MFA press release on the situation in the Republic of Turkey as of 21 July, 6 pm
21 July 2016 News
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Turkey under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a three-month state of emergency on the entire territory of the country at 11:40 pm on July 20.
The specific measures under the state of emergency have not yet been officially announced. They are expected to be published tomorrow in the Official Gazette, currently the Turkish parliament discusses the government's proposed measures entitling the security authorities to carry out checks and searches, as well as the right to use weapons in case of disobeying their orders. In Ankara, there is the case of а shot car driver, who disobeyed an order to present verification documents.
It is also possible to impose measures to limit or ban traffic on land, water and air in separate areas of duration at the discretion of security authorities.
The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry strongly recommends to Bulgarian citizens to postpone any planned trips to the Republic of Turkey until the situation there returns to normal. In case it is impossible to postpone the trip, travelers are advised to take account of the whole seriousness of the state of emergency which is in place throughout Turkey and to strictly fulfill the orders of the local security services.
MFA will provide timely information to Bulgarian citizens about the measures taken by the Turkish government. Bulgarians entering Turkey must ask the Turkish border authorities to explain what the travelers’ obligations are.
Given the upcoming enhanced police checks and inspections, it is imperative Bulgarian citizens to carry with them their identification documents.
Bulgarian nationals must stay informed regularly about current events in the country and places they want to visit. In need of help they can always contact our diplomatic and consular missions to the Republic of Turkey.