Germany warns its citizens visiting Turkey regarding VPN use

Duvar English

Germany's Ministry for Foreign Affairs recently updated its travel warnings concerning Turkey, warning its citizens that they could be punished for using Virtual Private Networks (VPN's) while in the country. 

According to the update, usage of VPN's has been monitored by the government, and usage of unverified VPN's could result in criminal punishment. 

The German ministry's warning also reminded citizens that those being tried on charges of insulting the president or on terror charges face heavy sentences. 

It had previously warned that German citizens of Kurdish or Alevi origin were being denied entry into Turkey, and in its latest update said that German citizens who were currently or had been active in Kurdish organizations in Germany were being increasingly arrested in Turkey.

“Do not sign any documents that you do not understand. Request a lawyer. Keep your ID on your person. Be open to cooperation while at security checkpoints,” the warning said. 

After Turkey's recent operation into northeastern Syria, Germany also updated its warning regarding travel in the adjacent provinces in Turkey, advising citizens not to travel to the districts and provinces of Diyarbakır, Cizre, Silopi, Idil, Yüksekova, Batman, Nusaybin, Siirt, Mardin, Şırnak and Hakkari. 

The warning also indicated that following the operation, terrorist groups could launch attacks in Turkey's major cities, and that foreign nationals could be the direct targets. 

The ministry advised against taking photos in certain areas, reminding citizens that photographing areas belonging to the military and security forces was illegal, and discouraged taking pictures of graveyards, religious places, and private property, adding that this could result in negative reactions.