Turkey Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Ankara.

Geography:

Turkey borders the Black Sea, Georgia and Armenia to the northeast, Iran to the east, Iraq to the southeast, Syria and the Mediterranean to the south, the Aegean Sea to the west and Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest. Asia Minor (or Anatolia) is the name given to the peninsula that forms a bridge between Europe and Asia. It accounts for 97% of the country's area and forms a long, wide peninsula 1,650km (1,025 miles) from east to west and 650km (400 miles) from north to south. The biggest city is Ankara, which is situated in the central plains of Anatolia.

The other 3% of the country is Thrace, the tiny land mass which is the European portion of Turkey bordering Bulgaria and Greece and separated from Anatolia by the Bosphorus, a strait linking the Black Sea and Aegean Sea. Despite its small size 10% of the population lives here, with most of these in Istanbul.

Two east-west mountain ranges, the Black Sea Mountains in the north and the Taurus in the south, enclose the central Anatolian plateau, but converge in a vast mountainous region in the far east of the country. It is here that the ancient Tigris and Euphrates rivers rise.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Turkey's national airline is Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com), which flies to multiple destinations across the globe, including the UK and the USA. Other airlines offering direct flights to Turkey from the UK include Atlas Global (www.atlasglb.com), British Airways (www.ba.com) and Pegasus Airlines (www.flypgs.com). 

Major airports are: Ankara Esanboga International Airport, Istanbul International Airport, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, Antalya Airport, Dalaman Airport and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

To Istanbul: from London - 3 hours 40 minutes; New York - 9 hours 50 minutes.

Getting There By Road

Driving overland to Turkey from the UK takes around three days straight driving, travelling through Germany, Austria, down through the Balkan countries of Croatia and Serbia and finally over the Greek or Bulgarian border.

Getting There By Water

It’s possible to travel to Turkey by water, depending where you are coming from. Hopping from the Greek islands over to Istanbul is a popular route. All ships, including private yachts, arriving in Turkish waters must go to one of the following ports of entry: Akçay, Alanya, Anamur, Antalya, Ayvalik, Bandirma, Bodrum, Botas (Adana), Çanakkale, Çesme, Datça, Derince, Didim, Dikili, Fethiye, Finike, Giresun, Güllük, Hopa (Artvin), Iskenderun, Istanbul, Izmir, Kas, Kemer, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Mersin, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Sinop, Söke, Tasucu (Silifke), Tekirdas, Trabzon and Zonguldak.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

All of Turkey’s major regional towns and cities are connected by air to Ankara, Istanbul and other major transport hubs including Izmir and Antalya. Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) provides the largest internal flight network. Other airlines operating on key routes within Turkey and internationally include Atlasglobal (www.atlasglb.com), Onur Air (www.onurair.com.tr), Pegasus Airlines (www.flypgs.com) and SunExpress (www.sunexpress.com.tr).

Bike

Cycling through Turkey is entirely possible but cyclists are advised to make sure they are prepared for the heat, and ensure bikes are in good condition as the rough roads are frequent, especially in the countryside. Cycling in the major cities is relatively uncommon and should only be attempted by the brave. Watch out for heavy traffic as drivers may not be used to bicycles sharing the road.

Car Hire

Both chauffeur-driven and self-drive cars are available in all large towns and resorts. All international companies are represented.

Coach

There is an extensive bus network around Turkey linking the larger urban centres to smaller villages, and if you're willing to put up with long-distance overland travel, these can be much cheaper than taking domestic flights.

Documentation

The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (tel: +90 212 282 8140; www.turing.org.tr) provides insurance and advice for foreign drivers.

An International Driving Permit or photo-ID licence is necessary. Green Card international insurance, endorsed for all Turkish territory (or Turkish third-party insurance obtained at a frontier post) and car ownership documents are also required. A 'carnet de passage' is required for those continuing to the Middle East.

You can bring cars into Turkey for a maximum of six months in any year. For longer stays, it is necessary to apply to either the Ministry of Finance and Customs or the Turkish Touring and Automobile Club.

