travel information for turkey

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Turkey - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated.  U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government (including on social media), can result in arrest.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Turkey.

If you decide to travel to Turkey:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
• Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for Turkey.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and Any Area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian Border – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest.  Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, and improvised explosive devices, as well as shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, and any areas within 10 km of the Syrian border.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Six months beyond date of entry

One page for entry and exit stamps

Not required for stays under 90 days

25,000 Turkish lira or 10,000 euros (or equivalent)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy ankara.

1480 Sok No:1 Cukurambar Mah  Cankaya 06530, Ankara Turkey Telephone: +(90) (312) 294-0000 (emergencies only) Fax: +(90) (312) 232-7472 Contact American Citizen Services Ankara

U.S. Consulate General Istanbul Istinye Mahallesi, Üç Şehitler Sokak No.2 Istinye 34460 – Istanbul, Turkey Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (212) 335-9000 Fax: +(90) (212) 335-9102 Contact American Citizen Services Istanbul

U.S. Consulate Adana Girne Bulvari No. 212, Güzelevler Mahallesi, Yüregir Adana, Turkey Telephone: +(90) (322) 455-4100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (322) 455-4100 Fax: +(90)(322) 455-4141 Contact American Citizen Services Adana

U.S. Consular Agent - Izmir Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(90) (312) 455-5555 [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey  website for the most current visa and residency permit information.

• In Turkey, contact the nearest Directorate General of Migration Management office to obtain a residence permit.

Obey all Turkish visa regulations and maintain valid residence permits at all times.  The U.S. Embassy is unable to assist with Turkish immigration or visa-related matters.  Turkish authorities enforce immigration laws.

• Passports must be valid for six months beyond your entry date.  You will be  denied entry  into Turkey if there is not enough space for  entry and exit stamps  in your passport.
• Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye .
• Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• Get entry and exit stamps . You must have a Turkish entry stamp to fly domestically.  Get an exit stamp in your passport when leaving the country  or you may face  difficulties re-entering Turkey in the future  and  a fine .
• If you are planning to  work, study, or conduct academic or scientific research  in Turkey, you must receive a visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate before arriving in Turkey. Visit  “Living in Turkey”  on the U.S. Embassy’s website.

Syria:  See the  Syria travel advisory.  The U.S. Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012.  The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Syria.  At this time, the Turkey-Syria border is closed except in cases of urgent medical treatment or safety from immediate danger as defined by the Government of Turkey.

Iraq:  See the  Iraq travel advisory .  The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Iraq.  The Turkish Government tightly controls entry and exit on the border.

HIV/AIDS restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Turkey.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  The potential for terrorist attacks in Turkey, including against U.S. citizens and interests, remains high.

• Terrorists have previously attacked U.S. interests in Turkey, including the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulate in Adana.
• Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Terrorists have also previously targeted Western tourists and expatriates.

Under laws passed in 2018, Turkish security forces have an expanded legal ability to stop and search individuals and to  detain individuals without charge.

For your own safety:

• Carry a passport or identity document at all times.
• Follow local news sources during your stay to remain abreast of any potential areas, dates, or times of concern.
• Exercise caution and good judgment, keep a low profile, and maintain a high level of vigilance.
• Avoid demonstrations, which may become violent and unpredictable.
• Obey the instructions of Turkish security personnel at all times.

There have also been threats and acts of violence targeting religious minorities, groups, institutions, and places of worship in Turkey. The level of anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic sentiment remains significant.

Protests and gatherings:  Public gatherings are common in Turkey and can include protests or demonstrations, holiday celebrations, family events, sporting events, and political events in the lead up to elections and following the announcement of election results. U.S. citizens should

• Avoid demonstrations and gatherings, as they may become violent and unpredictable. 
• Be aware celebratory gunfire is common in some areas and has resulted in deaths in recent years. 
• Follow local authorities instructions, police may take action to disperse the group, including possibly using teargas or detaining participants, even when the government has approved gatherings.

Crime:  Overall street crime in Turkey is low; however, you should use the same precautions you would take in the United States. The following types of crime have been reported in Turkey:

• Pick-pocketing ,  purse snatching , and  mugging.  Carry only necessary items when in tourist areas. 
• Residential crime  occurs more often in major cities, with criminals targeting ground floor apartments for theft.
• Sexual assault  has occurred in Turkish baths ( hamams ) or spas, in taxis, and when traveling alone at night. Assaults involving  date rape drugs  have also been reported.
• Confidence schemes  occur where travelers are tricked into ordering food or drinks at a restaurant, and then are charged incredibly high prices. Patronize well-established restaurants and ask to see a menu with prices before ordering anything.
• Scams  are common in Turkey, particularly internet scams involving people who met online. Typically, the person in Turkey asks the other person to wire large sums of money to provide financial assistance.  Do not send money to someone you have never met in person.  Exercise due diligence when purchasing jewelry, rugs, or real estate. See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Eastern and Southeastern Turkey: We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens reconsider travel to specific areas in eastern and southeastern Turkey, and do not travel to areas near the Syrian or Iraqi borders.

U.S. Government employees are subject to travel restrictions  to the provinces of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van.  Mount Ararat , in Agri province, is a special military zone, and  access permission must be obtained before coming to Turkey  from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate.

The following incidents and activities have taken place in eastern and   southeastern Turkey :

• Terrorist attacks:  Terrorist groups, including Da’esh, also referred to as The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) or The Islamic State of Iraq and ash Sham (ISIS), and the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party), have conducted large-scale attacks in the area, including suicide bombings, ambushes, and the detonation of car bombs, improvised explosive devices, and other homemade weapons. The PKK has attacked Turkish military and police personnel in the eastern and southeastern provinces, occasionally harming bystanders.
• Restricted access:  Turkish security forces control access to the southeastern provinces of Hakkari, Mardin and Sirnak along the Iraqi border, and the entire Turkey-Syria border.  Do not photograph or video Turkish military operations or attempt to enter military installations anywhere in Turkey.
• Shootings:  Turkish towns located along the border with Syria have been struck by bullets and artillery rounds that originate in Syria, some resulting in deaths or injuries.
• Roadblocks:  Use commercial air travel whenever possible while traveling to southeastern Turkey.  If road travel is necessary, drive only during daylight hours and on major highways.  The Turkish  Jandarma  (rural police) monitors checkpoints on roads. Cooperate if stopped at a checkpoint. Be prepared to provide identification and vehicle registration. Remain calm, do not make any sudden movements, and obey all instructions.  We strongly discourage the use of public transportation in the southeastern region.
• Demonstrations:  Violent clashes have taken place between Kurdish groups and Turkish police resulting from organized demonstrations.
• Curfews:  The Turkish Government has instituted temporary curfews in cities throughout the southeast due to blockades of certain neighborhoods by the PKK. Adhere to any locally imposed curfews.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 155 and contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We urge U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault to contact the U.S. Embassy or closest consulate.

 We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find resources for accommodation and flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance and visit the  Embassy webpage  for resources.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

• Always carry with you a form of official government photo identification, such as a residence permit or copy of your passport.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  Turkish authorities may not inform U.S. officials of dual nationals arrested in Turkey.  See our  webpage  for further information on arrests.

• Insulting the State:  It is illegal to show disrespect to the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, or to insult the Turkish Government, flag, President, or security forces,  including on social media . Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative.
• Drug offenses:  Turkish law enforcement is  very aggressive  in combating illegal drugs. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are very strict, and include heavy fines and jail sentences between four and 20 years.
• Cultural artifacts:  Turkish law has a broad definition of “antiquities” and makes it a crime to remove any from the country. If you buy antiquities, use authorized dealers and get museum certificates for each item. Failure to have a receipt and certificate at departure can result in  your arrest , and  jail time . Contact the  Embassy of the Republic of Turkey  in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.
• Male dual nationals over the age of 18 may be subject to Turkish conscription and compulsory military service. Consult officials at Turkish Embassies or Consulates with any questions before entering Turkey.
• Counterfeit goods:  Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if widely available. They are both illegal to bring back into the United States and to purchase locally.
• Religious proselytizing:  There is no law against religious proselytizing.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  Homophobia, transphobia, and intolerance towards homosexuality are widespread throughout Turkey. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals are  not protected by anti-discrimination laws  and have been the targets of violence in recent years. References in the law relating to “offenses against public morality,” “protection of the family,” and “unnatural sexual behavior,” are sometimes used as a basis for abuse by law enforcement officials. In addition, the law states that “no association may be founded for purposes against law and morality,” a clause which has been used by authorities in attempts to shut down or limit the activities of associations working on LGBTI matters.

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information   page and section 6 of our Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:   The Turkish constitution prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of state services, employment, education and access to health care. However, access to buildings and public transportation for the disabled in most cities is quite limited, and generally, accessibility for people with disabilities in Turkey is poor. Airports and metro stations are typically accessible, but other forms of public transport (buses) are not.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  The Embassy is aware of multiple sexual assaults against U.S. citizens in Turkey, including assaults against tourists traveling alone or in small groups, and at spas and  hamams.

• If you are sexually assaulted, please seek immediate help from the Turkish National Police, Turkish Health Services, or nearest hospital if you feel safe doing so.
• We urge you to contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.

See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Earthquakes:  Earthquakes occur throughout Turkey. Make contingency plans and leave emergency contact information with family members outside Turkey. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the  U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  and at  Ready.gov. For more information on disaster preparedness, please click on the following links:

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• FEMA: Earthquakes
• FEMA for Kids: Emergency Preparedness
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Earthquake Preparedness

Medical care provided in Turkish hospitals varies greatly. Though new private hospitals in Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul have modern facilities, equipment, numerous U.S.-trained specialists, and international accreditation, some still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions. Health care standards are lower in small cities in Turkey.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance   to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Turkey to ensure the medication is legal in Turkey. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. Some medications may be unavailable in Turkey.

For U.S. citizens who live in Turkey , please see the Embassy’s website for  information on the Turkish General Health Insurance (GHI) law . If you are considering enrolling in Turkish GHI, carefully research what is and is not covered. Once you enroll in GHI, your coverage can only be cancelled if your residence permit expires or if you no longer reside in Turkey.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads in Turkey range from single-lane country roads to modern, divided motorways. Highways in the tourist-frequented western, southwestern, and coastal regions of Turkey are generally in good condition and are well maintained, while conditions in other areas vary.

Be extremely cautious while driving at night.  Driving after dark, especially in rural areas, requires extra caution due to dangers such as livestock on the road or narrow unmarked or unpaved roads.

In case of an  accident  or  car trouble :

• Pull to the side of the road, turn on hazard lights, and use reflector triangles.
• For accidents with only vehicular damage, exchange insurance information, take photos of the accident before moving the vehicles, and depart if both sides agree. Turkish law requires drivers to fill out a Turkish-only form and provide pictures of the damage. Non-Turkish speakers should call and wait for the police.
• For accidents with injury  or a disagreement, remain at the site of the accident.  Do not move the vehicle  – even out of the way – until the Traffic Police arrive. Report the accident to the Traffic Police (dial 155) or Jandarma (dial 156). Get a certified copy of the official report from the Traffic Police office (this can take several days).
• The owner of the damaged vehicle should also apply to the customs authority with his passport and accident report before attempting to repair the vehicle or leave the country without the vehicle.
• When in doubt, it is best to call the Traffic Police or the Jandarma in the event of an accident.

Traffic Laws:  Drive defensively at all times. Drivers routinely ignore traffic regulations, including driving through red lights and stop signs, and turning left from the far right lane. These and other similar driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents.

• Penalties for  driving drunk  (blood alcohol levels at or above 0.05 percent) include a  fine  and the individual’s license being confiscated for  six months .
• Using cell phones while driving is  illegal  and can lead to a  fine .

Driver’s license requirements include:

• For stays up to 180 days : A valid U.S. driver’s license or an International Driving Permit and a U.S. driver’s license is acceptable.
• For stays longer than 180 days : Obtain a Turkish driver’s license from the Turkish Security Directorate, Traffic Department (Emniyet Müdürlüğü, Trafik Hizmetleri Başkanlığı).
• A vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to six months. Find information at the Turkish Touring and Automobile Club.

Public Transportation:  Major cities in   Turkey have extensive public transportation options including taxis, subways, ferries, trains, buses and mini-buses. Licensed cabs are metered. Between cities, Turkey has bus routes, train, and air services.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Turkey’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Turkey’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Turkey should also check U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings website  - select “broadcast warnings”.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Turkey . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Turkey Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Welcome to the Crossroads of Civilizations: Your Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey stands as a sentinel at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, a mosaic of cultures, histories, and landscapes that beckon travelers from around the globe. This guide is your key to unlocking the treasures of Turkey, from the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, the azure waters of the Aegean to the rugged peaks of the Taurus Mountains.

One Nation Travel specializes in Turkey tours , featuring trips to Istanbul, Cappadocia tours , Pamukkale, and Antalya for cultural and scenic experiences.

Exploring Turkey’s Diverse Landscapes and Climate Zones

Turkey’s geography is as varied as its history, with each region offering a distinct climate and terrain. The Black Sea region boasts lush greenery and a mild climate, while the central Anatolian plateau challenges visitors with its steppe climate and hot summers. Understanding these variations is crucial for planning your travel wardrobe and activities.

Journey Through Time: Turkey’s Rich Tapestry of History

The Hittites, Byzantines, Ottomans, and many others have left their indelible marks on Turkey. Each city is a living museum, with layers of history waiting to be discovered. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the iconic Hagia Sophia, Turkey’s historical sites are not just attractions; they are portals to the past.

The Melting Pot of Cultures: Understanding Turkey’s Social Fabric

Turkish culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the many civilizations that have thrived here. This section delves into the customs, traditions, and daily life that create the country’s unique cultural identity. Learn about the importance of hospitality, the nuances of Turkish tea culture, and the significance of family in Turkish society.

Essential Pre-Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Turkish Adventure

Before you embark on your Turkish journey, there are practicalities to consider. This section covers everything from packing essentials to cultural dos and don’ts, ensuring you are fully prepared for your adventure.

Navigating Visa Policies for a Smooth Entry into Turkey

Understanding Turkey’s visa requirements is essential for a smooth travel experience. This section provides up-to-date information on visa processes, fees, and exemptions, helping you to plan your entry into Turkey with confidence.

Prioritizing Health and Safety While Traveling in Turkey

Your well-being is paramount when traveling. Here, we discuss health precautions, insurance, and safety tips for various Turkish locales, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Bridging the Language Gap: Communicating in Turkey

While Turkish is the official language, this guide offers practical advice on overcoming language barriers, from useful phrases to language apps, ensuring clear communication throughout your travels.

Managing Your Liras: A Guide to Turkish Currency and Budgeting

Budgeting for your trip is made easier with insights into the Turkish Lira, cost of living, and tips for keeping your finances in check while enjoying all that Turkey has to offer.

Mastering Movement: Turkey’s Transportation Network

Navigate Turkey’s extensive transportation network with ease, from domestic flights to intercity buses and ferries, ensuring you can traverse the country’s vast landscapes efficiently.

From Ottoman Mansions to Boutique Hotels: Finding Your Perfect Stay in Turkey

Turkey’s accommodation options are as diverse as its regions. Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or a touch of history, this section helps you find the perfect place to rest your head.

A Culinary Odyssey: Sampling Turkey’s Gastronomic Delights

Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses. Explore the country’s culinary offerings, from street food to fine dining, and learn about the dishes that must not be missed.

The Art of Bargaining: Shopping for Authentic Turkish Souvenirs

Shopping in Turkey is an experience in itself. Discover the best markets and shops for authentic souvenirs and learn the art of bargaining to get the best deals.

Celebrating with the Locals: Turkey’s Festivals and Events Calendar

Turkey’s calendar is packed with festivals and events that offer a glimpse into its cultural heart. This section guides you through the most significant and vibrant celebrations across the country.

Embracing the Great Outdoors: Turkey’s Natural Wonders

From hiking in the Kaçkar Mountains to hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey’s natural attractions are a playground for the adventurous. Learn about the best outdoor activities and how to experience them responsibly.

Sun, Sea, and Sand: Turkey’s Best Beaches and Coastal Retreats

Turkey’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches and seaside towns. This section highlights the best spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

After Dark: Experiencing Turkey’s Vibrant Nightlife Scene

As the sun sets, Turkey’s cities come alive with a vibrant nightlife. From rooftop bars in Istanbul to beach parties in Bodrum, discover the best spots for an unforgettable night out.

Hidden Gems: Exploring Turkey’s Lesser-Known Locales

Go beyond the tourist trail with recommendations for off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer unique experiences and breathtaking beauty.

Creating Memories: A Guide to Family-Friendly Travel in Turkey

Traveling with family? This section provides tips for making your trip enjoyable for all ages, with suggestions for family-friendly attractions and activities.

Love in the Land of the Crescent Moon: Romantic Escapes in Turkey

For those seeking a romantic getaway, Turkey offers enchanting experiences, from sunset cruises to intimate cave hotels. Discover the most romantic destinations and activities.

Tailored Journeys: Crafting Your Ideal Turkey Travel Itinerary

Whether you have a week or a month, this section helps you create an itinerary that suits your interests, time frame, and budget, ensuring you make the most of your time in Turkey.

Respect and Understanding: Navigating Turkey’s Laws and Social Etiquette

Understanding local laws and etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable visit. This section covers the essentials of Turkish customs and legalities.

Staying Connected: Tech Tips for Travelers in Turkey

Stay connected with tips on SIM cards, internet access, and navigating technology in Turkey, ensuring you can share your experiences with friends and family back home.

Traveling Responsibly: Embracing Sustainable Practices in Turkey

Sustainable travel is more important than ever. Learn how to minimize your footprint and contribute positively to the communities you visit in Turkey.

Heading Home: A Smooth Departure from Turkey

As your journey comes to an end, this section offers advice for a hassle-free departure, from airport transfers to duty-free shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions: Turkey Travel Guide

This section addresses common queries travelers have about visiting Turkey, providing clear, concise answers to help with trip planning.

Reflecting on Your Turkish Odyssey: The Journey Continues

As you reflect on your travels through Turkey, this conclusion offers a moment to consider the lasting impact of your experiences and the memories you’ll carry with you.

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More travel information for Turkey

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Turkey

• Culture and Etiquette in Turkey
• Eating and drinking in Turkey
• Getting around Turkey: Transportation Tips
• Shopping tips for Turkey
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Turkey
• How to get to Turkey
• Travel Health Turkey
• Travelling with children in Turkey
• Best time to visit Turkey
• Archeological sites

Most archeological sites open daily between either 8am, 8.30am or 9pm and 6.30pm or 7pm in summer. Winter opening hours are usually shorter. Some smaller archeological sites are only guarded during the day and left unfenced, permitting (in theory) a free wander around in the evening, though, in the wake of antiquities theft, this could feasibly result in you being picked up by the jandarma .

Crime and personal safety

Electricity, entry requirements, opening hours and public holidays, tourist information, useful websites, getting mobile, kdv: turkish vat, tailor-made travel itineraries for turkey, created by local experts.

4 days  / from 1050 USD

Sensational landscapes of Cappadocia

3 different modes of transportation to explore Cappadocia - by hot air balloon, on the back of a camel as well as on an ATV quad. Why choose if you can have it all? Four days filled with fun and adventure in the volcanic valleys around Cappadocia make an unforgettable trip.

5 days  / from 1100 USD

City & culture - Istanbul and Cappadocia

Explore two absolute highlights in Turkey - Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire with its many landmarks. After a few days in the city, fly to Cappadocia and explore the surreal surroundings, either on day tours or from above in a hot air balloon.

9 days  / from 2500 USD

Magical Turkey

Visit Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut in Southeastern Anatolia before proceeding to Cappadocia with its volcanic scenery. After a few days in the valleys, continue to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus. Your tour starts and ends in Istanbul.

Don’t pay entrance fees unless the wardens can produce a ticket, and keep it with you for the duration of your visit. Sites like Patara and Olympos straddle the route to a good beach. If you are staying nearby and want to visit the beach on several occasions, Smart PlajKarts are available, allowing multiple site/beach entries. One card can be shared but they are only valid for ten days.

Except near major cities, where seawater is sometimes polluted, Turkish beaches are safe to swim at, though be prepared for occasional mountains of rubbish piled at the back of the beach. Tar can also be a problem on south-coast beaches that face Mediterranean shipping lanes; if you get tar on your feet scrub it off with olive oil rather than chemical solvents. All beaches are free in theory, though luxury compounds that straddle routes to the sand will control access in various ways, and you’ll pay for the use of beach-loungers and umbrellas.

