Many families will be jetting off to Turkey in the coming days as schools break up for May half term. Ahead of the holidays the UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the country.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated information for various topics relating to the travel to Turkey, including visa requirements, customs rules and outdoor activities. It has also changed its information on support available in areas where travel is advised against, and the health page.
It’s important to be aware of the latest travel advice from the FCDO before you go away as it can impact your travel insurance. The guidance for Turkey mentions several areas where the Foreign Office advises Brits not to travel and support from the British embassy can be limited in those locations.
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The UK Foreign Office says: “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 help you in person. Staff can offer support by phone and email.”
The FCDO advises against travel to the following locations in Turkey:
- Turkey-Syria border: all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
- Sirnak city: all but essential travel to Sirnak city.
- Hakkari Province: all but essential travel to Hakkari Province.
Visas
The Foreign Office has also updated its advice for Turkey’s visa requirements. Here is what it says: “You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism. If you want to stay in Turkey for more than 90 days, you must get a short-term residence permit before the end of your stay.
“If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.”
It added: “The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has information on applying for a visa. If you plan to work in Turkey, make sure you have the right permits.”
Customs rules
Advice for customs rules have been updated. Here is what the Foreign Office says:
“There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Turkey. Some goods are prohibited – you cannot take them into or out of Turkey. These include:
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controlled drugs
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firearms
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offensive weapons, for example flick knives and self-defence sprays
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endangered animal and plant spices
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indecent and obscene material
“Some items are restricted, with precise limits on the volume of goods you can take into Turkey. These include:
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goods subject to excise duty such as tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol (including wines and spirits)
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cosmetics
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high-value electricals
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some foodstuffs, including tea, coffee, meat, and dairy products
“You must declare anything that may be prohibited, or you believe may subject to any tax or duty.”
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Turkey is a popular destination for outdoor activities, but it’s important to make sure you’re safe. The Foreign Office has thorough guidance on the topic.
Regarding extreme sports, it warns travellers to ensure that “adequate safety precautions are in place”. It says: “British nationals have been injured and killed doing extreme sports. Only use reputable operators. Make sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all activities you do.”
On jeep safaris, it says: “Jeep safaris can be dangerous, there were a number of reported accidents in 2023. If you join a jeep safari, make sure you use a reputable company who have adequate health and safety procedures and equipment. Always check that such activities are covered by your insurance. ”
The FCDO also has advice for quad biking and mopeds. It warns that you need specific travel insurance for quad biking and to ensure you have full instructions and training before the activity.
On insurance, it warns: “Insurance sold by the hire company usually only provides third party insurance. It’s likely you will be charged for any damage to the rental vehicle and you may face arrest if you do not pay.”
For mopeds, the FCDO says that travellers need a valid driving licence with a category A1 ‘light motorcycle’. It adds: “Drivers and passengers must wear helmets. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If the police stop you, they will fine you and take your licence.”
Regarding watersports, the Foreign Office says: “Book activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start make sure the paperwork is complete, ask for a safety demonstration and make sure you know how to call for help.
“Obey any warning signs and flags on beaches. Follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators on beaches. Follow local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.”
It added that more guidance on water safety is available from the Royal Life Saving Society and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Health
The Foreign Office urges travellers to ensure that they have appropriate travel insurance for Turkey, especially if they have a health condition or are pregnant. It advises Brits to check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkey, which you can check here.
Regarding health risks in Turkey, the FCDO says these include: biting insects and ticks, and malaria. It warns altitude sickness could be a risk in some parts of Turkey.
Travellers should take particular care with food and water hygiene as the UK Health Security Agency has detected an increase in gastrointestinal infections in travellers returning from Turkey in recent years. It urges travellers to follow advice here.
For those with prescription medication, the FCDO advises travellers to check with the nearest Turkish embassy or Consulate for guidance on medicines that are controlled in Turkey. It added: “British prescriptions are not accepted in pharmacies in Turkey. In some cases, you may be able to liaise with Turkish hospitals and your GP to arrange for a Turkish prescription for the equivalent medicine.”
Brits are also told that th The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) are not valid in Turkey.
Medical tourism
Turkey has become a popular destination when it comes to medical tourism, particularly with cosmetic procedures. The FCDO says: “The standard of medical facilities and available treatments can vary widely globally and also within countries. We are aware of six British nationals having died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures. Some British nationals have also experienced complications and needed further treatment or surgery following their procedure.”
It added that travellers going to Turkey for procedures should:
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discuss plans with your UK doctor before going ahead with any medical procedures abroad
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do your own research – private companies have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad and the information they provide should not be your only source of information
It added that further guidance is available on the NHS website, and that individuals should thoroughly research and check medical providers before undergoing any procedures.