Getting Around By Rail

Many trains of the Turkish Railways (TCDD) (tel: 444 8233, in Turkey only; www.tcdd.gov.tr) have sleeping cars, couchettes and restaurant cars. Some are air-conditioned. Fares are comparatively low, but are more expensive for express trains. Discounts are available for students (though a Turkish student card may be required), groups, round-trips and passengers over 60. Children aged seven and under travel free. You can buy tickets at TCDD offices at railway stations and TCDD-appointed agents. The journey from Istanbul to Ankara takes 4 hours.

Regulations

The minimum driving age is 18 and front seat belts are compulsory. Children under 12 may not sit in the front. The speed limit is 120kph (75mph) on dual carriageways, 90kph (56mph) on highways and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas.

Getting Around By Road

Turkey’s road network continues to improve, with four-lane motorways (otoyol) connecting major cities, and well-surfaced modern highways elsewhere. However, further east and in rural areas, roads may be less well surfaced.

Standards of driving can be poor, and serious accidents are common. Main highways are well policed, and radar cameras are in use. Fines are levied on the spot for speeding offences; drivers of rental cars must pay the penalty when returning the vehicle to the rental company, which may add an additional administration charge. In rural areas, and especially in southeast Turkey, drivers may encounter road blocks manned by armed jandarma (militia) officers.

Road Quality

Road conditions and standards of driving in Turkey can be poor. There is a road toll system in Turkey whith uses electronically-read HGS cards; hire cars should be fitted with these.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

There are many types of taxi, share-taxi and minibus in operation. Taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities and towns and are recognisable by their chequered black and yellow bands. All taxis have a meter which must be switched on at the start of the journey. For longer journeys, the fare should be agreed beforehand.

A dolmuş is a collective taxi or minibus which follows specific routes. Each passenger pays according to the distance travelled to specific stops. The fares are fixed by the municipality. The dolmuş provides services within large cities to suburbs, airports and often to neighbouring towns. This is a very practical means of transport and much cheaper than a taxi. Taxis may turn into a dolmuş and vice versa according to demand.

Urban Travel

Extensive conventional bus services operate in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. There are buses in all other large towns. These are generally reliable, modern and easy to use. Tickets are bought in advance from kiosks and validated on board. In Istanbul, you can pay as you go by buying jetons (tokens). Alternatively, an Istanbulkart smartcard can save money on bus, tram, ferry and metro journeys. These have replaced the old Akbil cards, and you can buy them at vending machines and booths near stops and stations.

Ankara has a four-line metro system; Istanbul's is more extensive but covers mainly the more central areas of the city. The Marmaray tunnel, an underground railway under the Bosphorus rive, connects the European side of Istanbul to the Asian side of the city in just eight minutes.

Getting Around By Water

A frequent car ferry crosses the Dardenelles at Gallipoli, from Çanakkale to Eceabat and Gelibolu to Lapseki. Istanbul Fast Ferries (tel: +90 850 222 4436; www.ido.com.tr) operates frequent seabus services from Bostanci, Kartal and Yalova to Yenikapi, Yalova and Bandirma.

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

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:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

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.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow and contact FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

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.

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

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 October 2024, 5 people were killed and 22 injured in an attack on the Turkish Aerospace Industries' facility in Kahramankazan, 40km northwest of central Ankara
• 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.

Counterfeit banknotes 

Banks and money exchanges may not accept $50 or $100 US dollar bills, due to a reported surge in counterfeit banknotes of these denominations in Turkey. You should not accept these banknotes where possible.

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 

People have died or suffered serious illness in Istanbul, Turkey after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol. 

To protect yourself: 

• buy alcoholic beverages only from licensed liquor stores 

• buy drinks only at licensed bars and hotels 

• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks 

• check bottle seals are intact 

• check labels for poor print quality or incorrect spelling 

If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.  

Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with falls ill after drinking alcohol.

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.

Comments about the nation and flag

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

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.

Regional escalation

Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October, Israel carried out military action against Iran.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on X, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you're affected by a crisis abroad.