Turkey is no longer the cheap destination it used to be; prices in the heavily touristed areas are comparable to many places in Europe. Exercise a little restraint, however, be prepared to live life at least occasionally at the local level (many Turks somehow survive on TL700 a month) and you can still enjoy a great-value trip here.

Stay in a “treehouse” or backpackers’ inn, eat in local workers’ cafés or restaurants, travel around by train or bus, avoid alcohol and the most expensive sites, and you could get by on TL60–75 (€30–37.50) a day. If that doesn’t sound like much fun, double that and you could stay in a modest hotel, see the sights and have a beer or two with your evening meal. Equally, a night out on the town in İstanbul or one of the flasher coastal resorts could easily set you back over TL100 (€50), and if you intend to see a lot of what is a very big country, transport costs could be a considerable drain on your budget – though taking night buses saves accommodation costs.

The more expensive tourist sites such as Ephesus, the Tokapı Palace and Aya Sofya cost TL25 (€12.50), but there are many more sites varying between TL3 and TL15. There are no student discounts, and the Müze Kart (Museum Card), which gives admission to all state-run museums for TL30 per annum, is for Turkish citizens only.

Turkey’s crime rate remains lower than most of Europe and North America, although pickpocketing and purse-snatching are becoming more common in İstanbul (see City crimewatch) and other major cities. Violent street crime is fortunately rare. Keep your wits about you and an eye on your belongings just as you would anywhere else, and make sure your passport is secure at all times, and you shouldn’t have any problems. Except for well-known “red-light” districts, and some eastern towns, female travellers are probably safer on their own than in other European countries.

As well as the usual warnings on drugs, note that exporting antiquities is illegal. It is also an offence to insult Atatürk or Turkey , which can result in a prison sentence. Never deface, degrade or tear up currency or the flag; drunkenness will likely be considered an aggravating, not a mitigating, factor. Also, do not take photographs near the numerous, well-marked military zones.

The police, army and gendarmerie

Turkey’s police service is split into several groups. The blue-uniformed Polis are the everyday security force in cities and towns with populations over two thousand; the white-capped Trafik Polis (traffic police) are a branch of this service. İstanbul and several other large towns have a rapid-response squad of red-and-black-uniformed motorbike police known as the yunus (dolphin) polis ; they are generally courteous and helpful to tourists and may speak some English. The dark-blue-uniformed Çevik Kuvvet Polis are a rapid response team most likely seen at demonstrations, football matches and other events where large crowds are expected. In towns Belediye Zabitası , the navy-clad market police, patrol the markets and bazaars to ensure that tradesmen aren’t ripping off customers – approach them directly if you have reason for complaint. You’re unlikely to come across plain-clothes police unless you wander off the beaten track in the ethnically Kurdish southeast.

In most rural areas, law enforcement is in the hands of the jandarma or gendarmerie, a division of the regular army charged with law-enforcement duties. Gendarmes are usually kitted out in well-tailored green fatigues; most are conscripts who will be courteous and helpful if approached.

Note that it is obligatory to carry ID at all times – for locals and foreigners alike – so if you are concerned about having your passport stolen (or losing it) while out and about, at least carry a photocopy of the pages with your details and Turkish entry stamp on your person.

Security and restricted areas

There is a noticeable security presence in the Kurdish-dominated southeast of the country, with firefights between Turkish security forces and the autonomy-minded PKK (Kurdish Workers Party) continuing at the time of writing. Security is tightest along the Iraqi and Iranian borders, particularly south and east of Hakkari and around Şırnak in the mountains south of Lake Van, in the rural hinterland of Diyarbakır and in the mountainous region of Tunceli (the last not covered in this Guide). PKK attacks are invariably made in remote rural areas, often targeting military vehicles with remotely detonated bombs, though occasional fully-fledged assaults on military outposts are made – inevitably followed by major reprisals by Turkish security forces.

Kidnappings of Turkish military personnel and civilians have also become increasingly common, and in spring 2012 a British traveller was briefly detained by the PKK having been kidnapped from an inter-city bus in Diyarbakir province. Given the civil war that was raging in Syria at the time of writing, the 800km Turkish/Syrian border could also become problematic, especially as Turkey’s biggest nightmare, a proto-Kurdish state run by Syria’s Kurdish minority, appeared to be developing across the frontier.

But what does this mean to the average traveller hoping to visit this beautiful region? The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, for example, posts the following on its website ( w fco.gov.uk) ‘‘Due to the high risk of terrorism we advise against all but essential travel to the provinces of Hakkari, Şırnak, Siirt and Tunceli. Visitors should remain vigilant when travelling in other provinces in southeastern Turkey’’. The official line, then, is to avoid the mountains south of Lake Van that border the de facto Kurdish state in northern Iraq – but then places like Tunceli are a long, long way from the border, and the FCO in any case also writes ‘‘There is a high risk of terrorism in Turkey’’ full stop. The problem is compounded by the ever-fluctuating state of relations between the state and the PKK, with long ceasefires interrupted by violent flare-ups. Although at the time of writing (2012) PKK attacks were fairly numerous, it’s quite possible the situation may have calmed down dramatically by the time you read this. In other words, read about what is happening in the press and on travellers’ forums, and use your common sense and judgement before you travel.

Although there are fewer checkpoints on main roads than there were, you may be stopped if you attempt to travel to off-the-beaten-track sites and/or villages, and your presence may attract the attention of the jandarma (and quite possibly the plain-clothes secret police, who generally stand out a mile from the locals). This may involve, at most, a rather tedious, though polite, interrogation. Lone males especially may find themselves suspected of being journalists and/or having Kurdish/Armenian sympathies. Avoid talking politics with anyone unless you are absolutely sure you can trust them, and, if you are questioned, keep calm, smile a lot, and emphasize wherever possible that you are a turist (tourist). Of more concern to the average visitor are the violent pro-Kurdish street demonstrations that break out from time to time in southeastern cities such as Diyarbakır and Van – though major cities in the west of the country are not immune, especially İstanbul, Adana and Mersin, which have large and sometimes volatile Kurdish communities. One traditional spark for demonstrations is the Kurdish New Year or Nevruz (Newroz), on or around March 21. For more information on the Kurdish problem see Contexts.

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz. Most European appliances should work so long as you have an adaptor for European-style two-pin plugs. American appliances will need a transformer as well as an adaptor.

Early in 2012 Turkey changed its tourist visa rules. Prior to this amendment it was possible to enter the country on a 90-day visa, then at the end of that period slip across the border to a Greek island, Bulgaria or even North Cyprus, re-enter immediately and get a new three-month stamp. Mainly in order to stop people living and working (illegally) in the country for an indefinite period, the new visa is valid for 90 days within 180 days. In other words, stay for 90 days consecutively, and you cannot re-enter for another 90 days. Alternatively, you can make multiple trips to Turkey within the 180-day validity period of the visa so long as the total stay does not exceed 90 days.

The tourist visas (available at ports of entry for a fee) are issued to citizens of the UK ($20, €15 or £10), Ireland ($20, €10 or £10), the US ($20 or €15), Canada ($60 or €45) and Australia ($20 or €15). South Africans should be able to get a 30-day visa at the point of entry, but would be wise to enquire at a Turkish consulate before travelling. New Zealanders do not currently require visas. Everyone, regardless of nationality, should have at least six months’ validity on their passport. For the latest information on visas, check with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs at w mfa.gov.tr .

If you want to stay in the country longer than a tourist visa allows, the best option is to apply for a six-month residence permit from the Security Division ( Emniyet Müdürlüğü ), preferably in a provincial capital that’s well used to foreigners. Do this well before your time expires, as it takes at least two weeks to process. You will need to complete an “Ikamet izni beyanname formu” application form and supply four passport-sized photographs, along with photocopies from your passport of the photo-page and the page showing your last entry into Turkey. The rub is that you also need to show that you have changed $500 for each of the six months – showing change receipts from a bank or döviz will suffice. Residence permit rates vary according to nationality – UK citizens for example pay $80 (payable in TL on the day, according to the exchange rate on the day you apply), but the cost of the “blue book” containing the permit is a steep TL172. This is a one-off payment, however, as once you have the book you can keep renewing your permit for periods of between six months and ten years.

Turkish embassies and consulates abroad

Australia 60 Mugga Way, Red Hill, Canberra ACT 2603 t 02 6295 0227.

Canada 197 Wurtemburg St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8L9 t 613 789 4044.

Ireland 11 Clyde Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 t 01 668 5240.

New Zealand 15–17 Murphy St, Level 8, Wellington t 04 472 1290.

South Africa 1067 Church St, Hatfield 0181, Pretoria t 012 342 5063.

UK 43 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PA t 0207 393 0202.

US 2525 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 t 202 612 6700.

Customs and border inspections

As Turkey is not yet an EU member, duty-free limits – and sales – for alcohol and tobacco are still prevalent. Limits are posted clearly at İstanbul’s airports, and apply for all frontiers.

Few people get stopped departing Turkey, but the guards may be on the lookout for antiquities and fossils . Penalties for trying to smuggle these out include long jail sentences, plus a large fine. What actually constitutes an antiquity is rather vague, but it’s best not to take any chances.

It is essential to take out an insurance policy before you travel, to cover against illness or injury, as well as theft or loss. Some all-risks homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies may cover your possessions when overseas, and many private medical schemes (such as BUPA and WPA) offer coverage extensions for abroad.

Rough Guides offers its own insurance policy. Most policies exclude so-called dangerous sports unless an extra premium is paid: in Turkey this can mean scuba diving, whitewater rafting, paragliding, windsurfing and trekking, though probably not kayaking or jeep safaris. Travel agents and package operators may require travel insurance when you book a holiday – you’re not obliged to take theirs, though you have to sign a declaration saying that you already have another policy. Similarly, many no-frills airlines make a tidy sum from selling unnecessary insurance at the time of booking – beware, and opt out.

Many hotels, pensions and hostels have internet access – often both terminals and wi-fi signal – as do an ever-increasing number of cafés. Access is usually free except in the more expensive international chain hotels. In more remote places in the interior, and the east of the country, only the more expensive hotels have wi-fi. Rates in internet cafés tend to be TL2 per hour. The Turkish-character keyboard you’ll probably be faced with may cause some confusion. The “@” sign is made by simultaneously pressing the “ALT” and “q” keys. More frustrating is the dotless “ı” (confusingly enough found right where you’ll be expecting the conventional “i”) – the Western “i” is located second key from right, middle row.

Post offices are easily spotted by their bold black-on-yellow PTT (Posta, Telegraf, Telefon) signs. Stamps are only available from the PTT, whose website ( w ptt.gov.tr ) has a (not necessarily up-to-date) English-language listing of services and prices. Post offices are generally open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and until noon on Saturday. Airmail ( uçakla ) rates to Europe are TL1.10 for postcards, TL2 for letters up to 20g, TL19 for 2kg, the maximum weight for letters. Delivery to Europe or North America can take seven to ten days. A pricier express ( acele ) service cuts delivery times to the EU to about three days. When sending airmail, it’s best to give your stamped letter/card to the clerk behind the counter, who will ensure it gets put in the right place; otherwise, place it in the relevant slot if one is available ( yurtdışı for abroad; yurtiçi for elsewhere in Turkey).

Maps of Turkey are notoriously poor quality owing to the lack of survey-based cartography. The best foreign-produced touring maps , accurately showing many smaller villages, are those published by Kartographischer Verlag Reinhard Ryborsch (1:500,000; Frankfurt, Germany), which cover the entire country in seven maps. They are usually available online, but both original and pirated versions are sold at better bookshops in İstanbul, Ankara and big resorts. Reasonable second choices, easier to obtain, include Insight’s Turkey West and Insight Turkey (both 1:800,000), both of which are easy to read and reasonably accurate, and the equally reliable Turkey Geocentre Euro map (1:750,000).

In terms of Turkish-produced touring maps , the 1:400,000 atlas produced by Atlas magazine is highly accurate but difficult to read owing to murky printing. The best regional touring maps are Sabri Aydal’s 1:250,000 products for Cappadocia, Lycia, Pamphylia and Pisidia, available from local bookshops and museums.

İstanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Bursa and İzmir (as well as overseas) tourist offices stock reasonable, free city street plans . Sketch plans from provincial tourist offices vary widely in quality.

Among Turkish-produced city maps , Net’s “All of Istanbul” 1:9000 is more comprehensive than Keskin Colour’s 1:8500 “İstanbul Street Plan”, and includes useful maps of the Prince’s islands. The most detailed A–Z-style atlas for the European side, ideal for out-of-the-way monuments, is Mepmedya’s 1:7500 “İstanbul Avrupa Yakası”, though it’s pricey (TL50) and heavy. All these are sold in town and (Mepmedya excepted) cheaper than anything produced abroad.

For trekking maps see the section Hiking equipment and safety.

Turkey’s currency is the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası) or TL for short, divided into smaller units known as kuruş. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 kuruş and TL1, with notes in denominations of TL5, TL10, TL20, TL50, TL100 and TL200.

At the time of writing the exchange rate was around TL2.10 to the euro, TL2.70 to the pound and TL1.70 to the US dollar. As recently as 2004 hyperinflation meant that millions of lira were needed to purchase the smallest everyday item. and many Turks still talk in millions, which can be confusing when you are asked “bir milyon” or one million lira for a TL1 glass of tea.

Rates for foreign currency are always better inside Turkey, so try not to buy much lira at home. Conversely, don’t leave Turkey with unspent lira, as you won’t get a decent exchange rate for them outside the country. It’s wise to bring a fair wad of hard currency with you (euros are best, though dollars and sterling are often accepted), as you can often use it to pay directly for souvenirs or accommodation (prices for both are frequently quoted in euros). Travellers’ cheques are, frankly, not worth the bother, as exchange offices and some banks refuse them.

Changing money

While most banks, such as İşbank and Yapıkredi, change money, the best exchange rate is usually given by the state-owned banks Ziraat Bankası, which has dedicated döviz (exchange) counters – but despite the automated ticket/queuing system queues can be long. Döviz , or exchange houses, are common in Turkey’s cities and resorts. They buy and sell foreign currency of most sorts instantly, and have the convenience of long opening hours (usually 9/10am–8/10pm) and short or nonexistent queues. Most do not charge commission, but give a lower rate than the banks.

Remember to keep all foreign-exchange slips with you until departure, if only to prove the value of purchases made in case of queries by customs.

Credit/debit cards and ATMs

Credit cards are widely used in hotels, shops, restaurants, travel agencies and entertainment venues and with no commission (though many hotels and shops offer discounts for cash rather than credit-card payments). Don’t expect, however, to use your card in basic eating places or small corner shops. Swipe readers plus chip-and-PIN protocol are now the norm in most of Turkey.

The simplest way to get hold of money in Turkey is to use the widespread ATM network. Most bank ATMs will accept any debit cards that are part of the Cirrus, Maestro or Visa/Plus systems. Screen prompts are given in English on request. You can also normally get cash advances at any bank displaying the appropriate sign, and in major cities and resorts some ATMs will give euros and dollars. It’s safest to use ATMs attached to banks during normal working hours, so help can be summoned if your card is eaten (not uncommon). Turkish ATMs sometimes “time out” without disgorging cash, while your home bank may still debit your account – leaving you to argue the toss with them. ATM fraud is rife in Turkey – make sure you are not overlooked when keying in your PIN. You can also use Visa or MasterCard to get cash from ATMs.

Office workers keep conventional Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm schedules, with a full lunch hour. Civil servants, including tourist offices and museum staff, in theory work 8.30am to 5.30pm, but in practice hours can be much more erratic – don’t expect to get official business attended to the same day after 2.30pm. Most state banks are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to noon and 1.30pm to 5pm. Private banks such as Garanti Bankası and Köç operate throughout the day.

Ordinary shops , including large department stores and mall outlets, are open continuously from 8.30am or 9am until 7pm or 8pm (sometimes even later in many major cities and resorts). Craftsmen and bazaar stallholders often work from 9am to 8pm or 9pm, Monday to Saturday, with only short breaks for meals, tea or prayers. Even on Sunday the tradesmen’s area may not be completely shut down – though don’t count on this.

Museums are generally open from 8.30am or 9am until 4.30pm or 5pm in winter, later in the summer. Virtually all state, and some private, museums are closed on Monday, though in İstanbul closing days are staggered so make sure you check the individual listings. All tourist sites and museums are closed on the mornings of public holidays. Mosques are theoretically open all the time, but many of the less visited ones are kept locked outside of prayer times, and many do not encourage visitors at prayer times!

Public holidays

Secular public holidays are generally marked by processions of schoolchildren or the military, or by some demonstration of national strength and dignity, such as a sports display. Banks and government offices will normally be closed on these days (exceptions given here). For more information, see the section on religious festivals.

Jan 1 Yılbaşı – New Year’s Day.

April 23 Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı – Independence Day, celebrating the first meeting of the new Republican parliament in Ankara, and Children’s Day.

May 19 Gençlik ve Spor Günü – Youth and Sports Day, also Atatürk’s birthday.

May 29 İstanbul’s capture by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 (İstanbul only).

July 1 Denizcilik Günü – Navy Day (banks and offices open).

Aug 26 Silahlı Kuvvetler Günü – Armed Forces Day (banks and offices open).

Aug 30 Zafer Bayramı – Celebration of the Turkish victory over the Greek forces at Dumlupınar in 1922.

Sept 9 Kurtuluş Günü – Liberation Day, with parades and speeches marking the end of the Independence War (İzmir only).

Oct 29 Cumhuriyet Bayramı – commemorates the proclamation of the Republic by Atatürk in 1923.

Nov 10 Anniversary of Atatürk’s death in 1938 . Observed at 9.05am (the time of his demise), when the whole country stops whatever it’s doing and maintains a respectful silence for a minute. It’s worth being on a Bosphorus ferry then, when all the engines are turned off, and the boats drift and sound their foghorns mournfully.

Most fixed-line telecom services are provided by TT (Türk Telekom); its website ( w turktelekom.com.tr ) has an English-language page listing all services and tariffs. The best place to make phone calls is from either a PTT (post office) or a TT (Türk Telekom) centre. Inside, or just adjacent, there is usually a row of card ( köntürlü or smartkart ) call boxes (TTs are blue and turquoise), and/or a kontürlü (metered, clerk-attended) phone, the latter sometimes in a closed booth. Public phones are to be found in squares and parks, outside many public buildings and at train stations and ferry terminals. The standard Turkish phone replies are the Frenchified Allo or the more local Buyurun (literally, “Avail yourself/at your service”).

“Smart” phonecards are available from PTT or TT centres; when using these, wait for the number of units remaining to appear on the screen before you dial, and be aware that you will have little warning of being cut off. They are bought in units of 50 (TL3.75), 100 (TL7.50), 200 (TL15) and 350 (TL19). A steadily increasing number of phones have also been adapted to accept foreign credit cards . Metered booths inside PTTs or TTs, or at street kiosks or shops (look for signs reading kontürlü telefon bulunur ), work out more expensive than cards, but are certainly far cheaper than hotels, and also tend to be quieter (plus you won’t be cut off). Their disadvantage is that you can’t see the meter ticking over, and instances of overcharging are not unknown.

Overseas calls

Overseas call rates are TL0.25 per minute to Europe or North America. Try not to make anything other than local calls from a hotel room – there’s usually a minimum 100 percent surcharge on phonecard rates. For extended chat overseas, it’s best to buy an international phonecard. Best is the Alocard, available from PTT branches and usable in public phones. Reveal the 12-digit PIN by scratching; then call the domestic access number, followed by the destination number. Rates are low – for example, a TL10 card allows 104 minutes to the UK or US. The cards can also be used for domestic calls, giving 140 minutes of calling time.

Turkey uses a system of eleven-digit phone numbers nationwide, consisting of four-digit area or mobile-provider codes (all starting with “0”) plus a seven-digit subscriber number.

To call a number in Turkey from overseas , dial your country’s international access code, then 90 for Turkey, then the area or mobile code minus the initial zero, and finally the subscriber number. To call home from Turkey , dial t 00 followed by the relevant international dialling code, then the area code (without the initial zero if there is one) then the number.

Turkey is two hours ahead of GMT in winter. As in Europe, daylight saving is observed between March and October – clocks change at 2am on the last Sunday in each month – so effectively Turkey remains two hours ahead of the UK year-round.

Most Turkish towns of any size will have a Turizm Danışma Bürosu or tourist office of some sort, often lodged inside the Belediye (city hall) in the smaller places. However, outside the larger cities and obvious tourist destinations there’s often little hard information to be had, and world-weary staff may dismiss you with useless brochures. Lists of accommodation are sometimes kept at the busier offices; personnel, however, will generally not make bookings. On the other hand, staff in out-of-the-way places can be embarrassingly helpful. It’s best to have a specific question – about bus schedules, festival ticket availability or museum opening hours – although in remote regions there is no guarantee that there will be anyone who can speak English.

