The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Areas where FCDO advises against travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Turkey-Syria border
FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
Support from the UK government
While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in areas where we advise against travel.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Turkey set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Turkish Embassy in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Turkey.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.
If you live in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism.
If you want to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, you must get a short-term residence permit before the end of your stay.
If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.
To enter Turkey for education, employment or medical purposes, or in other special cases, check the information on applying for a visa. If you plan to work in Turkey, make sure you have the correct permits.
Travelling with children
If leaving Turkey with a dual British-Turkish national child who is 18 or younger, you may need to show permission to travel from the Turkish parent.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Turkey guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Turkey. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to any tax or duty.
Some goods are prohibited – you cannot take them into or out of Turkey. These include:
- controlled drugs
- firearms
- offensive weapons, for example flick knives and self-defence sprays
- endangered animal and plant spices
- indecent and obscene material
Taking money into and out of Turkey
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish lira you can take into Turkey.
You must not take Turkish lira worth more than 5000 US dollars out of the country.
If you have other currency worth more than 5000 US dollars to take out of Turkey, you must declare it to Turkish Customs.
You may need to demonstrate where the currency came from.
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Turkey.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Terrorism in Turkey
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.
Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
See Regional risks for details about the areas in south-east Turkey where FCDO advises against travel.
There have been several attacks involving knives, firearms and explosives. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
- public buildings
- places of worship
- airports
- large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions
There have been a number of recent significant attacks. For example:
- in February 2024, one person was killed in an armed attack on the Çağlayan courthouse in Istanbul by the terrorist group DHKP/C
- in January 2024, one person was killed by two gunmen in the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Sariyer, in an attack claimed by Daesh
- in 2022, 6 people were killed in an explosion in central Istanbul
Extremist groups based in Syria, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups, have the capacity to carry out attacks in Turkey. Daesh has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border.
Political situation
Demonstrations occur occasionally in cities and may become violent. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protests.
Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey. Large demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.
Avoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.
Crime
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.
Drink and food spiking
Be wary of strangers approaching you to change money, or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub. If strangers offer you food and drink these could be spiked. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them.
Counterfeit alcohol
In a small number of cases, counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol have caused deaths of tourists. If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.
Sexual assault
In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. Most cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas. Crimes were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel and spa workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.
Taxi safety
Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky. Find a registered taxi and note the registration number before entering. App-based taxis are also widely available.
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID
It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks. There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks.
Dress code
Dress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine to avoid causing offence.
Personal injury claims
There are reports of tourists being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness in Turkey. Find out what you can do if you have suffered a personal injury on the Citizens Advice website. Only make a claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness. If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Turkey.
Smoking bans
Smoking is illegal on public transport and in all indoor workplaces and public places. Smoking is restricted in some outdoor areas where cultural, artistic, sports or entertainment activities are held.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Turkey has strict laws against the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. You may receive a fine or prison sentence of 4 to 24 years.
Stray dogs
Most towns and cities have stray dogs. Packs congregate in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive. Take care and do not approach stray dogs. If you’re bitten, get medical advice immediately. Rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.
Sale of antiquities
Buying or exporting antiquities is illegal. You could be fined and receive a prison sentence of 5 to 12 years. Some historical items found at local markets and in antique shops can be sold within Turkey but are illegal to export. Confirm the status of antique items before you buy them.
Using cameras
Do not take photographs of or near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. However, many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and showing affection in public could receive unwelcome attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag. These laws can also apply to comments or images online no matter where you were or when you posted them. Defacing Turkish banknotes is also illegal. Offences under these laws are punishable by a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Extreme sports
If you do an extreme sport, check that adequate safety precautions are in place. British nationals have been injured and killed doing extreme sports. Only use reputable operators. Make sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all activities you do.
Quad biking and mopeds
Quad biking is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. You need specific travel insurance to cover quad biking. Always read the details of your insurance cover, especially the small print and exclusions on your policy.
Make sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity.
Insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third party insurance. It’s likely you will be charged for any damage to the rental vehicle and you may face arrest if you do not pay.
If you hire a moped you need a valid driving licence with at least category A1 - ‘light motorcycle’. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If police stop you, they will fine you and take your licence.
Jeep safaris
Jeep safaris can be dangerous-there were a number of reported accidents in 2023. If you join a jeep safari, use a reputable company who have adequate health and safety procedures and equipment. Always check that activities are covered by your insurance.
Water sports
Book activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:
- make sure the paperwork is completed
- ask for a safety demonstration
- make sure you know how to call for help
See watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
Obey any warning signs and flags on beaches. Follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators on beaches.
Follow local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.
See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents watersports safety abroad guide.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Turkey, see information on driving abroad.
You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You must also carry a green card to show you have third party insurance.
If you bring a vehicle registered in another country into Turkey, observe the Turkish customs regulations. Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
Driving conditions
Take care when travelling by road, particularly at night. Approach checkpoints slowly and follow the instructions of security personnel. Roads between major cities are generally in excellent condition, but the road surface can be poor in remote areas. Accidents are common – mainly due to poor or reckless driving.
It is illegal to ride without a helmet on motorcycles and mopeds. You may get a severe fine if you are not wearing a helmet.
Do not drink and drive. The police fine drunk drivers and they could confiscate your licence for 6 months.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months.
The NHS has information on how to cope in hot weather.
Wildfires
Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer.
You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited.
If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.
If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112.
Flooding
Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides across Turkey, damaging roads and bridges. Some routes may become impassable, making it difficult to travel and reducing essential services.
If you’re in an affected area:
- monitor local media
- follow instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
Earthquakes
Many parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. These can be a high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Gaziantep and neighbouring provinces in the south-east of Turkey in February 2023. Strong earthquakes may continue to affect the region and it remains heavily damaged. There is a shortage of local accommodation.
Follow any advice given by the local authorities. See the US Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake .
This section has safety advice for regions of Turkey. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice.
Turkey-Syria border
FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Turkey-Syria border.
Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there is a heightened risk of terrorism in the region. See Terrorism.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may be closed at short notice.
Hakkari province, south-east Turkey
In Hakkari province you must get permission from the local Governor’s Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Mount Ararat, eastern Turkey
Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province, is a special military zone. You must have permission from the Doğubayazıt government office and pay a fee. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit.
Take extra care if you’re travelling to this area. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Turkey.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Turkey. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
British prescriptions are not accepted in pharmacies in Turkey. In some cases, you may be able to liaise with Turkish hospitals and your GP to arrange for a Turkish prescription for the equivalent medicine.
Some common medicines are controlled in Turkey. See more information about the documentation you need, or contact the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Turkey
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Turkey where some staff will speak English.
The European Health Insurance Card and Global Health Insurance card are not valid in Turkey.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Medical tourism
Medical tourism is when people travel to have medical, surgical or dental treatment abroad. Cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and cardiac surgery are the most common procedures for medical tourists.
The standard of medical facilities and available treatments can vary widely globally and also within countries. We are aware of six British nationals having died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures. Some British nationals have also experienced complications and needed further treatment or surgery following their procedure.
If you are considering travelling to Turkey for medical, surgical or dental treatment:
- discuss plans with your UK doctor, dentist or clinician before going ahead
- do your own research - private companies have a financial interest in booking your treatment and their literature should not be your only source of information
See more details about the risks of going abroad for elective surgery.
The Turkish Ministry of Health provides a list of its approved medical providers on the HealthTurkiye website.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not give any endorsement of the competence or suitability of any practitioner or facility.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Turkey
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
You can also contact FCDO online.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Turkey on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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