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:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkey
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

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 insurer

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:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters
• dealing with a death in Turkey
• being arrested in Turkey
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• If you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

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

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

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.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes
Typhoid	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	Sometimes
Yellow Fever	No

Overview:

Turkey's healthcare system is in the midst of reform and has greatly improved over past decades, but the country has only basic public hospital medical facilities and has no state-funded general practitioner system. There is however an extensive private health care sector, including private emergency care hospitals, surgeons, dentists and other specialists. Inside the major urban centres such as Istanbul and Ankara, the quality of care in these clinics will match standards in Western Europe, but without private health insurance, getting treated in this environment can result in a hefty bill. Travel insurance which covers medical aid is essential. In the case of a medical emergency call 112.

Food Drink:

Mains water is chlorinated in towns and cities, but it is advisable to drink the widely available bottled mineral water. If a water source bears the words içilmez, it is not potable; sources labelled içilir or içme suyu are safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised. Eat only well-cooked meat and fish. When it comes to street food, common sense is advised; eat food that is freshly cooked and ideally, has been prepared in front of you. During the summer Turkey can experience temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) so carry a bottle of water to avoid dehydration.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. It is recommended that travellers visiting rural areas, get a rabies vaccination as this may be found in dogs, cats and other animals throughout the countryside. Turkey has very low risk of malaria, with the risk increasing towards the Syrian border in the south east of the country, but keen trekkers may want to stock up on supplies of insect-repellent.

Currency Information:

New Turkish Lira (TRY; symbol YTL) = 100 New Kurus (Ykr). Notes are in denominations of YTL200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of YTL1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 New Kurus.

Credit Cards:

Visa is the most popular, closely followed by MasterCard. American Express is accepted in top-flight hotels, restaurants and some gift shops. ATMs are widely found in most areas. In all smaller restaurants, bars, guesthouses and shops cash is preferred. Many establishments in resort areas will accept Euros.

ATMs:

ATMs are easily found in most urban areas. As with all transactions be careful with your card, taking care to keep it in sight, and be discreet with cash.

Travellers Cheques:

Traveller's cheques can only be exchanged in banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling, Euros or US Dollars. Credit cards are far more convenient.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1330-1700. Some banks in tourist areas and large cities are open daily. Cash can be exchanged in currency exchange offices (döviz bürosu) in all major cities and towns. Banks charge commission.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local. The import and export of foreign currency exceeding US$5,000 must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Cash can usually be exchanged commission free in currency exchange offices (döviz bürosu). Banks usually charge commission. Traveller's cheques can only be exchanged in banks with a passport. Travellers planning to exchange currency back from Turkish Lira to their own country before leaving Turkey, or those making a major purchase which may need to be declared to customs, must retain transaction receipts to prove that the currency was legally exchanged.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
TRY	YTL

Exchange Rates

3.68

4.38

3.53

Language

Turkish is the official language. Kurdish is also spoken by a minority in the southeast. French, German and English are widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan)	2024-04-10 00:00:00	0
National Sovereignty and Children's Day	2024-04-23 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Commemoration of Atat	2024-05-19 00:00:00	0
Kurban Bayrami (Feast of Sacrifice)	2024-06-16 00:00:00	0
Victory Day	2024-08-30 00:00:00	0
Republic Day	2024-10-28 00:00:00	0

Note:

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region.

Overview:

Visitors over 18 years of age may import the following into Turkey without incurring customs duty:
• Up to 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 200g tobacco and 200 cigarette paper, or 200g pipe tobacco or 200g chewing tobacco or 200g tobacco for nargileh or 50g snuff.
• In addition to the above given allowances for tobacco products, each passenger over 18 years of age is also allowed to purchase 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g pipe tobacco in Turkish duty free shops when entering the country.
• 1 bottle of 100cl or 2 bottles of 70cl or 75 cl of wine and / or spirits.
• 600 ml perfume & cosmetic (maximum 120ml of each).
• 1.5 kg tea, coffee, 1.5 kg instant coffee, 500 g tea, 1kg chocolate, 1 kg confectionery.
• Gifts to the value of €430 (reduced to €150 for those under 15 years old).