Tourist offices generally adhere to a standard opening schedule of 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Between May and September in big-name resorts and large cities, these hours extend well into the evening and through much of the weekend. In winter, by contrast, many tourist offices in out-of-the-way spots will be shut most of the time.

Turkish information offices abroad

Overseas Turkish tourist offices (often the embassy’s Information Office) will provide a few very basic maps and glossy brochures.

UK 29–30 St James’s St, London SW1A 1HB telephone: 0207 8397778, website: gototurkey.co.uk .

US 821 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 telephone: 212 687 2194; 2525 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 t 202 612 6800; 5055 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 850, Los Angeles CA 90036 telephone: 323 937 8066, website: goturkiye.com

biletix.com

An online booking service for arts, cultural, music and sports events (mainly in İstanbul and Ankara), in both English and Turkish.

cultureroutesinturkey.com

Umbrella site for all the country’s hiking and horse-riding trails.

goturkiye.com

Turkey’s official tourist information site.

muze.gen.tr

Government website with information on the country’s state-run museums, including the latest opening hours and admission fees.

trekkinginturkey.com

Well-researched information on major trekking areas and long-distance routes, with links to relevant outdoor-activity-type sites.

turkishculture.org

Not terribly innovative – but it does give a useful rundown on everything from architecture to ceramics, literature to music and lifestyles to cuisine – with plenty of photographs and illustrations.

Given the Turkish penchant for chatting, mobile phones are essential accessories here. Assuming that you have a roaming facility, your home mobile will connect with one of the local network providers – however, US mobiles won’t work here. Charges, though, are high (up to £1.30/min to the UK), and you pay for incoming calls as well. Purchasing a local SIM card and pay-as-you-go package may be worth considering if you intend to make a lot of calls. Turkcell SIM cards (which can take up to 24hr to activate) cost TL35, including TL5 calling credit, or TL45 will get you the card and TL20 credit. Typically, calls cost 80 kuruş per min to Europe and North America, an SMS message to the UK the same. To purchase a SIM card, you’ll need to sign an agreement form and present your passport for photocopying at a major Turkcell, Avea or Vodafone outlet where they’ll fit the new card. All three companies have stands at arrivals in Istanbul’s Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen airports; Turkcell has the widest coverage. Note that the rules on bringing in mobiles from overseas and using them with a Turkish SIM card change regularly. This is because mobiles are much cheaper when bought outside the country, so the government keeps introducing ever more stringent conditions in the hope of preventing people bringing them in and selling them on. At the time of writing, a mobile registered at a legitimate outlet can be used with a Turkish SIM for one month, after which it will be blocked. If you buy from one of the many smaller mobile phone stores and don’t sign an agreement you run the risk of your phone not being registered for use in Turkey, and it will be blocked within a matter of days.

The Turkish variety of VAT ( Katma Değer Vergisi or KDV ), ranging from eight to 23 percent depending on the commodity, is included in the price of virtually all goods and services (except car rental, where the 18 percent figure is usually quoted separately). Look for the notice Fiyatlarımız KDV Dahildir (VAT included in our prices) if you think someone’s trying to do you for it twice. There’s a VAT refund scheme for large souvenir purchases made by those living outside Turkey, but it’s such a rigmarole to get that it’s probably not worth pursuing; if you insist, ask the shop to provide a KDV İade Özel Fatura (Special VAT Refund Invoice), assuming that it participates – very few do, and they tend to be the most expensive shops.

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12 unmissable things to do in Turkey

Jan 3, 2022 • 8 min read

The landscape of Cappadocia and its horizon filled with hot air balloons is one of the most iconic sights in Turkey © Francesco Riccardo Iacomino / Getty Images

Whether your ideal vacation involves sunbathing on a Mediterranean beach , trekking in rugged mountains or learning more about the complex cultural layers laid down over thousands of years of history, Turkey has options to entice every kind of traveler. 

The country boasts an abundance of ancient sites and diverse natural landscapes, as well as lively cities, tantalizing food and opportunities for adventure. You'll never cover everything on just the one vacation but here’s our pick of the best things to do in Turkey to get you started.

Tour the ancient city of Ephesus

The well-preserved streets of Ephesus are lined with evidence of what daily life was like for the ancient Greeks and Romans who inhabited the city for hundreds of years: the remains of their shops and schools, temples and public toilets.

Highlights of the main site include the intricately carved facade of the Library of Celsus – once the third-largest library in the world – a huge open-air theater, a Roman bath and numerous monumental fountains and gates. Well worth the separate admission fee are the Terraced Houses . These luxurious residences belonged to the Roman elite and are full of mosaics, frescoes and marble worthy of an episode of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”

Luxuriate in a Turkish bath

In the days when most homes lacked indoor plumbing, hamams (commonly referred to as Turkish baths in English) played a crucial role both as a place to get clean and to socialize. Today, they’re typically a special-occasion destination, more often frequented by tourists than locals, but still a luxury well worth indulging in.

The full treatment includes a scrub and massage by a same-gender attendant, but you can also opt to bathe yourself in their steamy chambers. With their marble-covered interiors and sky-lit domes, the grandest hamams – such as the Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı , the Cağaloğlu Hamamı and the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Istanbul – are a treat for the eyes as well as the body. In the old Ottoman capital of Bursa, hamams like Eski Kaplıca and Yeni Kaplıca feature pools fed by the area’s natural thermal springs.

See Cappadocia from above and below

First thing in the morning, the skies above Cappadocia fill with hot-air balloons that take visitors floating above the area’s canyons, fairy chimneys and other fantastical rock formations. Even if you don’t fancy a flight, it’s worth getting up early to see the colorful aerial display from the ground. For a more, er, down-to-earth experience, follow labyrinthine tunnels many stories deep into underground cities such as Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı , where thousands of people took shelter from invaders for months at a time. In addition to living quarters, these subterranean settlements included facilities to stable animals, cook, worship and even make wine.

Feast on meze and fish

The “rakı-balık” night is a quintessential Turkish dining experience, particularly in Istanbul and along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. What some call the national drink of Turkey, rakı is a strong anise-flavoured liqueur typically mixed with water and ice, and balık is fish. Such meals typically start with an assortment of meze, which are often the real stars of the show.

These small dishes meant for sharing feature both classic and creative combinations of vegetables, herbs and seafood, often topped with yogurt or cooked in olive oil. If you do manage to save room for the main course, popular fish choices depending on the season include grilled levrek (sea bass) and çipura (sea bream), or lightly fried istavrit (mackerel), barbun (red mullet) and hamsi (anchovies).

Shop in colorful bazaars

Despite the proliferation of shopping malls and grocery stores, traditional bazaar culture remains strong in Turkey. Most historic centers will have at least one çarşı , a shopping arcade or maze-like marketplace district with vendors selling everything from cheap souvenirs to handmade leather or metal crafts. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (known as the Kapalı Çarşı, or “covered marketplace” in Turkish) is the most famous example, but ones in cities like Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa are more atmospheric and authentic.

Equally colorful and important to local life is the pazar , an open-air market for fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables and other food products, as well as clothing and household goods. Depending on the town or city neighborhood, they might be set up in the street under rigged-up tarps, in an emptied parking lot or garage, or in a purpose-built structure. Held in different areas on set days of the week, they’re cheap and lively places to buy staples or just browse. Some large pazars , like the weekly market in the resort town of Fethiye, feature stalls selling gözleme (stuffed flatbreads) and other simple dishes to sate hungry shoppers.

Admire architectural splendor in Istanbul

The rulers of the city formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople left their marks in grand style. The Hagia Sophia ’s soaring dome still leaves visitors awestruck a millennium and a half after its construction, while the towering Aqueduct of Valens and the vast subterranean Basilica Cistern attest to the impressive engineering feats that the Romans employed to supply the city and its residents with drinking water. 

With a prime position overlooking the confluence of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Marmara Sea, Topkapi Palace evokes the might of the Ottoman Empire at its peak: lavishly decorated chambers, a treasury dripping with massive jewels and a kitchen that could feed 4000 people. Istanbul’s minaret-studded skyline is a heritage of the Ottomans as well. The famous Blue Mosque gets the most attention, but visitors shouldn’t miss the tiny, tile-bedecked Rüstem Paşa Mosque and the graceful Süleymaniye Mosque , perched atop one of the old city’s seven hills. History buffs can really dig into the different cultural eras in Istanbul by exploring its wealth of museums detailing the fascinating legacy of the city .

Cruise turquoise waters on a gület

Few vacations are more relaxing than a multi-day cruise aboard a gület (traditional wooden yacht) plying sections of Turkey’s southwestern coastline between Bodrum and Antalya . While away the long, sunny days swimming in secluded coves, reading or playing tavla (backgammon) on deck, eating fresh-caught fish, drinking rakı as the sun sets and sleeping out under the stars. If you get tired of blissfully lazing around, you can hop ashore along the way to explore the ancient ruins of Knidos , climb to the top of the Crusader Castle in Kaleköy or stop for lunch at one of the cool cafe-restaurants in Kaş . 

Hike the Lycian Way

For a more active way to explore the Turquoise Coast, consider taking on part of the Lycian Way , a long-distance trekking path stretching 540 km (335 mi) from Fethiye to Antalya. Best traversed in spring or fall, the sometimes challenging trail winds along spectacular coastal cliffs, through bucolic villages and beach towns, past ancient ruins and up into the mountains.

Most sections have accommodation options in small pensions as well as camping. Highlights along the way include the secluded valley of Kabak , the long sandy beach of Patara , the massive rock tombs of Myra , the ruins of Olympos and the “ burning rock ” at Çıralı. If you want to see more of Turkey's incredible landscape on foot and escape the crowded tourist spots, extend your trip and spend some time exploring the country's stunning array of national parks .

See incredible Roman mosaics

Tiny colored cubes of glass, ceramic or stone were used during the Roman era to make amazingly detailed tableaux depicting mythological tales, heroic battles, lavish banquets and other scenes. Splendidly preserved examples of these mosaics, which often decorated the floors of grand palaces and villas, can today be found in numerous museums in Turkey, most notably the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum , the Hatay Archaeology Museum and the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum in Şanlıurfa.

Linger over a leisurely Turkish breakfast

It’s hard to think of a better way to fuel up for a big day of sightseeing than with a Turkish breakfast spread ( serpme kahvaltı ). Start with the savory nibbles: olives, cheeses, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, perhaps some spicy pepper paste along with your eggs. Then satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade jams and a decadent swirl of honey and thick cream ( kaymak ). Different parts of the country have their own special additions: fresh herbs along the Aegean coast, cornmeal cooked with melted butter and cheese (called mıhlama or kuymak ) in the Black Sea region, and fermented cheese and hot peppers in Hatay. Endless small glasses of black tea are universal.

Watch the sunrise from atop Mt. Nemrut

The surreal sight at the summit of Nemrut Dağı is testament to both the extent of the power that can be wielded by a ruler and to its inevitable decline. In the 1st century BCE, a Hellenistic king had massive statues of deities, mythic beasts and other figures built on top of a rocky peak as a monument to his own greatness. Earthquakes over the centuries toppled the heads of these statues from their bodies and they now sit scattered around a stark, remote landscape. Tour groups typically bring visitors up here at sunrise or sunset, but if you stay overnight at one of the simple lodgings a little below the summit, you can experience both.

Imagine the beginnings of human civilization

Turkey is home to some of the world’s most important Neolithic sites , which are still yielding new insights – and questions – about how humans lived more than 10,000 years ago. In the center of the country near Konya, the excavations of Çatalhöyük have provided clues about early “urban” life, the period when people started to transition from nomadic ways to settled agrarian livelihoods. In the southeast outside of Şanlıurfa, the findings at the ritual complex of Göbeklitepe – thought to be the world’s first place of worship – have transformed our understanding of when humans began to develop religious beliefs and practices.

You might also like: Do you need a visa to go to Turkey? The 10 most incredible places to visit in Turkey How to drink Turkish coffee like a local

This article was first published October 2021 and updated January 2022

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I'm in Turkey right now -- 5 things to know about entering as a US resident

Editor's Note

Before the pandemic, Turkey saw a record number of visitors in 2019. As a traveler here now in a reopened Istanbul , I can see why.

The incredible culture and cuisine are set among a historical and religious backdrop that spans centuries. It's an impressive city -- and not just because its 20 million residents stretch across two separate continents.

But if the pace of big city life isn't for you, the varying regions throughout Turkey offer something for everyone.

If you're a U.S. resident considering a trip -- or have one already planned -- here are five things that you should know about entering Turkey, as someone who has done it twice this summer.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Chris Dong (@thechrisflyer)

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Proof of vaccination gets you in

There are several ways to enter Turkey as a U.S. resident, depending on your vaccination status.

If you're fully vaccinated , as I am, you simply need to present proof at the airport during check-in. You must have been vaccinated at least 14 days before entering Turkey or have had COVID-19 in the last six months.

If you're not fully vaccinated, there is a COVID-19 testing option. You can either show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of entry or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of entry.

Related: Why I packed 8 COVID-19 tests to fly to Portugal — and what it's like to enter now

A mandatory health tool acts as a COVID-19 tracker

Before departing from the U.S., you'll have to fill out this health form within 72 hours of travel. Your contact and travel information is the basis for a contact-tracing tool that the Turkish government uses for COVID-19.

A QR code (called a HES code) is generated, which is used nationwide by both tourists and residents alike.

The code isn't just checked upon departure from the U.S. In fact, you're also required to show it at many establishments -- indoor malls, some restaurants, all public transportation, at hotel check-in, and both international and domestic flights.

I had my HES code checked on my phone at each hotel that I arrived at, along with domestic flights and even while shopping at some malls in Istanbul.

In addition, as of Sept. 6, 2021, proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within the past 48 hours is now required to enter some businesses, such as theaters or cinemas, that are hosting crowded events.

Don't forget your visa

Turkey requires a visa for U.S. passport holders. You have two options: an e-visa or visa on arrival. In my experience doing the e-visa process, it's fairly seamless and you should receive it within an hour of submitting payment. The website is a bit clunky but works in practice.

Two things that you should be aware of:

• Don't fall for scam visa websites offering assistance (there is only one official site ).
• Have a screenshot or printed copy of your e-visa handy if you're going that route. I had to show this not only at check-in but also upon arriving in Turkey.

In addition to the COVID-19 requirements and the HES code, an agent at check-in will also check for your visa.

It'll take time to get through Istanbul Airport

If you're coming from the U.S., chances are high that you'll be flying into the new Istanbul Airport (IST). It's a gorgeous megastructure, but it will require some serious walking from deboarding through to finally exiting the airport. Expect signage that isn't the clearest, either.

Also, know that PCR and rapid antigen testing is available at Istanbul Airport should you need to get it upon departure. Impressively, the testing center is open 24 hours a day. It's in front of Entrance 14 in the arrivals hall. The test fee is 250 TL or about $35.

Related: Deal alert: There's a new option to fly lie-flat business class to Europe for 34,000 miles

Almost everything is open to capacity

From bars to restaurants to entertainment, nearly everything is open to capacity in Turkey. The only services that remain suspended  indefinitely are hookah bars and lounges.

While masks are technically required at all times, I didn't see anyone enforce this. For instance, while most hotel staff are masked up, several taxi drivers I encountered were not.

Bottom line

From Istanbul to Bodrum and beyond, Turkey has been a hot spot for travelers -- and will continue to be, despite the pandemic.

If visiting has been on your list, know that it is very feasible at present. Of course, rules are constantly changing, so keep abreast of the latest both here at TPG as well as the official information at the U.S. Embassy for Turkey website.

Note that Turkey is currently on the State Department's Do Not Travel list .

​25 Essential Things to Know About Turkey Before Visiting

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: September 20, 2023

Categories Europe , Travel Guides , Turkey

Home » ​25 Essential Things to Know About Turkey Before Visiting

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Ah, Turkey – The bridge between East and West, where Europe meets Asia, and where ancient ruins cozy up to bustling bazaars.

But before you pack those bags and head on a journey of a lifetime, buckle up for a crash course (minus the crash) on what to expect when you step foot on Turkish soil for the first time.

These 25 Essential Turkey Travel Tips will tell you everything you need to know before planning a trip to this beautiful country for the first time.

What is Turkey famous for?

If we’re boiling it down (like a good Turkish tea), the country of Turkey is renowned for its rich history, majestic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque , and its prime position bridging Europe with the Middle East.

Culture & History

For many, the best thing is the medley of cultures, where ancient traditions merge seamlessly with modern vibes, especially in major cities. And hey, if you haven’t considered a hot air balloon ride over the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia , trust me – it’s been on everyone’s Instagram feed for good reason.

But let’s dive a little deeper, shall we? Imagine taking a road trip through time, where every pit stop offers a snapshot of eras gone by. From the vestiges of the Ottoman Empire to the echoes of the Byzantine epoch in Istanbul’s architectural wonders – it’s a bit like stepping into a living, breathing history book.

And, oh boy, the Turkish cuisine! If you haven’t daydreamed about biting into a piece of baklava, you’ve got some pre-trip homework to do. Turkey is also the birthplace of many famous foods like Doner Kebab, Smit, and (of course) Turkish Delight. I could go on and on about the delicious food scene in Turkey, but I’ll save that for another post. But trust me, a trip here is worth it for the food alone!

Diverse regions

And then there’s the palette of places. Beach lovers, rejoice! The Aegean coast boasts some of the best beaches, while adventurers might gravitate towards eastern Turkey for a touch of the wild. In recent years, Turkey has also seen a surge in popularity among travelers, and why wouldn’t it? From beautiful beaches to mouthwatering street food and the fragrant waft of Turkish coffee – it’s a sensory carnival!

⚡ Related Read: Is Istanbul Safe? Common Scams & Safety Tips for Travelers

25 Essential Things to Know Before Going to Turkey

1. Turkey actually crosses two continents

Pop quiz! Name one city that gets to have its cake (or should we say baklava?) and eat it too? Yep, it’s Istanbul.

While most major cities can’t decide on which café is the best for brunch, Istanbul is busy straddling both Europe and Asia . And you thought deciding on where to have breakfast was tough! This geographical marvel is split by the Bosphorus Strait.

So, technically, you could enjoy a Turkish breakfast in Europe and top it off with some black tea in Asia, all before noon! If that’s not the best way to start your day, I don’t know what is. But keep your travel insurance handy, just in case you trip crossing continents – we wouldn’t want that, now would we?

2. Language

Merhaba! That’s “hello” in Turkish, and it’s probably one of the first words you’ll hear when you land.

While the vast melody of the Turkish language may initially sound like a hit song you can’t get out of your head, you’ll soon find its rhythm endearing. The official lingo here is, you guessed it, Turkish. And while navigating the touristy parts of Istanbul or Antalya, you’ll find many speak a fair amount of English.

But here’s a pro-tip: you will win hearts instantly by peppering your conversations with a few Turkish words.

Even if you mess up and accidentally order five kebabs instead of one (is that really a mistake though?), locals will appreciate your efforts. After all, who can resist a traveler trying to ask for “more baklava, please” in broken Turkish?

So, go ahead and add a dash of  “teşekkür ederim”  (thank you) here and a sprinkle of  “evet”  (yes) there. It’s the best way to dive headfirst into the authentic Turkish experience. 

3. Currency

When it comes to spending your hard-earned moolah in Turkey, you’ll be dealing with the Turkish Lira (TRY). These colorful notes with images of prominent historical figures might feel like Monopoly money, but trust me, they’re your ticket to all things scrumptious and shiny in local bazaars.

While Turkey loves its Lira, it’s not dismissive of the mighty credit card. Big cities and most tourist spots roll out the red carpet for Visa and MasterCard.

But if you’re venturing off the beaten path or diving into the world of street food and souvenirs, cash is king. So, keep some notes tucked away for those impromptu ice creams or that irresistible handwoven rug you just  have  to take home.

4. Visa and Entry

So, you’ve packed your bags, learned some choice Turkish phrases, and you’re all set to embark on your Turkish journey. But wait, can you actually enter the country? That’s where the visa dance begins.

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Turkey. Some can waltz right in, while others may need to do a bit of paperwork cha-cha beforehand.

Always – and I mean  always  – check the visa requirements well in advance. The official Turkish government website or your home country’s embassy site are great places to start.

And if you find out you need one, don’t fret. The process is usually straightforward, and many nationalities can even get an e-visa online. Just ensure all your travel plans are in line with visa guidelines. Remember, nobody wants to be that person who planned their entire vacation only to get stuck at the Istanbul airport sipping (albeit delicious) Turkish tea. Do your homework before you book!

