The Foreign Office has warned UK tourists visiting Turkey on holiday about ‘strict rules’ for taking certain items in or out of the country. The British government updated its travel advice on Friday, May 17.
The update included information on areas where the Foreign Office advises against travel, visa requirements and customs rules. The UK Foreign Office advises against travel to certain parts of Turkey, including any travel to within 10km of the Syria border and all-but-essential travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari Province.
The rest of Turkey is considered generally safe for travel, including tourist hotspots like Antalya, Bodrum and Istanbul, though there are still warnings and guidance in place to keep holidaymakers safe.
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Turkey has strict customs rules and some goods are prohibited, while others including tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, cosmetics, high-value electricals and some foodstuffs are restricted. The list of prohibited items, which cannot be brought in or taken out of Turkey, are pretty self explanatory. They include controlled drugs, firearms, offensive weapons including flick knives and self-defence sprays, endangered animals and plant spices and indecent or obscene material.
Restrictions also apply to other more common items, with precise limits on the volume of goods you can take into Turkey. Anyone looking to bring cosmetics, food, expensive electronics or goods subject to excise duty like tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol home with them should check the limits beforehand.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Trade website, tourists are restricted to carrying 600 cigarettes each, 250g of shredded tobacco, one litre of alcoholic spirits over 22% in strength or two litres under 22%, five perfumes or lotions in bottles no larger than 120ml and 1kg each of tea, coffee or chocolate.
The Foreign Office advice reads: “There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Turkey … You must declare anything that may be prohibited, or you believe may subject to any tax or duty.”
There are also restrictions on Turkish currency being taken out of the country and passengers with more than 5,000 dollars worth of Turkish currency will be stopped.
Regarding visas, the Foreign Office states that British citizens can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business. Those wanting to stay longer must get a short-term residence permit before the end of their stay.
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