.

Banned Imports:

Narcotics. Sharp implements (including camping knives) and weapons require a special permit.

Telephone:

The cheapest way to make calls is from PTT telephone booths, which are found in all areas. These operate using phone cards, which can be bought from kiosks, or by using major credit cards.

Mobile Telephone:

Mobile phone coverage is generally good, but can be patchy in some rural areas in eastern Turkey. As Turkey is outside the EU, roaming charges are very much more expensive than for mobile phone use in the UK and the rest of the EU.

Internet:

There are internet cafés throughout Turkey, even in small towns and rural villages. Almost all hotels (including even small guesthouses and budget hostels) offer free Wi-Fi internet access, as do many restaurants, bars and cafés.

Post

Turkish post offices are recognisable by their yellow PTT signs. It takes around 4-5 working days for mail from Turkey to reach Europe.

Post Office Hours:

Major post offices are open Mon-Sat 0800-2400, Sun 0900-1900; smaller post offices have the same opening hours as government offices.

Media:

The Turkish media tends to be self-censoring on controversial religious, cultural and political issues. Journalists, novelists, film-makers and broadcasters have been prosecuted under laws against ‘insulting' the country, the armed forces, and ‘Turkishness'.

English-language newspapers include The Turkish Daily News, whilst the main Turkish-language papers are Hürriyet, Milliyet, Sabah, Zamam Cumhuriyet and Yeni Asir. An edition of the British Sunday Times is printed in Istanbul. The state broadcaster TRT operates several TV and radio channels. Private channels include ATV, Kanal D, Show TV and Star TV. CNN Türk is the Turkish channel of news network CNN. TRT radio stations include TRT 1 (cultural and educational), TRT 3 (classical, jazz and popular music) and TRT 4 (Turkish folk and classical music). Best FM, Show Radyo and Capital Radio are commercial stations whilst Radyo Foreks broadcasts news.

Search for Noah on Mount Ararat

Look for fragments of Noah's Ark, reputed to have washed up on the slopes of 5,165m (16,945ft) Mount Ararat in Turkey's eastern region. Apart from the biblical appeal, the snow-capped mountain is an incredible sight, visible from many kilometres away. Only authorised trekking companies are recommended for scaling mighty Ararat.

Discover caves and bazaars in Sanliurfa

Wander through a traditional bazaar at Sanliurfa in the southeast, close to the Syrian border, and pay a visit to the cave where Abraham is said to have been born. Since the conflict in Syria, the border has become less secure, and caution is advised.

Get some water therapy

The incredible pools at Pamukkale near Denizli attract tourists and locals alike who come to bathe in the warm therapeutic waters that fill the natural travertine terraces. The pools, together with the ancient ruins of the city of Hierapolis nearby have been declared a World Heritage Site.

Explore the Kaçkar mountains

Go trekking in the wild Kaçkar mountain range of Turkey's northeast, close to the Georgian frontier. Take a trail through dense pine forests and scenic pastures, before hitting heights of almost 4,000m (13,123 ft). Routes across higher altitudes are only open during the summer months unless trekkers are equipped for snowy weather.

Be dazzled by the Whirling Dervishes

The renowned Whirling Dervishes are one of Turkey's most iconic tourist attractions. Members of the Mevlevi Order perform the famous whirling dance known as Sema as part of an aged ceremony. It's best seen in Konya where the Order originated, though many shows catering to visitors are put on in Istanbul, too.

Go white-water rafting

White-water rafting is becoming increasingly popular with tourists in Turkey. There are trips going down the Dalaman River, the Köprülü River, the Zamanti River or the Coruh River, which is rated by professionals as one of the top rafting descents in the world. Hold on tight!

Trek the Lycian Way

Turkey isn't touted much for its hiking, but it has some great, uncrowded routes. One of the most beautiful is the Lycian Way, which stretches for 500km (311 miles) between Fethiye and Antalya, providing a month's walking through some of Turkey's most spectacular scenery.