💡 Note : Americans, for example, will need a visa to visit Turkey. It can be purchased online as an e-visa or at the airport on arrival, and is valid for a maximum 90-day stay in Turkey. 

5. Culture and Etiquette

Turkey is a place where rich history meets warm-hearted folks and the vibes are just  right . Turkish people are like that perfectly brewed cup of Turkish coffee – warm, inviting, and sure to leave an impression. When you step foot in this beautiful land, you’ll be embraced by their legendary hospitality.

But, like attending any great party, there are some house rules to follow. Visiting a mosque, for instance? Think of it like going to someone’s home. Dress modestly, covering up those sun-kissed shoulders and knees. Those stylish shoes? Leave them at the door. It’s tradition (and just plain politeness) to take your shoes off when entering someone’s home in Turkey, and especially so in a place of worship.

And ladies, you might need to don a headscarf; think of it as the cherry on top of your cultural immersion sundae. An open mind, paired with a sprinkle of respect for local customs, will truly be your best travel buddy. So, when in Turkey, do as the Turks do. Dive deep into the culture, and who knows, you might even find yourself partaking in a traditional dance in the surrounding area of a beach resort!

6. Religion

At the heart of Turkey’s vibrant cultural tapestry lies its deep-rooted religious heritage. With the majority of its population identifying as Muslim, Islam plays an intrinsic role in shaping the nation’s traditions, customs, and daily life.

As you explore Turkey, you’ll find yourself amidst a rhythmic dance of faith that resonates from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the tranquil Aegean coast. Central to this rhythm is the Azan, the call to prayer that reverberates from mosque minarets throughout the country.

Occurring five times daily, the Azan acts as a sacred reminder for Muslims to pause, reflect, and connect with the divine. For visitors, this melodic call offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual heartbeat of the nation. Each call, with its distinct cadence, paints the sky from the break of dawn until the cloak of night, punctuating the day with moments of reflection.

7. Haggle in Bazaars

In many large markets in Turkey, bargaining is part of the culture. Don’t be shy to negotiate prices. Step into places like the Grand Bazaar, and you’ll realize it’s not just a market but a gladiator arena for your bargaining skills.

Forget the price tags; here, your negotiation flair is your best weapon.

Imagine trying to snag the last piece of baklava at a family gathering; that’s the energy you need! Turkish vendors expect a bit of playful haggling, a tug of war of prices mixed with warm smiles and maybe even a cup of rich Turkish tea.

The first price? Think of it as the opening act of a great play. Don’t be shy; throw in your counter, maybe share a joke about how this isn’t your first time at the haggling rodeo. And while you might not always snag that rug or lantern at half-price, you’ll walk away with a story, a smile, and perhaps a new friend in the heart of Istanbul.

Remember, it’s all in good fun and very much a part of the vibrant Turkish market culture. That being said, keep in mind the state of Turkey’s economy, and the work they put into making the items they are selling, which are often homemade. The U.S. dollar goes a long way in Turkey, and if you have the extra dollars to spare, don’t try to haggle for the lowest possible price.

8. Public transport is the best option in big cities like Istanbul

Navigating Istanbul, with its sprawling urban expanse, might initially seem daunting, but fear not! The city boasts a remarkably efficient and diverse public transportation system, ensuring you can hop from one iconic site to another with ease.

Whether you’re cruising on the Bosphorus via a ferry, speeding underground on the metro, gliding above streets on trams, or zigzagging through neighborhoods on buses, Istanbul offers it all.

For those on the move, the Istanbulkart is your golden ticket. This nifty prepaid card is like the Swiss army knife of public transport, allowing seamless transitions across the various modes of transportation. Simply top it up at various kiosks or vending machines around the city, and you’re good to go.

Not only is it cost-effective, but it also saves you the hassle of purchasing individual tickets. So, whether you’re headed to Taksim Square or diving deep into the historic quarters, let Istanbul’s public transport whisk you away on a journey of discovery.

9. Try local Turkish cuisine 

A culinary journey through Turkey is like flipping through the pages of a rich, aromatic history book. Turkish cuisine is a symphony of flavors and traditions passed down through generations.

Kebabs, with their perfectly marinated and grilled meats, are a testament to the nation’s mastery over fire and spice. As you walk the bustling streets, the aroma of baklava might beckon—thin pastry layers generously filled with nuts and sweet syrup, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.

And Turkish delight – or lokum – offers a soft, chewy experience, often laced with rose or lemon flavors and dusted with icing sugar.

To wash it all down? Nothing beats the robust experience of Turkish tea or coffee. The coffee, thick and strong, often leaves a memorable mark, while the tea, served in tulip-shaped glasses, is a daily ritual. Dive into local restaurants or street food stalls, and let your taste buds embark on a Turkish culinary odyssey.

10. Tipping is not expected (but it is appreciated)

When it comes to showing appreciation in Turkey, tipping, locally known as “ bahşiş ,” plays a pivotal role. Picture this: you’ve just had a sumptuous meal at a local restaurant, sipping the last drops of your Turkish tea. Now, it’s time to settle the bill.

Tipping, while not obligatory, is a customary gesture to acknowledge good service in restaurants, cafes, and even during taxi rides. Generally, leaving around 5-10% of your total bill is considered polite. If you’ve had an exceptional experience, feel free to tip a bit more. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest lira or simply handing a small note makes the cut.

Remember, it’s not just about the money; it’s a nod of appreciation, a way to say “Teşekkürler” or “Thank you” for the service rendered.

11. Opt for bottled water

When it comes to quenching your thirst in Turkey, going bottled is the best way. While Turkish cities generally have well-treated and chlorinated tap water, the unfamiliar minerals and slight differences in treatment might not sit well with everyone’s stomach, especially those of visitors who aren’t accustomed to it. Even many locals prefer bottled water for drinking purposes.

You’ll find a variety of brands available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and kiosks scattered across streets. If you’re environmentally conscious, consider buying larger jugs of water and refilling a reusable bottle as you go. This not only reduces plastic waste but also ensures you always have fresh water at your disposal.

For those adventurous souls hiking or exploring rural areas, always carry a good supply with you. Remember, it’s not just about thirst—it’s about ensuring you stay hydrated and healthy during your Turkish escapade.

12. Know which adapters you need

If you’ve got a myriad of gadgets to charge or hair tools to plug in, here’s your electrical primer for Turkey. The country utilizes the European-style two-pin round plugs, categorized as Type C and Type F.

These plugs are common across many European countries, but it’s always wise to double-check your devices before you travel. With a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz, Turkey is on par with much of Europe.

If your devices aren’t compatible, investing in a universal travel adapter is a smart move. These are readily available at airports or electronic stores. It ensures you can keep your devices juiced up and ready to capture every mesmerizing moment of your journey.

13. Local Time

If you’ve ever wondered where Turkey sits on the world’s time map, the answer lies in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone. This means when you set your watches or reset your phone’s time setting, you’ll be aligning with cities like Bucharest, Athens, and Helsinki.

Operating 3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+3), Turkey does not observe daylight saving time. So, whether you’re marveling at the beauty of Cappadocia’s hot air balloons at sunrise or losing yourself in the bustling streets of Istanbul by night, it’s one consistent time throughout the year.

A tip for travelers: Always adjust your devices upon arrival to ensure you’re in sync with local timings, from museum openings to train departures. Time, after all, is of the essence when you’re on an adventure!

14. Shoes Off Indoors

When in Turkey, do as the Turks do—and that often means leaving your shoes at the door! This age-old custom is deeply rooted in Turkish culture. When entering someone’s home, it’s not just about cleanliness but also about respect.

By removing your shoes, you’re honoring the sanctity and purity of the household. If you’re invited to a local’s home (and given the warm Turkish hospitality, there’s a good chance you might be), you’ll often find a lineup of family footwear just outside or inside the entrance. Sometimes, hosts might provide slippers or indoor shoes for guests. It’s a beautiful tradition that showcases the significance of home as a revered space.

As a visitor, always err on the side of respect and assume the “shoes-off” rule applies unless told otherwise. Pro-tip: this makes wearing socks without holes an excellent idea when visiting Turkey!

15. Hamams (Turkish Bath)

For those seeking an authentic Turkish experience that’ll leave you rejuvenated from head to toe, a visit to a Hamam is a must. Descending from the Roman bath culture and infused with Islamic rituals, these traditional Turkish baths are a blend of history, culture, and pure relaxation.

Stepping into a Hamam, you’ll find a central dome under which bathers relax on a heated marble platform, known as the “göbek taşı.” Here, amidst steam and ambient light, you’ll be exfoliated and massaged by attendants, scrubbing away travel fatigue and leaving your skin feeling baby soft. But it’s more than just a spa treatment—it’s a centuries-old social tradition.

Whether you’re in a lavish Hamam in a big city or a modest one in a smaller town, the experience remains deeply rooted in a sense of community and relaxation. Wrap up with a refreshing Turkish tea, and you’ve got yourself an experience of a lifetime!

16. Stray cats are everywhere

Anyone who’s visited Istanbul will affirm: the city is as much a haven for history enthusiasts as it is for cat lovers!

The streets of Istanbul are graced with feline friends that have become an integral part of the city’s charm. Whether lounging by the Hagia Sophia, prowling around the Blue Mosque, or napping in a cozy café corner, these cats are more than just strays—they’re a beloved part of the community.

Local tales often say that these cats are the true “kings and queens” of Istanbul. Residents and shopkeepers alike take pride in feeding them, providing makeshift shelters, and sometimes even setting out beds and toys.

The love affair between Istanbul and its cats is so profound that it’s even inspired a documentary, “Kedi,” celebrating these furry rulers of the city. For travelers, these cats provide not just Instagram-worthy moments but also showcase the heart and soul of Istanbul—a blend of history, culture, and compassionate coexistence.

17. Buy a local SIM Card

Let’s face it: staying connected is a crucial part of our modern travels. Whether it’s navigating the bustling streets with Google Maps, snapping and uploading that perfect sunset shot, or keeping in touch with loved ones back home, a reliable internet connection can be a game-changer.

If your stay in Turkey stretches beyond a fleeting visit, investing in a local SIM card can be both economical and practical. Turkish mobile networks offer impressive coverage, even in remote areas, ensuring you’re never truly “off the grid” (unless you want to be!). Major providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom have a variety of prepaid plans to cater to tourists.

Once in Turkey, purchasing and activating a SIM is straightforward and can often be done right at the airport or any mobile store in major cities. With data in hand, you’re all set to dive deep into the Turkish experience without any connectivity woes.

💡 Note : Remember to ensure your phone is unlocked before your journey! If not, you will not be able to use a local Turkish SIM card in your phone.

18. Turkey has many diverse regions

Turkey, in its grandeur, is a mosaic of unique regions, each painting a different story. Beyond the famed domes and minarets of Istanbul lie myriad experiences awaiting intrepid travelers.

Picture the sun-kissed beaches of Antalya, where turquoise waters of the Mediterranean offer solace to sun-seekers. Venture inland to the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, where ancient rock formations stand tall, often dotted with hot air balloons painting the dawn sky.

Head further east, and you’ll encounter the rugged beauty of Eastern Anatolia.

Each region, be it the Aegean coast with its ancient ruins and olive groves or the bustling metropolis of Ankara, presents a unique facet of Turkey’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. So, when planning your Turkish vacation, think beyond the usual and let the country’s diverse regions enthrall your wanderlust.

19. Try Raki, a traditional Turkish drink

Raki is an iconic Turkish spirit that’s as much a drink as it is an embodiment of Turkish conviviality. This anise-flavored alcoholic drink is sometimes called “lion’s milk” and is a popular Turkish spirit. It’s often enjoyed with meze (small dishes) and is typically diluted with water, turning it milky white.

This anise-flavored drink is more than just a beverage; it’s a ritual. Often sipped alongside a spread of meze—delicious small dishes ranging from seafood to fresh salads—it’s an experience that stimulates both palate and conversation. The key to enjoying Raki is to take it slow. Dilute with water, serve it chilled, and savor every sip.

As locals would attest, drinking Raki is about cherishing the moment, the company, and the myriad flavors of Turkish hospitality. So, next time you find yourself in a traditional “ meyhane ” (tavern) with a glass of Raki in hand, raise a toast to the timeless Turkish tradition of celebrating life’s simple pleasures.

20. Avoid Excessive Public Displays of Affection

While Turkey is a modern country, it’s good to be aware that overt public displays of affection, especially in more conservative regions, can be frowned upon. Turkey, a progressive nation at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, has been swaying between its traditional values and global influences.

While it’s not uncommon to see young couples holding hands in Istanbul’s trendy districts or the beach promenades of Bodrum, overt displays of affection, like long embraces or passionate kisses, can raise eyebrows, especially in smaller towns or more conservative regions. This doesn’t mean the Turkish people are cold or indifferent; they are warm-hearted and hospitable. Still, they prefer expressing affection privately.

So, while you’re soaking up Turkey’s rich heritage, it’s wise to keep the public smooches on a low profile and reserve them for more private settings. This small gesture will only enhance your experience and understanding of this beautiful country’s intricate social tapestry.

21. Istanbul is not the capital

While the intoxicating allure of Istanbul often steals the limelight, Ankara, the capital city, has its understated charm and significance. Nestled in the heart of Anatolia, Ankara is a blend of the old and the new.

The city has seen civilizations come and go, from the Phrygians to the Romans, leaving their indelible marks. Among its many attractions is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Anıtkabir, as it’s called, is not just a historical site but a symbol of the country’s modern aspirations. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is another gem, giving visitors a deep dive into the region’s rich history.

But Ankara isn’t just about the past. The city pulsates with a dynamic energy, evident in its bustling markets, contemporary art scenes, and modern architecture. Exploring Ankara gives travelers a more comprehensive understanding of Turkey, showcasing the balance between its illustrious past and its forward-looking future.

22. Respect the dress code

Embracing different cultures often means respecting local norms, and in Turkey, dressing plays a pivotal role, especially when visiting religious or conservative areas. Turkey is predominantly Muslim, and while its cosmopolitan cities showcase a broad range of fashion, traditional values hold strong in its heartland.

When visiting religious sites like mosques, modesty is key. Women are advised to wear long skirts or pants, and it’s customary to cover the head with a scarf. Men should opt for long pants and sleeved shirts.

But it’s not just about the religious sites. If you’re venturing into the countryside or lesser-known towns, it’s wise to dress a bit more conservatively to respect local sensibilities. However, in beach resorts or big cities, you’ll find a more relaxed attitude.

Always pack a mix of clothing – from comfortable jeans and tees for urban exploration to modest attire for cultural immersion. Respecting the dress code isn’t just about following rules; it’s about immersing oneself genuinely in the Turkish experience.

23. Beware of the Shoe Shine Scam

Navigating through Turkey’s bustling streets is generally a delightful experience, with warm smiles and rich culture. However, as in many tourist destinations worldwide, there are occasional tricks to watch out for. A quirky one is the “shoe shine scam.”

Picture this: You’re walking, and a shoe shiner in front of you accidentally drops his brush. Being the kind-hearted traveler that you are, you pick it up and hand it back to him. In gratitude, he offers to shine your shoes for free. However, once the deed is done, he might insist on a hefty fee, much to your surprise. It’s essential to stay vigilant and be aware of such subtle cons.

If you encounter this, a polite but firm decline for the shine should suffice. The Turkish people are genuinely warm and hospitable, but as with all popular tourist destinations, it pays to stay alert and aware of common scams.

24. ATMs and Currency Exchange

Money matters when you’re on the go! In Turkey, ATMs are pretty much everywhere, especially in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. Before embarking on your Turkish adventure, inform your bank to avoid any unexpected account freezes – nobody wants a blocked card while on vacation.

While major credit cards are accepted at many establishments, especially in metropolitan areas, cash is king when you dive deeper into the heart of Turkey. Whether you’re haggling in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, buying a handmade souvenir in a smaller town, or indulging in delicious street food, having Turkish Lira on hand is prudent.

Currency exchange offices are common in tourist areas and often offer better rates than airports or hotels. As always, it’s wise to check the current exchange rates and count your change.

25. Preservation of Sites

Turkey is a treasure trove of history, a meeting point of civilizations, from the ancient Hittites to the Byzantines and Ottomans. When you stand before the grandeur of sites like Ephesus or the rock churches of Cappadocia, it’s like stepping into a time machine. These sites, bearing witness to millennia of history, are protected for a good reason.

When visiting, it’s crucial to remember that we are temporary stewards of these wonders. Touching ancient artifacts or climbing on historical structures might seem harmless, but over time, such actions can degrade these treasures. Respect barriers, follow guidelines, and heed the advice of site custodians.

Think of it this way: by preserving today, we ensure that future generations can also marvel at these windows into our shared past. Let’s be responsible travelers and cherish these gifts from antiquity.

Thanks for reading!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana (@wheretianatravelss)

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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A Complete Turkey Travel Guide: 20 Things to Know Before You Go to Turkiye

Turkey, now known as Turkiye, is a superb country for your next trip. It is modern and diverse! It is especially known for its beautiful beaches, mind-blowing history, stunning architecture (Greco-Roman and Ottoman), incredible landscapes, pretty towns, and hospitable people. This Turkey travel guide will take you through everything you need to know before your visit so you can plan your Turkiye trip better!

1. Know the country

OFFICIAL NAME : Republic of Turkiye CAPITAL : Ankara (no, it is not Istanbul) LOCATION: It is a transcontinental country located mainly in Asia and partly in Europe OFFICIAL LANGUAGE : Turkish – script is in the Latin alphabet like English. RELIGION : Turkey is a secular state with no official religion. However, the majority practise Islam.

2. The Best months to Visit Turkey

December – March: During this time, it is quite cold in the country with the exception of southeast Turkey (Antalya and surrounds). Most hotels and restaurants in a lot of beach towns will be closed. Snow is not uncommon, especially in Cappadocia and Konya. While snow creates a fantastic landscape in Cappadocia, hot air balloon flights are cancelled more often. That said, there will be less crowd at tourist sites making it a fantastic time to visit places like Istanbul – as long as you can deal with a bit of rain and snow. Your Turkey trip will be the cheapest during this time!

June-August: The summer months are very hot with temperatures going above 30°C. This is perfect for lounging by the sea or a pool but sightseeing can be unbearable. We went in August and experienced this firsthand -must’ve had a million lemonades to stay cool. Even though it’s so hot, there are a lot of visitors because Europeans come in droves during the summer months. Hence, this season is categorized as peak season and prices soar! If you do visit during this time, try and stay indoors during the afternoon.

March to May and September-Novembe r: Though this entire period is generally pleasant, I’d say April and late October are the best times to visit because it’s the perfect balance between weather and crowd.

3. How many days are enough for a Turkiye trip

You should go on at least a 10-day trip to Turkey – the more the better because there is so much to see. A lot of people visit for 2-3 weeks and still don’t get bored. But since that is not possible for most, 7 days is the minimum we would suggest.

4. PLACES TO VISIT IN TURKEY

Turkey has a lot of fantastic destinations, however, we will just cover a few of the most popular places to visit here.

1. I stanbul – city life, history, culture, shopping, food

Istanbul is a bustling city lying on two continents ( Asia and Europe) where the old and new exist beautifully side by side. Since, Istanbul is such a historic city that was the capital of two dynasties – the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman – there are a lot of things to see and do like mosques, palaces, museums, cruises, Hamam Spa, nightlife, and shopping. You could easily spend a week or more here but we’d recommend a minimum of 2-3 days . Closest Airports: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Asian Side) and Istanbul International Airport (European side) Hotel Options: Mest Hotel Istanbul (great view), Romance Hotel (well-rated mid-range hotel), Hostel Le Banc (hostel in Beyoglu)

2. Cappadocia – landscapes, cave stay, hot air balloons

Cappadocia is home to a surreal landscape made of volcanic stone and cave hotels. However, hot air balloon rides are the most popular thing to do. You’ll need at least 2-3 mornings in Cappadocia if you wish to ride on a hot air balloon. For more info, read the complete list of tips for a dreamy hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia .

Closest Airpots: Kayseri Airport and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport

Hotel Options: Arinna Cappadocia (luxury), Local Cave Hotel   (mid-range), The Dorm Cave By Travellers (hostel)

3. P amukkale- white terraced travertines

Pammukale is a small town mainly known and visited for its white terraced travertine spa located beside the ancient city of Hierapolis. This city has a museum and a beautiful Roman theatre – not to be missed.

Closest Aiport: Dalaman Airport and İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Hotel Options: Hotel Sahin  (superb view), Venus Hotel  (mid-range), Melrose Viewpoint Hotel (budget)

4. Selcuk (for Ephesus) – third largest Roman library

Ephesus is again an ancient Greco-Roman city. It has one of the finest examples of a Roman Library which was the third largest in the world in its day. Nearby, is also the site of one of the ancient wonders of the world – The Temple of Artemis .

