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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Namik Tan
Embassy: 2525 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 612-6700
Fax: (202) 612-6744

Consulate(s) General are in:

Los Angeles
4801 Wilshire Bl.,
Los Angeles, CA 90010.
(213) 937-0118

Chicago
360 N. Michigan Av., Suite 1405
Chicago, IL 60601.
(312) 263-0644

New York
821 United Nations Pz.,
New York, NY 10017.
(212) 949-0160

Houston
1990 Post Oak Central,
Houston, TX 77056.
(713) 622-5849

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Francis J. Ricciardone, Jr.
Embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, Ankara 06100
Mailing Address: Use Embassy address
Telephone:(90) (312) 455-5555.


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Turkey
U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey

Embassy of Turkey in Washington, United States of America




FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-Turkish friendship dates to the late 18th century, when the United States established diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire. The present close relationship began with the agreement of July 12, 1947, which implemented the Truman Doctrine.

Turkey has been a NATO ally since 1952, and an active partner in ISAF stabilization operations in Afghanistan, and represents NATO’s vital eastern anchor, controlling (in accordance with international conventions) the straits of the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which link the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. On Turkey’s southeastern border lie Iran, Iraq, and Syria, proving once more Turkey’s strategic geographic significance.

The U.S.-Turkey partnership is based on mutual interests and mutual respect and is focused on areas such as regional security and stability, economic cooperation, and human rights progress. Turkey has allowed the United States to utilize its Incirlik Air Base for the transport of non-lethal logistical support for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The United States also stands in solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism. Counterterrorism cooperation is a key element of our strategic partnership, in concert with U.S. support for a political approach to security issues based on inclusiveness.

In August 2012, the U.S.-Turkey Interagency Working Group on Syria was established, which has further deepened our cooperation and coordination efforts.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States and Turkey have a robust dialogue about economic issues, which is guided by the Framework for Strategic Economic and Commercial Cooperation (FSECC), established in 2009 by Presidents Obama and Gul.

In 2011, bilateral trade reached record levels, increasing by 35% year on year from $14.8 billion to $19.9 billion, with U.S. exports to Turkey up 39% from $10.5 billion to $14.6 billion and Turkish exports to the U.S. up 24% from $4.2 billion to $5.2 billion. Through continuous engagement, we are working alongside Turkish Government to deepen our economic relations through business development initiatives as well as institutionalized bilateral mechanisms such as the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, bilateral investment and tax treaties, as well as a variety of high-level dialogues, including the FSECC and Economic Partnership Commission.

Although not a member of the European Union (EU), Turkey is a member of the EU’s Common Market.

U.S. exports to Turkey include aircraft, iron and steel, agricultural products, oil, cotton yarn and fabric, and machinery. U.S. imports from Turkey include vehicles, machinery, iron and steel and their products, agricultural products, and travertine and marble. Reported U.S. direct investment in Turkey is led by the banking and manufacturing sectors.

U.S. assistance seeks to maximize Turkish cooperation with other countries, especially Afghanistan, and enhance the interoperability of the Turkish military with North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces.

Turkey's Membership in International Organizations

Turkey serves as NATO's vital eastern anchor, as it controls the straits leading from the Black Sea to the Aegean and shares a border with Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Turkey played an active role in NATO's Operation Unified Protector to protect civilians in Libya in 2011. Turkey also agreed in 2011 to host a radar system as part of NATO’s missile defense architecture.

Turkey is a candidate for the EU, and its primary political, economic, and security ties are with the West. The current government has also sought to strengthen relations with its Middle Eastern neighbors, and with Central Asian, African, and Latin American countries.

Turkey is a member of the UN, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Council, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, G-20, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Turkey also is an observer to the Organization of American States and a Dialogue Partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey is Francis J. Ricciardone, Jr.; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Turkey maintains an embassy in the United States at 2525 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 612-6700.

More information about Turkey is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Turkey Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Turkey Page
U.S. Embassy: Turkey
History of U.S. Relations With Turkey
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Turkey check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving      U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency     (TRL) Turkish lira
Electrical     230 Volts
Telephones     Country Code 90, City Code, Istanbul(Europe) 212+7D, Istanbul(Asia) 216+7D, Bursa 224+7D



Customs: A visa is required of holders of US tourist passports (regular, official, or diplomatic). The visa can be obtained at Turkish Consulates General or upon arrival at entry point in Turkey. Currency: There are no restrictions on the importation of Turkish lira or hard currencies into Turkey. However, residents of Turkey must declare all currencies in excess of the equivalent of $5,000 upon entry. Visitors to Turkey may exchange Turkish lira up to the equivalent of $5,000 into foreign currency without any documentation.


Climate and clothing: Clothing and shoe requirements are about the same as for the eastern US. Climate on the periphery (Istanbul, Izmir, and Adana) is Mediterranean with cool, rainy winters and hot, moderately dry summers. The Black Sea coast receives the greatest rainfall. Shielded by mountains, the interior (Ankara) has continental climate with cold winters and dry, hot summers. Climate in the eastern mountainous area is often severe.


Health: Public health standards in the larger cities approach those in the US, but care must be taken, especially in rural areas. While tap water in major cities is generally potable, it is recommended that bottled water be used at all times, because of possible intermittent contamination of water lines. Turkish law requires that at least one pharmacy be open in a neighborhood at all times.


Telecommunications: Telephone and telegraph services, domestic and international, and generally dependable. During peak hours, circuits are often overloaded. Turkey is seven hours ahead of EST. Daylight savings time is used.


Transportation: More than 20 scheduled airlines connect Turkey with all parts of the world. Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Dalaman are Turkey's primary international airports. Turkish Airlines (THY), Turkish state railways, and a variety of intercity bus companies serve many points in Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East. Local buses, share cabs, and minibuses (dolmus), although somewhat crowded, provide satisfactory local transportation. Taxis are readily available. Main roads are fairly good in and between the large centers; secondary roads are generally adequate. Roads frequently lack shoulders. Drivers should exercise extreme care because of heavy truck and other traffic, and unpredictable drivers. Driving at night in the countryside should be avoided because of many or poorly-lit vehicles on the highway.

Publications Concerning Turkey
Also available from the Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 20402: Turkey Post Report-US Department of State (1990). Turkey, A Country Study- American University (1989). Foreign Labor Trends- US Department of Labor. Foreign Economic Trends-US Department of Commerce. Economic trends and trade information is available from the International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce, Washington, DC, 20230, or from any Commerce Department district office.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco.................200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco
*
Liquor....................5 bottles (1 litre) or 7 bottles (700ml) of wine and/or spirits
*
Gifts.......................Duty free allowance up to dm500
*
Perfume.................5 bottles (up to 120ml)
*
Cameras................No restrictions
*
Currency................Must be declared on arrival
*
Agriculture items. ..Refer to consulate
*
Note: (a) A further 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco may be imported if purchased on arrival at a duty-free shop. (b) Very specific amounts and categories of personal belongings may be imported duty free, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counsellor's Office.
*
Prohibited Imports : Narcotics, sharp implements and weapons.
*
Restricted Exports : (a) The export of souvenirs such as carpets is subject to customs regulations regarding age and value. (b) The export of antiques is forbidden, according to a list available from the Turkish Embassy, Financial and Customs Counsellor's Office. (c) Minerals may only be exported under licence from the General Directorate of Mining Exploration & Research



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