Take a ferry to Prince's Islands

Sip tea or smoke shisha as you watch the sunset at one of the traditional cafés beneath Istanbul's Galata Bridge. Then take a ferry from the Eminönü dock to the Princes' Islands, a tranquil summer getaway popular with Istanbulites where cars are banned and horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the transport of choice.

Hop on a boat through Lake Van

Use the eastern city of Van as a base to travel along the beautiful south shore of Lake Van. From there you can catch a boat out to the 10th-century Armenian church on Akdamar island, famous for its intricate stone reliefs depicting biblical scenes.

Sumela Monastery

Before Ottoman rule, much of Anatolia was home to Greek settlements. One spectacular example is the 14th-century Greek Orthodox Sumela Monastery, 54km (34 miles) from Trabzon. Set into a sheer cliff, 300m (1,000ft) above the valley floor, it's a jaw-dropping sight. The inside is filled with magnificent frescoes.

Glide over the dreamland of Cappadocia

Formed after the eruption of Mount Erciyes and fashioned by nature over the ages, Cappadocia offers an unrivalled landscape of rock cones, sprawling pinnacles and gaping ravines. Only many years later did the human touch arrive, providing tourists with cave houses and underground tunnels to explore. Hot-air balloon rides over the area are very popular.

Detour to the capital, Ankara

The Turkish capital is overlooked by many visitors but has some excellent museums. The superb Museum of Anatolian Civilisations provides a rich chronicle on the dynamic history of the region, while the Ethnographic Museum in Ankara provides a great insight into Turkish culture.

Hit the southern coastal town of Antalya

Not much known in the West, Antalya is nevertheless one of the most-visited cities in the world. Sitting on the Mediterranean and Turkey's southern coast, it's not hard to see why with its vast beaches, lively nightlife and atmospheric old town. Then there's the harbour, Kaleiçi, and the superb Archaeological Museum, as well as many historic sights throughout the city, not least Hadrian's Gate.

Explore the beaches of Bodrum

Although home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Mausoleum of Mausolus – Bodrum in Turkey's southwest is perhaps better known today as the country's finest Aegean resort. Dominated by the Castle of St John, the town is renowned for its shopping, dining and nightlife, not to mention its sweeping sandy beaches.

Cruise down the Black Sea

Explore the northern suburbs of Istanbul by ferry-boat, criss-crossing the Bosphorus to visit villages that stretch up to the mouth of the Black Sea. You can escape the tourists further and join holidaying Turks at one of the small Black Sea coast towns like Ünye or Giresun – less crowded, cooler and greener than the Mediterranean coast.

Walk with historical giants in Istanbul's Old City

Once the capital of Byzantium – the greatest empire in Christendom during the Middle Ages – Constantinople became Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest of the 15th century, and has been an Islamic metropolis ever since. Its architectural treasures include the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophie.

Wind down in a Turkish bath

You can't visit Turkey without experiencing a traditional Turkish bath. Known as a hammam, locals go for a scrub and massage, as well as a good steam. The most popular historic baths in Istanbul are the Galatasaray Hammam in Beyoğlu and Cağaloğlu Hammam in Sultanahmet, though less-known local baths are often just as good.

Overview

There’s more to shopping in Turkey than just colourful carpets. Traditionally a place of trade and commerce, shopping and haggling are part of the fabric of life here, and whether your preference is busy bazaars or more modern malls, rare is the visitor who doesn’t come away with some token of their time here.

Souvenir shoppers will find all sorts of items here. Locally made Turkish handicrafts include textiles, embroideries, copperwork, ceramics, and pottery, onyx, mother-of-pearl, inlaid woodwork, leather and suede products, jewellery, rugs and kilims. Nargiles (water pipes) and musical instruments make good, reasonably priced souvenirs.

Those who enjoy shopping will find Istanbul a delight, as the city is rammed with with plenty of cosmopolitan boutique stores and big label brands which will keep the most prolific shopper occupied (although you may have to do some digging to sniff out the gems).