These sites are all best visited by staying in the small town of Selcuk for one night.

Closest Airport : İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Hotel Options: Livia Hotel Ephesus (Adults Only)   (semi-luxury), Celsus Boutique Hote l (mid-range),   Hotel Urkmez (budget)

5. ALACATI – a cute beachside town with nightlife

Pronounced Aalaa-cha-tuh, the town was established by Greek workers and hence has all the Greek vibes with a Turkish Charm – think Greek stone houses, traditional and modern windmills, cobbled streets flanked by pink bougainvillaea. The town comes to life at night with its many superb bars and restaurants.

Closest Airport: İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Hotel Options: Biblos Resort Alaçatı (luxury),   Sakin Ev   (mid-range), Rebetiko Hotel   (budget)

6. ANTALYA – beaches and history

Antalya is the largest city in southern Turkey and is known for its turquoise coast, ancient ruins and a waterfall by the sea. It is a hotspot for tourists – probably the most visited place after Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Closest Airport: Antalya Airport

Hotel Options: Casa Sur Antalya , Perge Hotels , White Garden Hotel

7. FETHIYE & OLUDENIZ: beaches and paragliding

Located about 4 hours south of Izmir and 3 hours west of Antalya, Fethiye is on the Turkish coast. Fethiye is surrounded by heritage sites, pristine beaches with azure waters and towering green hills. It’s also the start of the Lycian way- a 540 km hiking trail (you obviously don’t need to do the whole thing). Not only that, Oludeniz is considered to be one of the best places to paraglide in the world – the views are epic!

Closest Airport: Dalaman Airport

Hotel Options: Yacht Boheme Hotel , Sovalye Hotel , Heaven Bungalow Fethiye

If you have a car or are looking for a staycation then these hotels in Faralya (near Fethiye) are superb: Perdue Hotel and Nautical Hotel

8. KAS- cute town, beaches, history

Kas is a charming seaside town between Antalya and Fethiye. It is a lot like Alacati, but with a lot more things to do. This was the town we really wanted to go to instead of Alacati but we need an extra day to make that possible without rushing it. Read more about Kas here.

Closest Airport: Antalya Airport and Dalaman Airport

Hotel Options: Hotel and Villa Kale Suites , Golden Rose Otelcilik , Payam Hotel

5. Turkiye Trip Itinerary

This is the itinerary we followed based on the flights we were getting at the time:

Best of Turkey – 10 days: Istanbul (2.5 days), Cappadocia (3 days), Alacati (2 days), Pamukkale and surrounds (1.5 days), Selcuk/Ephesus (1 day)

Read our detailed 10-day Turkey Itinerary

Your itinerary would depend on your interests but here are a few options you can use as a started point:

Turkey 7 days itinerary: Istanbul (2 days), Cappadocia (2.5 days), Choose one amongst any other place – Antalya / Kas / Fethiye and Oludeniz / Pammukale and Ephesus / Alacati

Alternate 10 days itinerary for Turkiye: Istanbul (3 days), Cappadocia (2 days), Antalya/Kas/Fethiye (3 days), Pamukkale and Ephesus (1 day)

Turkey 14 days itinerary: Istanbul (3 days), Cappadocia (3 days), Road trip starting from Cappadocia visiting Antalya (2 days), Kas (2 days), Oludeniz & Fethiye (2 days) heading over to Pamukkale (1 day) and Ephesus (1 day). End your road trip in Izmir. We would have lovvveed to follow this itinerary!

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6. Turkiye tourist Visa

Before you plan a Turkiye trip, make sure you know what type of visa you’ll need. There are two types of visas – a  sticker visa and an e-visa . The visa type you choose will depend on your purpose of visit, nationality and the documents you have. Check the general visa requirements of all countries here .

E-visa is a single-entry visa and is available for passport holders of 60 countries provided that you meet the required criteria which you can see once you start applying for the e-visa. You can apply for your e-visa any time before your travel because you get the e-visa in 10 minutes. We advice to apply at least a week prior in case of any unfortunate circumstances. The e-visa fee varies per your country and type of travel document.

For Indians

If you’re an Indian passport holder with a valid Schengen, USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, then you can get an e-Visa which is valid for one month (in a 180-day period) via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that you meet these conditions:

• The passport covers the period of stay in Turkey
• You can prove that you hold a return ticket, hotel reservation and at least $50 per day of stay.
• You are travelling for the purposes of tourism.
• You have a valid Supporting Document (Valid visa OR valid residence permit from one of the Schengen Countries, USA, UK or Ireland). E-visas are not accepted as supporting documents.

We have a US tourist visa so we applied for the e-visa through this link . The whole process took 5 minutes and we got the e-visa immediately after paying 43 USD (exactly INR 3522 was charged).

Sticker Visa

If you are not eligible for an e-visa, you will have to go through the sticker visa process which takes more time and money . But the good part is that you can apply 6 months before your trip . It is suggested you apply as early as possible. The maximum stay duration through a sticker visa is up to 90 days in a 180-day period and is available for single, double, or multiple entries . 

A sticker visa, as the name suggests, is pasted on your passport. Therefore, you will be required to send your passport to the Turkish embassy. You need to get an appointment and visit the embassy to drop off and collect your passport. Please check this website to understand if you can fill out the pre-visa application directly or need to apply via an agency.

Indian passport holders cannot fill out the pre-visa application directly and have to go through an authorized agency which is Gateway Globe . You have to fill out the application and undertaking forms, collect the listed documents and photos, book an appointment directly from their website , pay the visa fee, submit the form, and collect the visa.

A single-entry visa fee is about INR 4500, and a multiple-entry visa fee is  INR 14,400 . In addition, a service charge of  INR 4,200  is payable over and above the visa fees.

If you have any queries, you can contact Gateway Global directly .

7. Is Turkey safe for travel?

All the places we have listed above are tourist hubs and safe to travel to. People are so nice and helpful and we never felt unsafe at any point in time. The country is also considered safe for solo travellers!

Border areas in general can be unsafe in many countries, but don’t worry you’ll probably not venture anywhere near it.

Other minor thefts and general security concerns are there in all countries. You can’t predict these things. Just stay vigilant no matter where you travel.

8. How to get around Turkey

Turkey is very well connected by flights, trains, busses and also has plenty rental car companies.

Flight: The easiest and most convenient way to get around is by flight. Nearly 50 cities in Turkey have active domestic or international airports but flights may not be direct for all routes and will go via Ankara or Istanbul. Domestic carriers include Pegasus and Turkish Airlines. Flights are relatively cheap, especially during the off-season. You can get them for as low as INR 2000! Search for international and domestic flights

Bus: Bus travel is one of the most popular ways to travel around Turkiye as it is cheap and you can get to just about any corner of the country. Every city has its own intercity bus terminal with numerous companies. That being said, bus journeys can be long and night buses are not known to be very comfortable. To book a bus, you can go to the bus terminal on the day you want to travel, buy a ticket, and board the next bus. Or else pre-book below! Search for busses

Train: Train travel is generally limited and slow in Turkey and not recommended though options are improving gradually. However, high-speed trains between Istanbul, Ankara, Konya and Eskisehir are great options! Search for trains

Car: Turkey is a superb country for a road trip outside of the main cities. There are plenty of car hire services, the roads are fantastic, people follow traffic rules generally, and the views are ones to behold. Plus, it gets super easy to skip the crowded tours and have the freedom to explore small towns the way you wish. The best part is that you can get a car on your home driving license if it is in English and there is a photo of you on it – no International Driving Permit is needed in such a case. Search for rental cars

9. How to get around the cities

Tram and Metro: Turkey’s larger cities like Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Bursa, Antalya, Konya, and Gaziantep– all have some kind of metro or tram system. We used the tram extensively in Istanbul – it was fast, easy to use, and helped avoid traffic.

Cab : You can hire a metered cab off the road or use Uber (available in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara) or Bitaksi (available in İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Kocaeli, Bursa, Antalya, Muğla, Adana, Mersin, Samsun and Kayseri) in major cities. Download these apps beforehand.

Ferry: In general, ferries are limited in Turkey. There are many routes in and around Istanbul serving the Marmara region and some routes extend to Bursa, Izmir and Canakkale. 

Bus/Dolmus: Big cities are well connected by bus and smaller cities are generally well-served by dolmuş  (minibus), though lack of signage can make this a tricky way to get around.

While big cities have fantastic public transport, small towns do not. You can take the Dolmus and busses in most towns but they’ll be limited. Honestly, I’d say that the best way to get around small towns would be by a rental car.

10. Renting a Car in Turkey

It is fairly easy to rent a car in Turkey. Here are two options:

• Pre-book it online: Try Discover Cars an d Rental Cars . We used Avec to book our rental car in Izmir.
• Pre-book it through your hotel: We booked our hotels in Turkey via Booking.com which has the facility to chat with the hotel. So for Cappadocia, we just messaged our hotel about rental cars and they provided us with the best offer we were getting at the time.

Here are some things to know before renting a car in Turkiye.

• All foreign driving licenses are valid as long as they have a photo and are written in the Latin alphabet . You do not need an International Driving Permit in such a case.
• If your car pick up and drop locations are different , you will incur a surcharge . So consider this while making your itinerary.
• You will need a credit card to hire a car as there is usually a deposit amount put on hold on your card. Or it is directly deducted and later refunded.
• Unlike India, traffic is on the right side of the road and the steering is on the left of the car. This will take a day or two to get used to.

• You should be very confident about driving on slopes . The slopes in Cappadocia (Goreme mainly) had us going mental despite us being very comfortable driving on them.
• Car companies usually only let you hire a car if you’re at least 21 years old and have held your license for 1 year.
• If you’re between the ages of 21-25 you may have to incur a surcharge .
• Seat belts are mandatory and the use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited , with the exception of a hands-free system.
• You will always need to have your driver’s licence, registration documents and insurance documents . The latter two are usually in the glove box.
• Tolls in Turkey are quite a few – we didn’t pay any tolls. However, ask your car rental company about the HGS toll system tag beforehand as having this will automate the toll payment process much like FASTag in India. This could be prepaid or postpaid.
• 0.05% is the max alcohol limit permitted which only applies if you are driving alone. So do not drink and drive at all!

11. What Currency to carry

The currency is the Turkish Lira denoted as TL or TRY and the exchange rate is 1 TL = 4.39 INR. See the current exchange rate .

A lot of tours accept Euros as well, especially in Cappadocia. You can pay by card in most places but you will definitely also need cash as well for public transport, street vendors, etc. It is best to keep Euros or USD and get it changed in Istanbul for Turkish Liras.

A lot of hotels and shops provide a 9-10% discount if you pay in cash . This is because the establishment will not have to pay a credit card fee to the bank. So, if you’re carrying cash, please ask if they will give a discount on cash payment.

You will not get the Turkish Lira easily in India. So you have two options:

• Carry Euros and exchange this for Liras in Istanbul.
• Carry a forex card and withdraw money through ATMs in Turkey.

We carried the Go Niyo Global Card which is a multi-forex card. We just had to load it with Indian Rupees and could withdraw in the local currency in 150+ countries with zero forex markup so it was perfect for Turkey. We paid with the card wherever possible and at other times we withdrew the max limit of TL 2000. Note that each time you withdraw from the ATM, Go Niyo charges you INR 118. Despite that, we found this option to be very very convenient.

Tip: Withdraw money from Ziraat ATMs as they were the only ATMs that didn’t charge us an extra withdrawal fee!

12. Get a local Sim

The wifi in Turkey can be dodgy. It is best to get a local sim to make things more convenient for you. You can buy a sim in the cities or at the airport.

The following networks are available in Turkey:

Türk Telekom.

Do compare prices and see what suits you best. We got Turkcell because it has the best reputation for 4G coverage.

13. Turkey Travel Budget

The cost of a trip to Turkey as to any other country depends on a lot of factors including:

• Season of travel: Peak season is more expensive than low season.
• How early you booked the trip (especially for travel during season time): Earlier can be cheaper
• Your style of travel: Taking public transport and eating local food would save you a lot of cash
• The destinations you visit: Some destinations like Cappadocia and Alacati are expensive
• The activties you do: Activties like hot air balloon rides and guided tours can be very expensive.

Mid-Range travel: We are mid-range travellers who like the convenience and are willing to spend on it but would still like the trip to not be very expensive. Our trip to turkey cost us about INR 2.9 lakhs for two people because we booked very late, travelled during season time, and hired a car instead of taking buses. The exact breakup is given below. If we’d done the same trip in some other months instead of (June- August) we could have probably done it in INR 2-2.25 L for two people .

Budget Travel: If you travel in the shoulder/low season, stay in budget hotels and hostels, don’t do a hot air balloon ride and take public transport you could do this trip for INR 70,000-80,000 per person including flights.

Category-wise costs in high season for a 12-day trip (10 days + 2 days travel)

14. Tipping isn’t compulsory but always appreciated

Tips are generally low   in Turkey. While tipping isn’t 100% necessary, it is always appreciated for good service.

In most cases,  you cannot include the tip on a credit card charge so should be prepared to tip in  cash directly to the person who has served you.

Cabs: Round up the fare. No tip is needed. Porters in hotels: Tip 5-15 Liras per person. Restaurants: 5% of the bill in small establishments and 10-15% of the bill in big ones. Tour guides: 10 and 15 Turkish Lira if you feel it’s deserved. Hamam: A tip of 10-15% of the bill is usually expected!

14. Food to try in Turkey

Turkish food has evolved over the centuries but is yet largely influenced by Ottoman cuisine (Eastern European, Central Asian, Middle Eastern)

• Turkish Breakfast : These consist of several small dishes including olives, different types of cheese, fresh bread, butter, jams and spreads, and black tea. You will be so full!
• Toast with White Cheese : A simple yet delicious toast with thick white cheese! Must-have.
• Menemen: Turkish version of scrambled eggs with tomato and peppers.
• Turkish Coffee: If you like strong coffee, you’ll love Turkish Coffee.
• Fresh Orange Juice and Lemonade: I am not kidding when I say, that these were much tastier than I’ve ever had before. They were naturally sweeter and less acidic – unlike the ones we have in India.
• Cay: Turkish black tea served in a Tulip Glass. This is had not only for breakfast but also after every meal and in between meals. It is truly the national drink of Turkiye.

Lunch and Dinner

• Lentil Soup : A hearty thick soup made with red or orange lentils and spices.
• Pide : Pide is a boat-shaped Turkish Pizza made with a slightly thick dough and a wide range of fillings like meats, fresh vegetables, etc. Must-have!
• Mezze : The variety you get is insane and so delicious. Definitely try this in coastal areas.
• Gozleme : A Turkish paratha
• Manti : Turkish ravioli filled with ground meat or vegetables usually served with garlic yoghurt, spicy butter, and spicy tomato sauce.
• Borek : Borek is a flaky savoury pastry filled with things like potato, spinach, cheese, etc. We didn’t like it too much.
• Testi Kebab/ Pottery Kebab : Meat or vegetables cooked for hours in an earthen pot. Try this in Cappadocia!
• Lahmacun:  Crispy flatbread spread with seasoned minced meat. We could not find a veg version of this.
• Doner:  Pita bread spread with shaved meat cooked on a rotating spit, vegetables, and spices, folded like a sandwich.
• Sis Kebab : Skewered pieces of meat cooked on hot charcoal. 

• Helve: Turkish Halwa. It is drier compared to what we make in India but equally tasty.
• Baklava : A rich syrupy pastry dessert traditionally filled with chopped nuts. Have this with fresh cream!
• Kunefe: Shredded pastry soaked in traditional syrup and layered with special cheese, nuts, or clotted cream.

If you’re a foodie and would like to learn about Turkish Cuisine from a local – go for this food tour .

If you’re a foodie who also loves to cook – go for this cooking class.

16. language barrier: most people don’t speak English

Most people in Turkey speak only Turkish. People in the tourism industry like hotel owners and guides will know English but the workers in these places may not. Keep the Google Translate App downloaded and also download the Turkish language for offline use. Learn to use the app beforehand!

Since Turkish is written in Latin Script like English, you will learn a lot of words throughout your time in Turkey. But till then, it would help to know some words in Turkish !

17. Do not discuss politics

Try not to discuss politics in a public place as the locals in Turkey often have strong political views and can get offended.  Also, you must know that Turkish people dearly love and respect the first President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, so can be sensitive when discussing him.

18. What to wear

Turkish cities are very modern and people do not really limit themselves in what they wear. Even in coastal areas, you can mostly wear what you wish. Women can wear strappy dresses and shorts if they’d like (we saw so many people wear these).

However, the population in small towns can be conservative – just like it is in India. On the days you’re visiting mosques, women should carry a scarf to cover the head and both men and women should wear clothes are cover both the shoulders and knees.

As a general rule, I either wore a strappy dress/top that was long enough to cover my knees or a half/full sleeve dress that left my knees bare.

19. What to pack when travelling to turkey

1. International Travel Adaptor : There are two plug types used in Turkiye – Type C and F – and operate on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Best to have an international travel adaptor .

2. Swimsuit : For the many beaches and pools.

3. Scarf : To cover your head in religious places.

4. Hat : If you’re travelling in the summer, you will definitely need one. I didn’t understand the intensity of the Turkish sun till I spent a few days there without a hat!

5. Sunglasses: Same as the hat, you simply can’t go without this.

6. Sunscreen: Best to buy a reef-safe skin-safe sunscreen! Please only buy one that contains non-nano Zinc Oxide  and/or Titanium Dioxide. These are very tough to find in India but here is a great option . It has a silicon texture and can be very slightly greasy but it hasn’t been a deal breaker despite my oily skin. Do try it and decide for yourself. If you know of any other such sunscreens, tell us in the comments section. Most chemical sunscreens contain very harmful ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene which are oftem disguised by other more complex scientific names. Do check this article for more info on harmful ingredients in sunscreen.

7. Sweater/jacket: If you’re travelling in the summer and going to Cappadocia for a hot air balloon ride or to chase them in the valleys, you will need a light jacket because Cappadocia is very cold in the mornings. For winters, carry at least two layers (jacket+sweater) because it gets very very cold in Turkey.

8. Comfortable shoes: You will be walking a lot. There are a lot of slopes in Turkey too. It is best to get comfortable walking shoes with no heels. We usually take with us our Neeman’s , Skechers , or Birkenstocks .

9. Insta 360 X3 or a Long Selfie Stick : For a shot of yourself on the hot air balloon – you’ll need either of these two. I totally wished I had the Insta 360 X3 because the invisible selfie stick makes it look like you are taking a super wide drone shot without actually flying a drone. Instead, I carried a long selfie stick to attach to my phone, but lost the selfie stick before it achieved its purpose.

10. Basic Toiletries : Hotel toiletries, if you’re not staying at established 5-star chain hotels, are quite shady looking. I highly recommend you fill such travel bottles with your own shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and lotion for this trip.

11. A wet bag : You’ll need a plastic bag or a wet bag like this to keep your wet swimsuits. we were super thankful we had this in Pamukkale.

12. A waterproof mobile cover or a Go Pro for all your water shots.

20. Books to Read Before Visiting Turkey

Turkey is so rich in history. I highly recommend that you read at least one book on Turkey so that you make the most of your trip. Here are some options:

Istanbul: City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World (Thomas F. Madden): This is the complete history of Istanbul that starts right at the beginning with Byzantion and Byzantion Constantinople ending with Ottoman Constantinople and modern-day Istanbul. This is the book I read before going and it really made Istanbul’s sights come to life during my visit.

Ataturk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey (Andrew Mango) :  This is the biography of the founder of modern-day Turkey. You’ll read about the fall of the Ottoman Empire up to the rise of the Republic all while learning about Ataturk.

Istanbul: Memories and the City   (Orhan Pamuk). The famous novelist’s portrait of Istanbul as well as a portrait of his own life within the city.

READ NEXT>>>>>>> The Ultimate 10-Day Turkey Itinerary

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2 thoughts on “A Complete Turkey Travel Guide: 20 Things to Know Before You Go to Turkiye”

While you have suggested hamam in Istanbul, do you have any suggestions for the same in Cappadocia?

Hey Samridihi, unfortunately, we don’t have recommendations for Hammams in Cappadocia. The reason why a Hamam is suggested in Istanbul is that Istanbul has historic hammams that are over 300 years old or more making it one of the best places in Turkiye to experience it.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, 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 Turkey’s UK embassy or consulate .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

You should also read TravelHealthPro’s general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Passport validity requirements

If you are visiting Turkey, your passport must:

• be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive
• have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps

If you are a resident in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

If entering Turkey through a land border, make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing.

