The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for UK citizens planning to visit Turkey. Between January and September 2023, Turkey welcomed 3.16 million visitors from the UK.
Ahead of the summer holiday season, updates have been made to the information on support in areas where the FCDO advises against travel, visa requirements, customs rules, outdoor activities adventure tourism and health. Here are some key points from the updates, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Turkey visa requirements
For those visiting Turkey, it’s important to note that 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’re a resident of Turkey, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive. When entering Turkey via a land border, ensure your passport is stamped with the date of entry before leaving the border crossing.
Turkey allows visa-free visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for business or tourism purposes. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need to secure a short-term residence permit before your stay ends. If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), it’s advised to check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General prior to travelling.
Customs rules for Turkey
Turkey enforces strict rules regarding goods that can be brought into or taken out of the country. Certain goods are prohibited they cannot be brought into or taken out of Turkey. These include:
- controlled drugs
- firearms
- offensive weapons, for example, flick knives and self-defence sprays
- endangered animal and plant spices
- indecent and obscene material
There are also restrictions on certain items, with specific limits on the quantity of goods you can bring into Turkey. These include:
- goods subject to excise duty such as tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol (including wines and spirits)
- cosmetics
- high-value electricals
- some foodstuffs, including tea, coffee, meat, and dairy products
If you’re carrying anything that could be prohibited or potentially subject to tax or duty, it’s crucial to declare these items.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism in Turkey
For those seeking a bit of adventure on their holiday, it’s important to take safety precautions seriously. Extreme sports can be thrilling but they also carry risks – British nationals have been injured and even lost their lives participating in such activities.
Always ensure you’re using reputable operators and receive full instructions and training before starting any activity. Also, check that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to do.
Jeep safaris can be a thrilling way to explore, but they’ve been linked to accidents in 2023. If you’re considering joining a Jeep Safari, make sure you choose a reputable company with robust health and safety procedures and equipment.
And again, always check that your insurance covers such activities. Quad biking is another extreme sport that carries a risk of serious injury or death. You’ll need specific travel insurance to cover quad biking.
Always read the details of your insurance cover carefully, especially the small print and exclusions on your policy. Insurance sold by hire companies usually only provides third-party insurance. Be aware that you’ll likely be charged for any damage to the rental vehicle and could face arrest if you don’t pay.
If you’re planning to enjoy some water sports, book your activities at a licensed centre. Before you start, obey any warning signs and flags on beaches, follow instructions from lifeguards, and observe the flag indicators on beaches. Be sure to follow local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.
Health
At least eight weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkey
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Check out the health risks you’ll face in Turkey, including:
- biting insects and ticks
- malaria
The UK Health Security Agency has detected a rise in gastrointestinal infections in travellers returning from Turkey, with over 200 cases of Salmonella detected since the start of 2023.
Support in areas where FCDO advises against travel
FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria due to ongoing conflict and an increased risk of terrorism. It also advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari Province.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. The embassy staff cannot travel to areas where FCDO advises against travel to assist you in person. Staff can offer support by phone and email.