Resorts such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Kusadasi have market areas peddling generally low quality souvenirs and handicrafts and copies of designer-brand shoes, footwear handbags, wristwatches and sunglasses. Bargaining is less essential than in the past, and many traders refuse to offer big discounts. When buying carpets and kilims, the seller must issue an invoice (fatura) stating the item's estimated age and purchase price in order to satisfy customs that it is not a restricted antiquity.

When buying big ticket items, get a receipt of the transaction. This can then be shown to customs agents at the airport to verify the purchase is above board and within allowances.

Opening Hours

Daily 0930-1900 in tourist areas. Closing hours vary, with some shops staying open until midnight. Outside tourist areas shops may close at lunchtime and on Sundays. Istanbul covered market: Mon-Sat 0800-1900 (closed Sunday).

Overview

 

Turkish food combines culinary traditions from the people's nomadic past in Central Asia with influences of the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Such mixed heritage when it comes to food can be the cause of fierce debate when brought up, in particular when it comes to discussing whether dishes are Greek or Turkish in origin. Debate aside, Turkish food is excellent, with wide variation, going far beyond the familiar kebab.

Meat is a large component of the Turkish diet, with lamb featuring heavily and dishes tend to be fragrantly spiced, although they are not as hot as those found in Indian cuisine. Vegetarians will find they are easily catered for, as meze – a selection of sauces, dips and vegetables – can be found on almost every menu and it’s not unusual to them as a main meal. Dolma (stuffed vegetables) are also veggie-friendly dishes.

Guests are usually able to go into a kitchen and choose from the pots if they cannot understand the names of the dishes. A wide range of international cuisine is also available in the major cities, and standard German and British dishes along the coasts.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. It is customary to leave a small tip (10 to 15%) for barbers, hairdressers, Turkish Bath attendants and waiters in smarter establishments. In inexpensive cafes and restaurants a small gratuity is appreciated. When using taxis, passengers should just round up the fare.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

Places to stay in Turkey range from purpose-built villa and apartment complexes and mid-range hotels in seaside resorts to luxury city hotels aimed at business travellers, budget hostels, simple pansiyons (guesthouses) and an ever-increasing number of stylish small boutique hotels in coastal and rural villages.

Grading: Hotels registered with the Ministry of Tourism are graded from 1 star (1 yildizli) to 5 stars (5 yildizli). There are also unclassified hotels that have no stars, which can range from poor to acceptable. Classification is based on the standard of service and facilities. Motels and holiday villas are first class (1 sinif) or second class (2 sinif). There are other establishments registered with local authorities, and these too correspond to a certain standard in regard to facilities and services. There is also a national hotel association, TUROB (http://english.turob.com) which has comprehensive listings of accredited hotels.

Camping Caravaning

There are numerous sites, but facilities can be quite limited. Some hotels have campsites within their grounds. Wild camping in public is fine, otherwise its best to obtain permission from the landowner before pitching your tent.

Other

History

Turkey is a relatively stable, secular democracy that remains broadly pro-Western, seeking to eventually become part of European Union. However, its recent past is more turbulent. Defeat in the Balkan Wars of 1912-13 and World War 1 led to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the subsequent declaration by President Kemal Ataturk, of a secular Turkish Republic, and the ‘exchange of populations’, when more than a million ethnic Greeks left Turkey for Greece, while around half a million Turkish Muslims returned to Turkey.

Turkey remained neutral during World War 2, but in the post-war years the army intervened several times to overthrow governments of which it disapproved. In 1974, Turkey and Greece came close to war over Cyprus, and the issue remains the biggest obstacle to Turkey joining the EU, with the country divided along the Green Line – the north is Turk-Cypriot, whilst the south is Greek-Cypriot. Since the 1960s, Kurdish separatists seeking an independent state in southeast Turkey have clashed with security forces.