Visa requirements

If you’re visiting Turkey for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, you do not need a visa.

If you plan to remain in Turkey for more than 90 days, apply for a longer stay visa or get a residence permit before the end of your 90-day stay. If you plan to work in Turkey, make sure you have the right permits.

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.

Applying for a visa

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has information on applying for a visa .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro .

Travelling with children

If leaving Turkey with a dual British-Turkish national child who is 18 or younger, you may need to show the Turkish immigration authorities evidence that the Turkish parent has given permission.

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• Consular Info
• For Foreigners
• Visa Information
• Visa Information For Foreigners

• The Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Application System was launched on 17 April 2013 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. This system allows visitors travelling to Türkiye to easily obtain their e-Visas online (www.evisa.gov.tr), in approximately three minutes.

It is possible to obtain e-Visa 7/24 at everywhere with internet connection. The applicants can obtain their visa after they fill in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport and travel dates and pay visa fee online.

• Please note that e-visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. For other purposes, such as work and study, visas are given by Turkish Embassies or Consulates.
• The term "official passports" covers diplomatic, service, special and official passports.

You are kindly advised to have a travel document/passport valid for at least 6 months as from the date of your arrival in Türkiye.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues efforts to strengthen the e-Visa system and to better enable foreign nationals to easily obtain their visas.

In this context,

- In addition to English, French, and Spanish; Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, German, Arabic and Chinese language options will be added to the e-Visa system.

- In addition to Visa and Master Card, payment is accepted from other commonly used credit cards and debit cards.

- Tour operators may apply for group e-Visas and make lump sum payments for them.

- Necessary arrangements will be made to allow foreign visitors to obtain e-Visas from authorized airline companies offices, including those companies’ offices in airports.

- Fees for e-Visas obtained via the e-Visa website (www.evisa.gov.tr) are lower than the fees for visas obtained upon arrival to Turkish airports. Information regarding visa fees can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

( http://www.mfa.gov.tr/data/KONSOLOSLUK/vize-harc-miktarlari-en.pdf ).

Visa regime for truck drivers of a country may differ from the overall visa regime effective for citizens of that particular country. For further information, please contact the nearest Turkish mission.

Regardless of the visa regime applied towards the citizens of a country, the travel document holders of that country need to obtain visa from Turkish missions beforehand.

Foreigners who will shoot a documentary film conduct a research or an archeological excavation should get a special permission from the Turkish authorities in advance.

If you have a valid visa, you do not need a residence permit up to 90 days. On the other hand, foreigners who shall reside, work or study in Türkiye, should register themselves at the nearest local police department upon their arrival in Türkiye, regardless of the validity of their visa.

Information on Work Visa: To work in Türkiye, you must apply to the nearest Turkish mission to obtain work permit and visa. Your passport, visa application form and a letter from your employer are the necessary documents for your application. Other documents should be submitted to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) by your employer within ten working days after your application.

You may find the list of those documents in the MLSS’s website (http://www.csgb.gov.tr). Applications are finalized by the MLSS within thirty days at the latest. Right after your arrival in Türkiye (before starting to work), you should be registered at the local police department within one month to obtain the necessary residence permit.

As of 1 January 2015, in accordance with the article 7.1b of “the Law on Foreigners and International Protection” no. 6458, foreigners wishing to enter Türkiye should carry a travel document (passport) with an expiration date at least 60 days beyond the “duration of stay” of their visa, e-Visa, visa exemption, or residence permit.

The citizens of the countries which are stated at the below link are exempted form this Article;

Example A: In order to enter Türkiye having a visa with 90 days “duration of stay”, foreigners should hold a travel document valid at least for an additional 60 days which totals to 150 days (90 days + 60 days) of validity at the time of entrance.

Example B: In order to enter Türkiye having a visa with 30 days “duration of stay”, foreigners should hold a travel document valid at least for an additional 60 days which totals to 90 days (30 days + 60 days) of validity at the time of entrance."

The following categories are exempted from this provision:

- Citizens of countries who are allowed to enter Türkiye with their national ID’s in accordance with “European Agreement on Regulations governing the Movement of Persons between Member States of the Council of Europe”,

http://www.mfa.gov.tr/countries-whose-citizens-are-allowed-to-enter-turkey-with-their-national-id_s.en.mfa

Holders of diplomatic and official passports are also exempted from this Article.

Afghanistan: Ordinary, Special and Service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Albania:  Official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months starting from the first entry date.

Algeria:  Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holder Algerian citizens, under the age of 15 and above the age of 65 are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 day period for their touristic visits. Ordinary passport holders between the age of 15 and 65 are required to have visa. Ordinary passport holder Algerian citiziens between the ages of 15-18 and 35-65 with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr.  www.evisa.gov.tr . 

Andorra: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Angola: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holder citizens of Angola are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Antigua-Barbuda:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. They can also get their visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad or they can obtain their three month-multiple entry visas upon their arrival to Türkiye at the ports of entry.

Argentina:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Armenia:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain one-month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Australia:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Austria:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Azerbaijan:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Bahamas:  Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Bahrain:  Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Official passport holder Bahraini citizens may obtain visas for up to 15 days at border crossings. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Bangladesh:  Bangladeshi nationals holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Barbados:  Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travel up to 90 days.

Belarus:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Total period of stay should be no longer than 90 days within 1 year.

Belgium:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Belize:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Benin : Ordinary, special and service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Bhutan : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Bolivia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Bosnia-Herzegovina:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Botswana : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Brazil : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Brunei : Diplomatic, Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa to enter into and transit through and stay in Türkiye for a period not exceeding 30 days.

Bulgaria : Identity card and ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Burkina Faso : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Burundi : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa requirement for a period not exceeding 90 days within any 180 days period. Special, service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter into Türkiye.

Cambodia : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Cameroon : Official passport (Diplomatic, Service and Special) holders and members of official delegations are exempted from visa requirements to enter into, exit from, transit through and stay temporarily in Türkiye for a maximum period of 90 days, reckoned from the first entry date. Official passport (Diplomatic, Service and Special) holders, who are not members of official delegations, are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Canada : Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Cape Verde: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Cape Verde citizens with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled, may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr .

Central African Republic: Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Chad : Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Chile : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

People's Republic of China:  Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. These passport holders can obtain their 30 days single entry e-Visas via the web site  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Colombia : Colombian nationals holding diplomatic, official and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Comoros : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Costa Rika:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Cote d’Ivoire: Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Croatia :Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Cuba : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Czech Republic:  Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Democratic Republic of Congo:  Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 days period. Ordinary and service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Denmark : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Djibouti : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Dominica : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Dominican Republic:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. They can also get their visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad or they can obtain their three month-multiple entry visas upon their arrival to Türkiye at the ports of entry.

East Timor:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

East Timor citizens may get their 30 days single entry e-Visas via the web site  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Ecuador : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Egypt : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they have a valid Schengen or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit and that they travel to Türkiye with Turkish Airlines or Egypt Air.

Besides, those ordinary passport holders who are under 20 or over 45 years old may get their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr .

El Salvador:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Equatorial Guinea: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Equatorial Guinean citizens with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled, may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. Diplomatic, official and service passport holder citizens of Equatorial Guinea are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Eritrea : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Estonia : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date.

Eswatini : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Ethiopia : Ethiopian nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa.

Fiji : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders may obtain their one-month single-entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . They can also get their 90-day multiple-entry visas from Turkish missions.

Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Finland : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

France : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Gabon : Ordinary passport holder citizens of Gabon are required to obtain visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic, service and official passport holder citizens of Gabon are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Gambia : Ordinary, special and service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Georgia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Germany : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Ghana : Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travel to Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Greece : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Grenada : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Guatemala : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Guinea : Guinean nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Guinea-Bissau: Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and official passport holder citizens of Guinea-Bissau are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Guyana : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye and they can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Greek Cypriot Administration:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Both official and ordinary passport holders may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Haiti : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Honduras:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of PRC:  Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC: Ordinary and official “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ( SAR ) Passport” holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Hong Kong citizens who have "British National Overseas Passport" are subject to visa and they can obtain their three month period multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr  Holders of "Document of Identity for Visa Purposes-Hong Kong (D.I)" must get their visas from the Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad.

Hungary : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days reckoned from the date of first entry.

Iceland : Ordinary and Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

India : Diplomatic passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels to Türkiye up to 90 days. Ordinary, Special and Service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary, Special and Service passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Indonesia : Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa up to 30 days for each entry provided that they do not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period. Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Iran : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Iraq : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Ireland : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Israel : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Italy : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Jamaica : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Japan : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Jordan : Diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months starting from the first entry date. Diplomatic and official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Truck and bus drivers and co-drivers, crew members of civil airplanes, trains and ships, engaged in international transport of goods and passengers, are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Kazakhstan : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Kenya : Citizens of Kenya holding diplomatic, official, service and special passport are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Kiribati : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Kosovo : Citizens of Kosova holding diplomatic, official and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Kuwait : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within last 180 days.

Kyrgyzstan : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Laos : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 days period. Ordinary and other types of official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Latvia : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Lebanon : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date. Diplomatic and official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Truck and bus drivers and co-drivers, crew members of civil airplanes, trains and ships, engaged in international transport of goods and passengers, are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Lesotho : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Liberia : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Libya : Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within any six months. Ordinary passport holder Libyan citizens, under the age of 16 and above the age of 45 are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 day period for their touristic visits. Ordinary passport holders between the age of 16 and 45 are required to have visa. Ordinary passport holders between those ages with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . 

Liechtenstein : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Lithuania : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Luxemburg : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Macao Special Administration:  Ordinary and official Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Madagascar : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Malawi : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Malaysia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Maldives : Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Mali : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa.

Malta : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Marshall Islands:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Mauritania : Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Mauritius : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain one month multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr or three month period multi entry visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad. 

Mexico : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary and service/official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Holders of such passports may get their 90-day multiple-entry visas from Turkish missions abroad or obtain their 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Micronesia : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Moldova : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the date of first entry.

Monaco : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Mongolia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa up to 30 days for their touristic visits to Türkiye.

Montenegro : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date.

Morocco : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Mozambique : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter into Türkiye.

Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the date of first entry on condition that their passport has at least 6 months validity.

Myanmar (Burma):  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Namibia : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Nauru : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Nepal : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Official passport holders can get one month period visas and ordinary passport holders can get 15 day period visas from from the Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad. Nepalese passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Netherlands : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

New Zealand:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Nicaragua : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Niger : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holder citizens of Niger are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Nigeria : Ordinary, official/service passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

North Macedonia : North Macedonian nationals holding diplomatic, service and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Northern Mariana Islands:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Norway : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

On the other hand, Norwegian citizens who will travel to Türkiye from Norway for touristic purposes are exempt from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period, by using their national identity cards with chips instead of their passports until 31 December 2022 .

Oman : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Pakistan : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels to Türkiye up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders with a valid Schengen, USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Palau Republic:  Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Palestine : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Palestine citizens with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit, provided that certain conditions are fulfilled, may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr  . Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their official or touristic visits up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Holders of other types of official passports are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Panama : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Papua New Guinea : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Paraguay : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 6 months starting from the first entry date.

Peru : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days.

Philippines : Nationals of the Philippines holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. Holders of such passports may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they have a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit.

Poland : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Portugal : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Qatar : Diplomatic, service, special and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Republic of Congo : Congolese nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Romania : Official and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Russian Federation:  Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their touristic and business travels up to 60 days. Service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 30 days on condition that not to exceed 90 days within any 180 days period. Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Rwanda : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

St. Christopher (St. Kitts) & Nevis : Nationals of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis holding diplomatic, official/service and ordinary passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

St Lucia : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three month multiple entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

St Vincent and the Grenadines : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye and can obtain three month-multiple entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. They can also get their visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad or they can obtain their three month-multiple entry visas upon their arrival to Türkiye at the ports of entry.

San Marino:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Sao Tome and Principe : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Saudi Arabia:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Senegal : Senegalese nationals holding diplomatic passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Official/service and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa. Senegalese passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . 

Serbia : Diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders and holders of travel document are exempted from visa for their travels with touristic purposes and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date. Diplomatic and official passport holders, who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments. Truck and bus drivers and co-drivers, crew members of civil airplanes, trains and ships, engaged in international transport of goods and passengers, are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye, up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry date.

Seychelles : Seychelles nationals holding diplomatic, official or ordinary passports are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Sierra Leone : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Diplomatic and service passport holder citizens of Sierra Leone are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Singapore : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Slovakia : Ordinary passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels to Türkiye with touristic purposes up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date.

Slovenia : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels to Türkiye with touristic purposes up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels to Türkiye up to 90 days within six months.

Solomon Islands : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visas from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Somalia : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

South Africa : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. They can obtain three-month period multiple entry visas from Turkish representations abroad or one month period single entry visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Republic of Korea (South Korea):  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

South Sudan: Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Ordinary, service and special passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Spain : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Sri Lanka : Official and ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Sri Lankan nationals with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Sudan : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels and transit to/from Türkiye up to 90 days within 180 days, starting from the first entry date. Ordinary, service and special passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Surinam : Diplomatic and service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 days period. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holder Surinamese citizens may obtain 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr .

Surinamese nationals may obtain their 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website   www.evisa.gov.tr .

Sweden : Official and Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days within 180 days starting from the first entry date.

Switzerland : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Syria : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Taiwan : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr , provided that they meet certain conditions.

Tajikistan : Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Service passport holders are exempted from visa up to 60 days in any 180 day period. Service passport holders who are appointed to the diplomatic, consular missions or representations of international organizations accredited in Türkiye, and their family members are exempted from visa for the period of their assignments.

Tanzania : Tanzanian nationals holding diplomatic and service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa.

Thailand : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Togo : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Ordinary and other types of official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Tonga : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Trinidad and Tobago:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Tunisia : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa.

Turkmenistan : Official passport holders are exempt from visa requirement for their travels to Türkiye up to 30 days . Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Tuvalu : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Uganda : Diplomatic passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Ukraine : Ukrainian nationals holding diplomatic and official/service passport are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days. Ukrainian nationals may use their valid biometric identity cards for their direct travels from Ukraine to Türkiye.

United Arab Emirates:  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

United Kingdom:  Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders (British citizens) are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Service and special passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. UK passports holders with “British National Overseas", “British Subject” and “British Protected Person” nationality are subjected to visa and they can only get their visas from the Turkish diplomatic or consular missions abroad.

United States of America:  Official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Uruguay : Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Uzbekistan : Diplomatic and ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days within any 180 day period. Other types of official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Vanuatu : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Ordinary passport holders can get their 15 day period visa from Turkish diplomatic representations abroad.

Vatican (Holy See):  Ordinary and official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Venezuela : Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days in each six-month period. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days.

Vietnam : Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr . Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.

Western Samoa : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Yemen : Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 30 days. Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. These passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website  www.evisa.gov.tr .

Zambia : Diplomatik passport holders are exempt from visa for their travel to Türkiye for up to 90 days within 180 days. Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

Zimbabwe : Ordinary and official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye.

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Travel Information For Turkey

Travel Information For Turkey, Are you planning a trip to Turkey? Get ready for an incredible adventure filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. In this travel information guide, we’ll provide you with essential details to ensure a memorable experience in Turkey.

Turkey, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offers a diverse range of attractions for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, lounging on beautiful beaches, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Turkey has it all.

One of the must-visit destinations in Turkey is Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents. Immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere as you wander through the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar, where you can haggle for unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to visit iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, marveling at their intricate architecture.

If you’re a history enthusiast, head to Ephesus, an ancient city that was once a thriving Roman metropolis. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators as you explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The archaeological sites of Troy and Hierapolis are also worth a visit for their historical significance.

When it comes to food, prepare your taste buds for a delightful culinary journey. Indulge in juicy kebabs, savory mezes, and sweet Turkish delights. Sip on a cup of traditional Turkish tea while enjoying panoramic views from a rooftop terrace.

To make the most of your trip, it’s important to be aware of the local customs and traditions. Remember to dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious sites, and be respectful of local customs. Turkey is a country known for its warm hospitality, so don’t hesitate to engage with the locals and immerse yourself in their culture.

Turkey offers a plethora of travel experiences that will leave you in awe. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, this country has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Turkey.

Discover the Hidden Gems of Turkey: Unveiling Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Are you ready to embark on a journey that will take you off the beaten path and reveal the hidden gems of Turkey? Get ready to discover enchanting destinations that are often overlooked by tourists but offer an authentic and unforgettable experience. From secluded beaches to ancient ruins, Turkey has it all.

Imagine stepping foot on the pristine beaches of Cirali, where turquoise waters meet golden sands. This tranquil paradise, tucked away from the bustling tourist crowds, offers a serene escape like no other. As you bask in the sun, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the untouched beauty surrounding you.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Ani is a must. Once a bustling medieval city, now in ruins, Ani showcases the remnants of a glorious past. Wander through the ancient streets, explore the partially collapsed churches, and marvel at the intricate stone carvings. The sheer grandeur of this forgotten city will transport you back in time and ignite your imagination.

Seeking a taste of tranquility? Look no further than Egirdir, a picturesque town nestled between mountains and a shimmering lake. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, observing traditional Ottoman houses adorned with vibrant flowers. Rent a boat and glide across the peaceful waters, taking in the idyllic scenery that envelops you. Egirdir embodies the essence of a hidden gem, offering serenity and natural beauty.

Turkey’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. Whether you yearn for relaxation, adventure, or a glimpse into the past, these off-the-beaten-path destinations will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Unveil the secrets, immerse yourself in the culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and let Turkey surprise you at every turn.

Turkey’s Timeless Treasures: Exploring the Rich Cultural Heritage of Istanbul

One cannot talk about Istanbul without mentioning the majestic Hagia Sophia. Standing tall for over 1,500 years, this architectural masterpiece has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Step inside and marvel at its grandeur, from the stunning dome to the intricate Byzantine mosaics. As you explore, you can almost hear the echoes of history reverberating through its walls.

Another must-visit destination is the Topkapi Palace, a living testament to the opulence of the Ottoman Empire. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the imperial harem, stroll through the lush gardens, and gaze upon the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. This palace offers a glimpse into the lives of sultans and their entourage, transporting you back to a bygone era.

For those seeking a taste of authentic Turkish culture, a visit to the Grand Bazaar is a must. Lose yourself in a labyrinth of bustling stalls, where vendors peddle everything from vibrant textiles to exquisite jewelry. Bargain with the locals, savor traditional Turkish tea, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and sounds that define this iconic market.

Istanbul’s cultural heritage is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. From the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the enchanting Grand Bazaar and the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, this city offers an immersive experience like no other. Prepare to be captivated by the timeless allure of Istanbul, where history comes alive at every turn. So, why wait? Start planning your journey today and unravel the mysteries of Turkey’s most beloved city.

From East to West: Experience the Diversity of Turkish Cuisine

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and introduce you to a world of flavors? Look no further than the rich tapestry of Turkish cuisine, where diversity reigns supreme. From east to west, this vibrant country offers an array of delectable dishes that will leave you amazed and craving for more.

In the eastern region of Turkey, the cuisine is heavily influenced by its proximity to Iran, Armenia, and Georgia. Here, you will find robust flavors and hearty dishes that reflect the nomadic traditions of the area. One must-try specialty is “künefe,” a sweet and savory dessert made from layers of shredded pastry, melted cheese, and a drizzle of syrup. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is nothing short of extraordinary.

As you move towards the western part of Turkey, the cuisine takes on a Mediterranean flair. With its coastal location, seafood plays a prominent role in the culinary landscape. Picture yourself savoring freshly caught fish grilled to perfection, accompanied by a refreshing salad bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. It’s like a symphony of tastes dancing on your palate.

No exploration of Turkish cuisine would be complete without mentioning the world-famous kebabs. These succulent skewered meats, cooked over an open flame, are a staple across the country. Whether it’s the tender lamb of Adana kebab or the juicy chicken of the popular shish kebab, each bite is a tantalizing experience that showcases the mastery of Turkish grill masters.

Vegetarians and vegans need not worry, as Turkish cuisine offers a myriad of options to cater to their dietary preferences. From stuffed bell peppers and eggplants to hearty lentil soups, there is an abundance of plant-based dishes that will satisfy any discerning palate.

Turkish cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored. From the eastern region’s robust and savory dishes to the Mediterranean-inspired coastal delights of the west, this country is a culinary paradise. So, pack your bags and get ready for a gastronomic adventure that will take you on a journey from east to west, as you experience the diversity and wonder of Turkish cuisine.

Beyond the Blue Waves: Exploring Turkey’s Spectacular Coastal Getaways

Are you in need of an unforgettable beach vacation? Look no further than Turkey’s breathtaking coastal getaways. Beyond the blue waves, a world of wonders awaits you. From pristine beaches to ancient ruins, Turkey offers a diverse and captivating experience for every traveler.

