appeal. Since his arrest in February, there has been an increase in the frequency of terrorist activity in Turkey. Due to PKK bombings on local intercity buses, travelers may be subject to security baggage screening by the Turkish national police.