Turkey’s history stretches back more than 5000 years. Asia Minor cradled the Hittite kingdom, from around 2200 BC, ancient Troy and the Greek city-states, which rose along the coasts during the first millennium BC. Their struggle with the Persian Empire ended with its conquest by Alexander the Great whose own empire broke up after his death and by 2BC the region had been conquered by Rome.

Relics such as the Temple of Diana at Ephesus and the Roman theatres at Aspendos and Side are among the great sights of present-day Turkey. In AD330, Emperor Constantine I moved the Roman capital to Byzantium, strategically located on the Bosphorus, renamed it Constantinople and imposed Christianity on the Empire. The Seljuk Turks trickled into Anatolia (eastern Turkey) and were followed by the Ottoman Turks. In 1453 Constantinople fell to Sultan Mehmet II. His successors expanded the Ottoman Empire further, and at its apogee, they held sway over a territory that stretched from the Balkans to the Red Sea and the Nile.

With recent uprisings in the Middle East, including the 2011 Arab Spring and Syria’s civil war, Turkey’s stability now finds itself under threat. Most recently, the heavy-handed quashing of demonstrations in Istanbul and Ankara against the authoritarian style of the police under Prime Minister Erdoğan’s government has brought international condemnation.

An attempted coup in July 2016 failed to gain public support and was followed by a decisive crackdown on the civil service and Erdoğan’s opponents.

In 2017, a referendum was narrowly passed in favour of the winner of the 2019 election assuming full control of government, thus ending the country's parliamentary political system and strengthening Erdoğan’s grip on power. The three largest cities, Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir voted against these measures, and the opposition party intends to challenge the results.

Did you know?

• Turkish coffee is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list for Turkey.

• Since Ottoman times Turkey’s national sport has been Yağlı güreş, oiled wrestling.

• As many as 99.8 per cent of Turks are Muslim.

Religion

Muslim, with around 70% Sunni, 25% Alevis and a very small Christian minority. Turkey is a secular state which in theory guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting a stranger;  kissing on the cheek is reserved for meeting friends and family. Hospitality is very important and visitors should respect Islamic customs. Informal wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking is widely acceptable but prohibited in cinemas, theatres, buses, coaches and dolmuş (collective taxis).

Until recently women working in civil service or government roles, or studying in university, were banned from wearing headscarves. This ban was lifted in 2013, but the subject remains a contentious issue. However, if visiting a mosque, women are advised to take scarves to cover their hair and to wear long-sleeved tops. Both men and women should have legs covered from the knees upwards.

Best Time To Visit:

Turkey is a huge country, and its climate varies widely from region to region as well as seasonally. For sightseeing holidays to Istanbul and the most important ancient and medieval sights, and for active walking holidays, the best times to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (October-early November) when days are generally warm and sunny but not uncomfortably hot. Rainy spells and cloudy days are possible, however, in spring and autumn, so the best months for a sun-and-sea holiday on the Aegean or Mediterranean coast are June to end September. Resort areas are most crowded from June until the end of August.

In developing ski areas such as Uludag near Bursa and Palandoken near Erzurum, the best time to visit is between December and April. Temperatures in and around Istanbul can vary from well below freezing in midwinter to above 40°C (104°F) in summer. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts experience the hottest summers, with highs of 45°C (113°F), but midwinter temperatures can be as low as -5°C (23°F).

Mountainous Eastern Turkey has the most extreme climate of all, with winter temperatures as low as -43°C (-45F) and highs up to 38C (100F). The climate of the central Anatolia is also extreme with summer highs of 40°C (104°F) and winter lows of -25°C (-13°F). The Turkish State Meteorological Office (www.mgm.gov.tr) provides a day to day, region by region online weather forecast.

.

Required Clothing

Depending on where you are, appropriate clothing will vary widely. If visiting during the summer take light cotton layers and a hat, as temperatures can reach scorching, particularly in the cities. During the winter months pack heavier layers and waterproofs. Sturdy shoes and equipment are advisable for anyone who will be trekking in the mountainous areas.

Dialing Code:

+90

Area(sq km):

783562

Population:

84.339.067

Population Density(per sq km):

101

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

112