But Turkey’s coastal getaways offer more than just sun and sand. History buffs will be enthralled by the ancient ruins scattered along the shores. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, where grand temples and marble columns stand as a testament to a glorious past. Marvel at the well-preserved theater and library, imagining the lives of those who once walked these hallowed grounds.

For nature enthusiasts, Turkey’s coastal regions are a paradise waiting to be discovered. Set sail on a boat trip along the Turquoise Coast and be amazed by the stunning beauty of the Lycian Way. Admire the dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches that dot the coastline, while listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.

Indulge your taste buds with delicious Turkish cuisine, known for its rich flavors and unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. Sample freshly caught seafood, savor mouthwatering kebabs, and delight in the sweetness of traditional Turkish desserts. Every meal is a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more.

Turkey’s coastal getaways offer a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, historical treasures, and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration, or simply a change of scenery, these coastal gems have something for everyone. So pack your bags, leave behind the ordinary, and set off on an extraordinary journey beyond the blue waves of Turkey’s spectacular coastline.

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Do You Need To Cancel Your Trip To Turkey? What To Know About Travel Safety

Turkey has long been a popular destination. But recently there has been this question on many travelers' minds: is Turkey safe to visit?

Camilla Amadi • Apr 26, 2024

Turkey, with its rich history , stunning landscapes and vibrant culture , has long been a popular destination for tourists from around the world. But recently there has been this question on many travelers’ minds: is Turkey safe to visit?

Like any other destination, safety is a concern for many travelers. In this guide, we’ll explore the safety aspects of traveling to Turkey, some must-visit places, and provide you with tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Is Turkey Safe To Visit?

Turkey is generally a safe country to visit, with millions of tourists exploring its cities, coastal resorts and historical sites each year. However, like any destination, it’s essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure a trouble-free experience.

The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas could have some impact on travel safety in Turkey. While the countries are geographically separate, the situation raises several considerations for travelers.

Cross-Border Risks: The conflict may escalate and involve countries like Syria, making areas near Turkey’s border riskier. Travelers are advised to avoid regions within 10 km of the Syrian border and specific provinces like Sirnak and Hakkari.

Protests : The conflict might spark demonstrations in Turkish cities, which could turn violent. It’s advised to avoid protests, stay alert in tourist areas, and keep an eye on local media.

Terrorism Threat: The situation could increase terrorism risks, as groups like ISIS or PKK might seize the opportunity. Opt for well-secured hotels and follow local authorities’ advice. Keep important contact numbers handy, including those of your country’s embassy or consulate in Turkey, in case of emergencies.

Travel Advisory: Always check the latest government advisories before traveling and consider getting comprehensive travel insurance .

Must Visit Places In Turkey

Although certain regions in Turkey have experienced safety concerns in the past, the majority of the country, including popular tourist destinations like Istanbul and Cappadocia is considered safe for travel. Here are some safe places in Turkey to travel to:

A city where East meets West, Istanbul is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modernity. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Take a cruise along the Bosphorus to enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

Known for its otherworldly landscapes, Cappadocia is famous for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides. Explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, and hike through the unique terrain of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Translated as “ Cotton Castle ,” Pamukkale is renowned for its thermal pools and terraces formed by calcium deposits. Relax in the mineral-rich waters while admiring the stunning natural scenery. Don’t miss the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis, with its well-preserved ruins.

One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region, Ephesus is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Explore the grand Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the vast Roman ruins that provide a glimpse into the city’s glorious past.

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the old town of Kaleici, visit the ancient city of Perge, and relax on the stunning beaches of Konyaalti and Lara.

Safety Tips

• Like any tourist destination, crowded areas such as markets, transportation hubs, and tourist attractions can be prime targets for pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay hydrated, especially during hot summer months, and take necessary precautions to prevent food and waterborne illnesses.
• Use licensed taxis or reputable transportation services, especially when traveling late at night. Be cautious when crossing roads, as traffic can be chaotic in some cities.
• Understanding and respecting Turkish culture can enhance your travel experience and contribute to a positive interaction with locals. Learn a few basic Turkish phrases. Locals appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak their language.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Avoid public displays of affection, especially in conservative areas.

Safe Travels

While no destination is without risks, by staying informed, respecting local customs, and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Turkey. So, pack your bags, immerse yourself in the beauty of this fascinating country, and create unforgettable memories.

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Is it safe to visit Turkey? Latest travel advice

Everything you need to know about travel to Turkey amid rising tensions in the Middle East

Turkey is one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations, attracting more than 3.8 million British tourists in 2023.

However, following the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza and the heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, some people may be concerned about the safety of travelling to Turkey or other areas in the Middle East right now.

Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Turkey, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.

What does the FCDO say about travel to Turkey?

There is no blanket advisory against travel to Turkey. However, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does advise against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria. It also warns against all non-essential travel to the city of Sirnak, close to the Syria and Iraq borders, and to the Hakkari province which has a border with both Iraq and Iran.

You can see the full Turkey FCDO advice here .

Has Turkey been affected by the conflicts in the Middle East?

To date, Turkey has not been directly affected by the conflicts in the Middle East, although there have been large protests. The FCDO advises: “Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region and demonstrations are ongoing in locations across Turkey. Large demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.”

Are flights still operating as usual to Turkey?

Yes, although some airlines have adjusted their flight routes to avoid flying over Iran and Israel as a result of recent tensions . This means that some flights – particularly those arriving into Turkey from the UAE or South Asia – may take longer than usual.

Is there a risk of terrorist attacks in Turkey?

The Foreign Office says: “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. You should remain vigilant at all times.”

The FCDO lists south-east Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul as the locations most at risk, and says that terrorists could target places visited by foreigners, including public buildings, places of worship, major events and large public gatherings.

“Extremist groups based in Syria, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups, have the capacity to carry out attacks in neighbouring countries, including Turkey. Daesh has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border,” the FCDO adds.

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

If you have booked a package holiday to Turkey and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates. 

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any formal advice against travel to Turkey,  there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

This story was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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The latest Foreign Office travel advice for Greece, Spain and Turkey tourists

The latest travel advice from the Foreign Office has been issued for anyone planning a trip to Turkey, Greece or Spain.

With the weather still gloomy and wet, many of us are dreaming of our summer holidays in search of some guaranteed sunshine.

However, as climate change continues to have an impact, extreme weather is affecting many of our favourite holiday spots.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides travel advice for UK citizens travelling to all countries. They have lots of important information for people heading to Greece, Spain and Turkey to help them stay safe.

We've put together the information below. Remember, most trips to these countries go smoothly, but it's still worth knowing the current advice, reports Wales Online .

Known as the birthplace of democracy and home to some of the most beautiful islands in Europe, Greece is a top destination for Welsh visitors. Here are all the things you need to know before you go:.

If you're travelling to EU countries, remember that you can't bring meat, milk or products containing them. There are a few exceptions for medical reasons, like certain amounts of powdered infant milk, baby food, or pet food needed for health reasons.

You can check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

In Greece, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, security has been increased at some popular places, including tourist sites. Always be aware of what's happening around you, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.

Strikes and protests happen regularly in Greece, sometimes with little warning. These can disrupt public transport (including flights and ports), roads and borders.

Try to avoid protests if you can and follow the advice of the local authorities. Some protests in the past have turned violent.

If you find yourself unexpectedly near a protest, move away to the last safe place you know. Security forces often use tear gas to break up protests, which can affect your breathing and vision.

Protests often happen around the main squares in central Athens, especially Syntagma Square. Right now, there's a higher chance of protests, mainly in central Athens, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Strikes and protests can happen anytime across the country and might disrupt travel by road, air, or sea. They could also cause delays or changes at border crossings.

Protests can happen without much warning, and usually occur on 1 May, 17 November and 6 December.

Passports, wallets and handbags are often stolen on the metro and in busy tourist spots, particularly in central Athens. Don't keep all your valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.

Keep as safe as you would in the UK.

When driving on holiday, keep your valuables hidden and always lock your vehicle. Always park in a well-lit area or secure car park.

Be aware of car crime.

Sexual assaults and personal attacks can happen in Greece. This includes attacks on foreign visitors in tourist areas and cities.

The FCO recommend that all travellers follow this advice:.

If you see anything that doesn't feel right, report it straight away to local authorities or hospitality management.

Always carry a copy of your passport or other photo ID which proves you're British, as this is a legal requirement.

While most visitors have a trouble-free stay, there have been some race-related attacks, especially in city centres.

The Greek police won't tolerate rowdy or indecent behaviour, particularly if it involves too much alcohol. This could lead to arrests and the courts may impose hefty fines or jail terms for indecent behaviour.

Some fancy dress outfits might be seen as offensive and against decency laws. Remember, your travel insurance might not cover you if you've been drinking.

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places. If you break this law, you could be fined up to 500 euros.

Even having small amounts of illegal drugs can result in a long jail term.

Nitrous oxide is illegal to buy or sell for fun in Greece. If you're caught with it, you could be arrested or fined.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Greece and same-sex couples have been able to have civil unions since 2015. The age of consent in Greece is 15, for both same-sex and opposite-sex partners.

Transgender people can change their legal gender. Laws against discrimination and hate speech apply to gender identity.

However, public attitudes towards same-sex relationships can vary across the country.

People in Athens and many Greek islands, like Lesvos, Mykonos and Skiathos, are usually very friendly.

Remember, it's against the law to take photos or videos of military places, vehicles or buildings. If you do this, the Greek police might arrest you and you could go to court.

Some areas near the border are also sensitive. You can visit these places, but don't take any pictures or videos.

If you're thinking about driving in Greece, make sure to read up on driving abroad and check out the RAC guide.

Check that any car you hire is safe and that you have insurance. If you rent mopeds or quad bikes, the insurance from the rental company usually only covers damage to other vehicles.

If the rental vehicle gets damaged, you might have to pay for it. If you don't pay and the rental company decides to press charges, you could be arrested.

Traffic can be busy, fast and a bit crazy, especially in the big cities. Be careful when crossing roads.

People should use crossings to cross roads. Cars don't always stop, even though they should.

Sometimes, the green pedestrian signal lets cars turn right onto the crossing, so be careful when crossing.

If you drive after drinking too much alcohol, you could get a big fine or go to prison.

If you're off to Greece, watch out for floods and fires that are causing trouble in some places. The weather can change fast, so keep an eye on "112 Greece" on X (it used to be called Twitter) for the latest news.

Be super careful because starting a fire, even if you didn't mean to, is a big no-no in Greece. If you spot a fire, ring 112 right away.

Greece sometimes gets shakes and trembles from earthquakes. Make sure you know what to do just in case.

Turkey is a fab place for folks who love history and soaking up the sun. But before you jet off, there's stuff you need to know:

Terror attacks may happen in Turkey, so stay sharp.

Most of these scary things happen in southeast Turkey, Ankara, and Istanbul. Keep your eyes peeled, listen to what the local news says, and follow any advice from the people in charge.

These bad things could happen anywhere, even in spots where tourists like to go. There have been some scary events in Istanbul recently.

Extremist groups based in Syria, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups, have the ability to carry out attacks in nearby countries, including Turkey. Daesh has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border.

Sometimes, there can be demonstrations in cities that may turn violent. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to break up protests.

Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to increased tensions in the region and demonstrations are ongoing in places across Turkey. Large demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in big cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.

Stay away from all demonstrations and leave the area if one starts. Local transport routes may be disrupted.

Street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.

Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them so they are not spiked. Be wary of strangers approaching you offering food and drink (which may be drugged), to change money, or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub.

In a few cases, fake alcohol has caused deaths of tourists. If you have any concerns, seek advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.

In 2023, there were 42 reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, to British consular staff in Turkey. Most of these cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas.

Many assaults happened at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel workers. There have also been attacks on children visiting toilet facilities alone.

Be extra careful in these situations.

You must always carry some form of photo ID in Turkey. Always have your passport or residence permit with you.

In busy areas like Istanbul, authorities may stop people for ID checks. There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey.

Cooperate with officials conducting checks.

If you're visiting a mosque or a religious shrine, dress modestly to avoid causing offence.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences.

Turkey has strict laws against using, possessing and trafficking illegal drugs. You could get a fine or prison sentence of 4 to 24 years.

Most towns and cities have stray dogs. Packs gather in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive.

Be careful and do not approach stray dogs. If you're bitten, seek medical advice immediately.

Rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.

Buying and selling old items is against the law. If you do this, you could be fined and go to prison for 5 to 12 years.

Some old things found at local markets and in antique shops can be sold within Turkey but are illegal to take out of the country. Make sure you know the rules before buying or taking such items out of the country.

Don't take photos near military or official buildings. Always ask people if you can take their photo first.

Being gay is legal in Turkey. However, in more rural areas, people may stare at public displays of affection.

It's against the law to say bad things about the Turkish nation, state or the national flag, or to ruin Turkish money. These laws also apply to comments or pictures online wherever they were posted.

If you break these laws in Turkey, you could go to prison for between 6 months and 3 years.

If you're planning to drive in Turkey, look up information on driving abroad. You must have a green card in Turkey.

Be careful when travelling by road, especially at night. Drive slowly towards checkpoints and follow what the security staff tell you to do.

Roads between big cities are usually in very good condition, but can be bad in remote, rural areas. Accidents happen often and are mostly because of bad or reckless driving.

Riding motorcycles and mopeds without a helmet is against the law. If you're caught, you could face a hefty fine.

Forest fires are common in Turkey during the summer. Be careful if you're visiting or driving through woodland areas.

Starting any kind of fire in prohibited areas can lead to fines or even jail time. This includes barbecues and throwing away cigarette butts in the woods.

If there's a forest fire near you, local authorities might ask you to leave your accommodation. Always follow their instructions.

If you spot a forest fire, dial 112 to reach emergency services.

Heavy rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides across Turkey. Roads might become blocked and bridges could be damaged, making travel difficult and disrupting essential services.

Earthquakes and tremors are frequent in many parts of Turkey. They can be quite strong, damaging buildings and posing a risk to people's safety.

In February 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Gaziantep and neighbouring provinces in south-east Turkey. The area is still heavily damaged and could experience more strong earthquakes.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria.

The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to the city of Sirnak and Hakkari province.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari province in Turkey.

Spain is a favourite holiday destination for many people from the UK. Whether you're looking to party, relax or soak up some culture, Spain has something for everyone.

But there are a few things you should be aware of.

There's a risk that terrorists might try to carry out attacks in Spain.

These attacks could happen anywhere and might include places where tourists go. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Sometimes, political demonstrations, gatherings or marches can happen without much warning, especially in cities. Always follow the advice of the police and local authorities.

While most demonstrations are peaceful, there's always a chance that they could turn violent. If you find yourself near a demonstration, pay attention to what's happening around you and move away if it looks like things might get out of hand.

Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, but it's always a good idea to be alert to street crime. Thieves often use distraction techniques and sometimes work in groups.

Be careful with your passports, money and personal belongings, especially when you're collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and when you're arranging car hire.

Try not to carry all your valuables in one place. It's also a good idea to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.

Make sure your holiday home is safe. Always lock all doors and windows when you go to bed or leave the house.

If you're worried about how safe your place is, have a chat with your travel company or the person who owns the property.

Watch out for 'highway pirates' who like to pick on cars from other countries and hire cars, especially if they're pulling caravans. They might try to make you stop by saying something's wrong with your car or that you've damaged theirs.

If you decide to stop to check your car, make sure it's in a well-lit public place like a service station. Be careful of anyone offering help.

When you're driving, be careful if someone pretending to be a police officer comes up to you. They might not be wearing a uniform and could be in a car without any police signs.

Real police officers will usually wear uniforms for anything to do with traffic. All police officers, even those not in uniform, will have an official ID.

Cars used by the police that don't have any police signs will have a flashing electronic sign on the back window that says Police ('Policia') or Civil Guard ('Guardia Civil'), and they might use blue flashing lights. Real police officers will only ask to see your documents and won't ask for your bag or wallet.

If there's an emergency, call 112. Attacks, including ones that are sexual, don't happen often but they can do.

Stay with your pals, don't leave your drinks alone and don't wander off with strangers. Save the location of your hotel on your phone's map so you can find it easily.

Check out TravelAware's 'Stick with your mates' for more tips.

Be careful about 'date rape' drugs like GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep an eye on them to stop them from being spiked.

Booze and drugs can make you less alert and in control. If you're drinking, know your limit.

Drinks in Spanish bars are often stronger than those back home in the UK.

Some thieves pretend to be police officers and ask to see your wallet, saying they need it for ID. Real police officers will ask for ID, but they won't ask for your wallet or purse.

If a police officer asks you for photo ID, you have to show it. This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police.

The police can take you to the station until they've checked who you are.

If you ignore what a police officer tells you to do, it can be seen as 'disobedience', which is against the law.

Hotels, tourist places and car hire companies have to write down passport details of tourists when they check-in or pick up a car.

When you arrive at your hotel, make sure the staff have taken down your passport details or made a copy of it. Don't leave your passport at the reception to pick up later.

If you're buying something with a credit or debit card, you might need to show some ID. You could use your driving licence or a copy of your passport, but sometimes they might ask to see your actual passport.

In some parts of Spain, you're not allowed to drink alcohol in the street. If you do, you could get a fine straight away.

There are also strict rules about drinking and doing things like kissing in public places, including on beaches.

In the Balearic Islands, there are local laws that limit when and where you can buy and drink alcohol. This includes some holiday resorts on the islands of Mallorca, Magaluf (in Calvia), Playa de Palma, Ibiza, and San Antonio (or San Antoni de Portmany in Spanish).

These laws mean you can't have happy hours. Hotels and other places have to kick out any customers who act dangerously on balconies.

Both the customer and the place can be fined for this.

Even if you only have a small amount of illegal drugs, you could be arrested and kept in custody. If you have a lot of drugs, you'll probably be taken to court and could end up in prison.

In some parts of Spain, it's not allowed to walk around in just your swimming costume or with no shirt on. If you're caught wearing your swimsuit on the promenade or nearby streets, you might have to pay a fine.

For safety reasons, some places in Spain don't let people wear burkas or niqabs inside their buildings. If you go into a town council building wearing a burka or niqab, they might ask you to take it off while you're inside.

When you need to change money, always use official places like banks or money exchange offices. Unofficial money changers might give you fake money.

Having or using fake money is a very serious crime in Spain and you could be taken to court.

Spain is usually a friendly and forward-thinking place for LGBT+ visitors. There are active LGBT+ groups and places to go, especially in big cities.

People of the same sex have been able to get married in Spain since 2005. Since 2007, transgender people can choose their gender on official documents like birth certificates, ID cards and passports without having to have surgery first.

Spain doesn't recognise a third gender.

There have been lots of very serious accidents (some where people have died) because of falls from high places, like balconies. Many of these accidents have involved British people, and have had a terrible effect on them and their families.

Don't take unnecessary risks around balconies or other high places, especially if you've had a drink or taken drugs. If your room has a balcony, follow the safety advice and look out for friends who might be at risk.

In some areas, you could be fined or kicked out of your hotel if you're caught behaving irresponsibly around balconies. Your travel insurance might not cover you for incidents that happen on a balcony or if you were drunk or on drugs when the incident occurred.

Only use official registered or licensed taxis, or transport companies you know are reputable. Licensing rules vary across Spain and in some cities you need to pre-book.

Passengers found using unlicensed taxi services can be fined up to 600 Euros. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer with a licensed company.

In Spain, drivers use the right-hand side of the road. Driving rules and customs are different from those in the UK.

You must have two red warning triangles which, if you have an accident or breakdown, should be placed in front of and behind the vehicle. They should be at least 50 metres away from the vehicle in each direction.

You must have a spare wheel and the tools to change it. If you get out of your vehicle during an accident or breakdown, or while waiting for the emergency services, you must wear a reflective vest or you could be fined.

In Spain, drink driving laws are very strict. The police often stop drivers to check for alcohol and drugs.

If you break these rules, you could be fined, lose your licence or even go to jail.

The police can give you an on-the-spot fine if they catch you breaking the speed limit or other driving rules. If you pay the fine within 20 days, it will be cut by half.

Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, whether they're in the front or back seats. Kids under 12 years old or shorter than 1.35m have to use a special child safety seat and sit in the back.

They can only sit in the front if the back seats are full of other kids or if there are no back seats. When you book your hire car, tell them if you need a child seat.

If you don't fit the child seat properly or don't wear a seat belt, you could get a big fine.

If you're riding a motorbike, moped or quad, you must wear a safety helmet and protective clothes. If you don't, you could get a fine.

You're not allowed to use your mobile phone while driving, even if you've pulled over. You have to be completely off the road.

It's also against the law to use an earpiece. You can only use hands-free kits.

Forest fires are common in Spain, including its islands, during the hot summer months when temperatures often soar above 40oC. If you're visiting or driving through woodland areas, be mindful of your surroundings.

You can check the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) for information on forest fire risks.

Starting a forest fire, even by accident, is a serious crime in Spain. Make sure to properly put out cigarette ends, avoid lighting barbecues and don't leave empty bottles behind.

Not following rules against outdoor barbecues in forest areas can result in hefty fines. So, if you're thinking about having a barbecue, make sure you know the rules.

For advice on what to do if a forest fire occurs, visit the Civil Protection website (only available in Spanish). If you spot a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services by dialling 112.

Wildfires can escalate quickly, so it's important to stay informed with official advice.

Take the train: Why using Türkiye’s railways is the best way to see the country’s incredible scenery

Travelling by train is one of the best ways to see everything Türkiye has to offer, from historical monuments to stunning landscapes.

Türkiye is a vast country – it covers more than 783 km² of land – and from its stunning Aegean Sea coastline in the west to the beautiful Black Sea shores in the north, its landscapes are replete with spectacular topography, remote rural towns and bustling cities. Boasting 40 national parks, 21 UNESCO Heritage Sites and historic ruins that date back millennia, there’s plenty to explore in Türkiye.

One of the best ways to take it all in is by train. The country has a comprehensive rail system, able to carry travellers from Türkiye’s remotest regions to its urban hubs and beyond. Plus, some of these journeys are as scenic as they come. Get started on your journey of discovery with these five striking routes.

1 Touristic Dogu Express train

The Dogu Express is one of the most famous train routes in Türkiye, travelling between the country’s capital, Ankara, and Kars, an ancient city in Northeast Anatolia. Don’t confuse the Touristic Dogu Express with the regular Dogu Express. The latter stops at 52 stations and features only regular seats while the Touristic Dogu Express was created specifically for visitors and runs three times a week. It stops at 25 destinations, offers 2-3 hour excursions at points along the way (Ilic and Erzurum eastbound and Erzincan, Divrigi, and Sivas westbound) and offers sleeper cabins.

Total journey time is roughly 32 hours compared to 26 on the regular Dogu Express. Whichever you choose, the route is equally rewarding. Across the 1,310-kilometre stretch of track, travellers can enjoy some of Türkiye’s most beautiful landscapes. Excursions allow travellers to enjoy the likes of the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ani, sleigh tours on the frozen Lake Cildir (in the winter) and taste Cağ Kebabs at Erzurum.

2 Van Lake Express

This twice-weekly train has become a popular option for rail fans in Türkiye. Travelling between Ankara and Tatvan in roughly 25 hours, the supremely scenic route of the Van Lake Express traverses Eastern Türkiye’s beautiful landscapes. These include the lakes of Keban Baraji, the banks of the Euphrates River and the vast Lake Van, on which the shores of Tatvan sit. Stops along the way offer multiple opportunities to see some of the country’s best bits.

Kayseri allows access to the world-famous Cappadocia, with its “fairy chimneys”, hot air balloon festival and underground cities. The ancient towns of Malatya and Elazığ are also stops en route, while Mount Erciyes in Kayseri and the final destination of Tatvan are famed for their ski seasons. The train itself is comprehensive and offers a range of seating, from regular seats to couchettes and bed cabins, as well as a dining cart.

3 Karaelmas Tourism Express

Set to re-open in April 2024, this short, but very sweet, roughly three-hour train journey in the northwest of Türkiye runs from the province of Karabük up to the Black Sea coast. As starting locations go, Karabük is a good one. Situated on a key east-west trading route, the province encompasses the UNESCO-listed city of Safranbolu, famous for its influential Ottoman architecture.

Once on the train, travellers will be able to bask in a particularly lush part of the country, riding past such delights as the Yenice Forest and Şeker Canyon. Keen historians should hop off at Filyos for a tour of the ancient city, which dates back to the 7th century BCE and is believed to be the birthplace of Philetaerus, who founded the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon.

4 Taurus Express

This rail journey is one for the history books. The Taurus Express began in 1930 as a high-end, overnight sleeper train running betweeniand Baghdad – it even features in the opening chapter of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express . Today, it operates a much shorter route, running only between Adana and Konya, and without sleeping carriages.

It’s still a distinctly beautiful journey and well worth a ride. The roughly six-hour passage cuts right along the edge of the Anatolian Plateau, traversing the imposing Taurus Mountains via tunnels carved into the limestone rock, navigating the beautiful topography of the steppe and gliding over dramatic bridges and past auburn forests. Its starting point, Konya, is a city which dates back to 3,000 BCE, which was the final home of Rumi (of the Whirling Dervishes).

5 Pamukkale Ekspresi Train

Crossing north to south down the east of Türkiye, this picturesque route takes passengers through the Aegean’s lush and fertile landscapes between Eskisehir and Denizli. The eight-hour journey (slightly longer if you link up from the high-speed train from İstanbul to Eskişehir) traverses some of Türkiye’s more remote landscapes, stopping at the towns of Kütahya (take a look around the Kütahya Museum to see examples of the region’s once-famed earthen) and Afyonkarahisar.

Once at Denizli, it’s worth the (relatively) short transfer to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is 17.5 km away. These ancient ruins are famous for their hot springs, which visitors can still use today (look out for Cleopatra’s Pool; one of the most popular). The region was so attractive that many ancient Romans used to retire there to die. A large necropolis filled with tombs, along with remnants of the millennia-year-old city, can be toured today.  

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Canary Islands, Greece and Turkey latest travel advice from Foreign Office as protests hit

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has plenty of important information to people travelling to Greece, Spain and Turkey to help them keep themselves safe

• 10:28, 25 APR 2024
• Updated 14:05, 25 APR 2024

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With the seemingly never-ending wet weather the desire to go abroad and get some sun is stronger than ever. But while there are some great destinations out there a quick flight away from Wales as the UK man-made climate change continues to bite, the extreme weather is also affecting many of our holiday mainstays.

The countries that we like to holiday in to escape our problems often have problems of their own. The popular Canary Islands were recently beset with protests where tens of thousands of campaigners took to the streets of Tenerife, calling for a temporary limit to the number of tourists visiting the Spanish island.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises UK citizens on travel to all countries and has plenty of important information to people travelling to Greece, Spain and Turkey to help them keep themselves and their families safe. We have put together the information below. It is important to bear in mind that the vast majority of trips to these countries are issue-free but it is still worth familiarising yourself with current advice.

Read more: Supermarket recalls butter that is 'not safe to eat'

Read more: New Canary Islands possible rules for Brits after 'overtourism' protests and anti-visitor graffiti

Canary Islands

The protests on the Canary Islands have been making headlines in recent weeks.

The phrase CanariasTieneUneLimit - translated to the Canary islands have a limit - was widely seen on protestors' placards and other signs. Clips of thousands of protestors chanting "si vivimos del turismo por qué no somos ricos?” (if we are living from tourism then why are we not rich?) were also shared on social media platforms.

Tenerife is one of the most popular destinations in Spain for tourists - more than 5.8million foreign and domestic visitors flocked to the island in 2022. Overall, the Canary Islands, which has a population of about 2.2 million, welcomed more than 12 million visitors in 2022.

According to research by the Spanish financial services company CaixaBank, the Canary Islands is highly dependent on the tourism industry. In 2023 foreign tourists spent more than £17.4 billion in the region, which accounted for about 19 per cent of their total spending throughout Spain and contributed some 25 per cent to the Canary Islands' GDP.

As the islands are owned by Spain the FCO hasn't issued specific advice for them. However you can see the full Spainish advice that applies to them below.

Terrorism in Spain

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Recent terrorist attacks in Spain include:

• in January 2023, one person was killed and others injured in a machete attack at 2 churches in Cadiz
• in 2017, 14 people were killed and over 100 injured across 2 incidents where vehicles were driven into pedestrians in Barcelona and Cambrils

Political situation

• Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. Follow the advice of police and local authorities.
• While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re in and around areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.

Protecting your belongings

Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, but be alert to street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques, and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.

Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe.

Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Lock all doors and windows at night, or when out. If concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.

Vehicle crime

‘Highway pirates’ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may (forcefully) try to make you stop, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.

When driving, be wary of approaches by people posing as police officers in plain clothes travelling in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will usually be in uniform. All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID. Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads Police (‘Policía’) or Civil Guard (‘Guardia Civil’), and may use blue flashing lights. Genuine police officers will only ask you to show them your documents and will not ask for your bag or wallet.

Attacks and sexual assault

Attacks, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur. See Get help if you are a victim of crime abroad.

Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easy to find. See TravelAware ‘Stick with your mates’ for tips and advice.

Drink and food spiking

Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy.

Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Spain are often stronger than those in the UK.

Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification. Genuine police officers will ask to see ID, but will not ask for wallets or purses.

Personal ID

You must provide photo ID if requested by a police officer. This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces. The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.

Hotels, tourist accommodation and car rental companies have a legal duty to register passport details of tourists when they check-in or collect a vehicle.

When checking-in to your accommodation, wait until hotel staff have registered your passport details, or taken a photocopy of your passport. Do not leave your passport at reception to collect later.

You may need to show ID when buying goods with credit or debit cards. Your driving licence or a photocopy of your passport may be accepted, but they may need you to show your original passport.

Alcohol laws and bans

You cannot drink alcohol in the street in some areas of Spain. You can be given an on-the-spot fine. There are strict controls on drinking and sexual activity in public places, including on beaches.

Alcohol laws in the Balearic Islands

Local laws limit the sale and availability of alcohol in areas of some resorts on the islands of:

• Magaluf (Calvià)
• Playa de Palma
• San Antonio (San Antoni de Portmany)

This prohibits:

• happy hours
• open bars (such as all you can drink in 1-hour offers)
• the sale of alcohol from vending machines
• self-service alcohol dispensers
• the organising of pub-crawls and party boat trips
• ‘off-licence’ sales between 9:30pm and 8am

Hotels and other establishments are obliged to evict customers who behave dangerously on balconies. Both the customer and the establishment can be fined for such behaviour.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession of even a small quantity of drugs can lead to arrest and detention. Possession of large quantities will usually result in prosecution and a prison sentence.

Illegal commercial parties in villas and private homes

There have been a number of serious accidents involving people attending illegal commercially promoted parties in villas and private homes on the islands of Ibiza and Mallorca.

In some parts of Spain it’s against the law to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts. Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You may be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets.

For security reasons, some public authorities in Spain do not allow the burka or niqab to be worn in their buildings. If you visit town council buildings wearing a burka or niqab, you may be asked to remove it while inside.

Spain is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. There are active LGBT+ communities and social venues, particularly in big cities. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005. Since 2007, transgender people are able to register under their preferred sex in public documents such as birth certificates, identity cards and passports without undergoing prior gender reassignment surgery. Spain does not recognise a third gender.

Falls from height

There have been a number of very serious accidents (some fatal) as a result of falls from height, including balconies. Many accidents have involved British nationals, and have had a devastating impact on those involved and their loved ones.

Do not take unnecessary risks around balconies or other high places, particularly if you’re under the influence of drink or drugs. If you are staying in a room with a balcony, follow the safety advice and watch out for friends who may be at risk.

In some regions you may be fined or evicted from your hotel if you are found to be behaving irresponsibly around balconies. Your travel insurance may not cover you for incidents that take place on a balcony or if you were under the influence of drink or drugs when the incident happened.

Only use official registered or licensed taxis, or reputable transport companies you recognise. Licensing regulations differ across Spain and in certain cities pre-booking is required.

Passengers caught using unlicensed taxi services are liable for fines of up to 600 Euros. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.

Road travel

In 2021 there were 1,508 road deaths in Spain (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 32 road deaths per million population and compares to the UK average of 24 road deaths per million population in 2021.

Licences and permits

To drive a car or a motorcycle over 125cc in Spain you must be 18 years of age or above, and at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc. You must carry a valid driving licence and ID at all times.

If visiting Spain, you can drive on your full UK driving licence. Provisional licences are not valid for driving in Spain.

If you are using UK insurance, always carry your certificate with you in case you are stopped. Check that your UK insurance will cover you to drive in Spain, and for how long. This certificate is generally only valid for a stay of less than 3 months.

Driving a British car abroad

You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. In 2021 UK stickers replaced GB stickers. Check the GOV.UK Displaying number plates website for more information on what to do if you are driving outside the UK.

Driving regulations

Motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Spain. Driving rules and customs are different from those in the UK.

You must carry 2 red warning triangles which, in the event of an accident or breakdown should be placed in front of and behind the vehicle. They should be at least 50 metres away from the vehicle in each direction. You must have a spare wheel and the tools to change it. If you get out of your vehicle during an accident or breakdown, or while waiting for the arrival of the emergency services, you must wear a reflective vest or you may face a fine.

Spain has strict drink driving laws. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and imprisonment.

You can be given an on-the-spot fines from the police for a variety of driving offences including speeding. If you accept the fine and pay within 20 days, it will be reduced by 50%. More information on how to pay is available on the Spanish driving agency website.

It is illegal to use a mobile phone when driving, even if you have pulled over to the side of the road. You must be completely away from the road. Using an earpiece is also illegal. Only completely hands-free units are allowed to be used.

Low emission zones

Some inner city areas in Spain have introduced permanent low emission zones (‘Zonas de bajas emisiones’ – ZBE) where only vehicles that meet specific exhaust emission standards and display an air pollution sticker can enter. While air pollution stickers cannot be issued to vehicles with foreign registration plates, some cities do require you to register your vehicle in advance of travel if you wish to enter a low emission zone (e.g. Barcelona). You should check with local authorities in advance of travel for information on local regulations and the requirements for vehicles registered outside of Spain.

Extreme temperatures

Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Spain over the summer months. For severe weather warnings and updates, visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services website.

The birthplace of democracy and boasting some of the most beautiful islands in Europe, Greece is one of the top destinations for Welsh visitors. These are all the issues you need to be aware of before you travel:

Terrorism in Greece

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.

There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police. British nationals aren’t normally considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by foreigners.

Political demonstrations

Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

Strikes and demonstrations

There are regular strikes, sometimes called at short notice that can cause disruption to public transport (including air travel and ports), as well as road networks and borders. Political demonstrations can also occur frequently.

Avoid demonstrations wherever possible and follow the advice of the local authorities. Some demonstrations in the past have turned violent. If you do find yourself unexpectedly near a demonstration, move away to the last known safe place. Security forces often use tear gas to break up demonstrations, which can harm your breathing and vision.

Demonstrations take place regularly around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square. There is currently a heightened risk of demonstrations, particularly in central Athens, related to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Nationwide strikes and protests can occur at any time and may disrupt road, air, sea travel and cause delays or diversions at border crossings.

Demonstrations may happen at short notice, and have traditionally happened on 1 May, 17 November and 6 December.

Theft of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Don’t carry all your valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe. Maintain the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK.

When driving on holiday, keep your valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle at all times. Always park in a well-lit area or secure car park. Be alert to car crime.

Sexual assault

Sexual assaults and personal attacks may occur in Greece. This includes attacks on foreign visitors in tourist areas and cities.

The FCO recommends that all travellers follow this advice:

• save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easier to find at the end of the night
• set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with others in your group
• keep an eye on each other’s drinks to make sure they don’t get spiked
• don’t let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
• don’t give a drunk person more alcohol

You should immediately report anything you see that doesn’t feel right to local authorities or hospitality management.

Carry a copy of your passport or other photographic ID which confirms British nationality at all times, this is a legal requirement.

The majority of visitors experience no difficulties related to race, but there have been some racially motivated attacks, particularly in inner-city areas.

Public offences

The Greek police won’t accept behaviour they find rowdy or indecent, especially where excessive drinking is involved, this behaviour may be illegal. The police will make arrests and the courts are likely to give heavy fines or prison sentences if you behave indecently.

Some fancy dress costumes may be regarded as offensive and therefore against decency laws. Your travel insurance may not cover you after drinking.

Possession of even small quantities of illegal drugs can lead to a long prison sentence. Alcohol, drugs and use of nitrous oxide can make you less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.

Nitrous oxide is illegal to buy or sell for recreational use in Greece. You can be arrested or fined if found in possession.

Public transport

It’s sometimes necessary to time stamp or validate your ticket on public transport for it to be valid. Check with local providers.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relations are legal in Greece and civil unions between same-sex couples have been legal since 2015 and same sex marriage was legalised in February 2024. The age of consent in Greece is 15, this applies to partners of both the same sex and opposite sex. Transgender people are able to change their legal gender. Anti-discrimination and hate speech laws apply to gender identity.

Public attitudes towards same-sex sexual activity vary throughout the country; showing affection in public by same-sex couples may be frowned upon, especially in rural areas.

Attitudes are generally much more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands, particularly on Lesvos, Mykonos and Skiathos.

Using cameras or approaching sensitive locations

It is illegal to approach or take photos or videos of military installations, vehicles or buildings at any time. The Greek authorities will arrest and possibly prosecute anyone doing so. Certain border areas are also militarily sensitive. Although you can visit these areas, you should avoid taking photos or video footage.

If you are planning to drive in Greece, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC guide.

Make sure any vehicle you hire is in good condition and check that you’re insured. When renting mopeds or quad bikes, insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third party insurance, which only covers the cost of damage to another vehicle. Any damage sustained to the rental vehicle in many cases may need to be paid for by you, or you may face arrest if you do not pay and the hire company decide to press charges.

Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic, especially in the larger cities. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should cross roads using a crossing. Drivers don’t always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal sometimes also allows cars to turn right onto the crossing, so cross with caution.

Adverse weather conditions, including floods, are affecting some regions. The situation can change quickly. Follow “112 Greece” on X (formerly known as Twitter ) for official updates

Forest fires

There are active wildfires across Greece, including in populated areas on the mainland and a number of islands.

Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Follow “112 Greece” on X (formerly known as Twitter) for official updates.

You should:

• take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas
• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• not light barbecues

Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Greece even if unintentional. If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112.

Earthquakes

Greece can experience earthquakes and earth tremors. You should:

• familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
• follow advice given by the local authorities
• call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

A must for history buffs and sun worshippers alike, Turkey is a popular destination. These are all the things you should be aware of before you travel:

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.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners, such as:

• public buildings
• places of worship
• large public gatherings (including major events, public holidays, religious occasions)

There have been a number of recent significant attacks in Istanbul:

• In February 2024, one person was killed in an armed attack on the Çağlayan courthouse 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, six 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 neighbouring countries, including Turkey. Daesh has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border.

Occasional demonstrations can occur 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 demonstrations are ongoing in locations across Turkey. Large demonstrations have been reported 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.

Street robbery and pickpocketing

Street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.

Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them so they are not spiked. Be wary of strangers approaching you offering food and drink (which may be drugged), to change money, or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub.

Counterfeit alcohol

In a small number of cases, counterfeit alcohol has caused deaths of tourists. If you have any concerns, seek advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.

In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. Most sexual assault cases reported to British consular staff in Turkey have happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas. Many were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.

Vehicle safety

Accepting lifts from strangers can be dangerous. Find a registered taxi and note the registration number before entering.

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 visiting mosques

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.

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.

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

The possession, sale and export of 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 legal requirements before purchasing or exporting such items.

Using cameras

Do not take photographs near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.

Homosexuality is legal in Turkey. However, many parts of Turkey are socially conservative and showing affection in public could result in unwelcome attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Comments about the nation and flag

It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation, state or the national flag, or to deface Turkish currency. These laws can also apply to comments or images online wherever they were uploaded. Offences under these laws carry a penalty in Turkey of a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.

If you are planning to drive in Turkey, see information on driving abroad. You must carry a green card in Turkey.

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 can be poor in remote, rural areas. Accidents are common and mainly due to poor or reckless driving.

It is illegal not to wear a helmet on motorcycles and mopeds. You may get a large fine if you do not wear a helmet.

Do not drink and drive. The police fine drunk drivers and your licence could be confiscated for 6 months.

Forest fires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas.

You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind in forbidden areas. This includes barbeques and discarding cigarette butts in the woods.

If there is a forest fire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities. If you see a forest fire, call emergency services on 112.

Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides across Turkey. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged, 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

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.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Border with Syria

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria.

Sirnak (city)

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak (city).

Hakkari province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari province.

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Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu, Huseyin Hayatsever and Nevzat Devranoglu; Additional reporting by Clauda Tanios; Editing by Gareth Jones

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Israel has agreed to listen to us concerns before any rafah move, says white house.

Israel has agreed to listen to U.S. concerns and thoughts before it launches an invasion of the border city of Rafah in Gaza, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on Sunday.