The Foreign Office has published updated travel advice for British nationals planning to visit Turkey. From January 2023 to September 2023, Turkey welcomed 3.16 million visitors from the UK.
Ahead of the summer holiday season, information has been updated on support, visa requirements, customs rules, outdoor activities, adventure tourism and health in areas where the FCDO advises against travel. Here are some key points from the update as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Turkey visa requirements
If you are visiting Turkey, please note that your passport must meet the following conditions:
If you are a resident of Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of arrival. If you are entering Turkey via a land border, make sure your passport is stamped with the date of entry before you leave the border.
Turkey allows visa-free visits of up to 90 days within 180 days for business or tourist purposes. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must obtain a short-term residence permit before your stay ends. If you hold another type of British nationality, such as a British national (overseas), we recommend that you check your visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before traveling.
Turkish customs regulations
Turkey enforces strict rules regarding the items that can be brought into the country or taken out of the country. Certain products are prohibited from being brought into and out of Turkey. These include:
controlled substances
firearm
Offensive weapons (such as flick knives and self-defense sprays)
Spices from endangered plants and animals
Obscene and indecent content
There are also restrictions on certain items and certain limits on the quantity of goods that can be brought into Turkey. These include:
Products subject to excise tax, such as tobacco, tobacco, and alcohol (including wine and spirits)
cosmetics
expensive electrical products
Some foods such as tea, coffee, meat, and dairy products
If you are bringing anything that may be prohibited or subject to taxes or duties, it is important to declare these items.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism in Türkiye
For those looking for a little adventure on vacation, it's important to take safety precautions seriously. Extreme sports can be thrilling, but they also come with risks. British nationals can be injured or even killed by participating in such activities.
Always ensure you are using a trusted operator and receive full instructions and training before beginning any activity. Also, check whether your travel insurance covers all the activities you are planning.
Jeep safaris are a thrilling way to explore, but in 2023 they can lead to accidents. If you are considering going on a jeep safari, be sure to choose a reputable company with solid health and safety procedures and equipment.
Again, be sure to check whether such activities are covered by your insurance. Quad biking is also an extreme sport that carries the risk of serious injury or death. You will need specific travel insurance to cover your quad bike.
Always read the details of your insurance coverage carefully, especially the small print and exclusions in your policy. Insurance sold by rental companies typically only provides third-party insurance. Please note that you may be liable for any damage to your rental vehicle and may be arrested if you do not pay.
If you plan on enjoying water sports, book your activity at a licensed center. Before you begin, please follow the warning signs and flags on the beach, follow the instructions of the lifeguards, and observe the flag markings on the beach. Always follow local instructions if jellyfish or sea urchins are present.
health
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
Check out the following health risks you may face in Türkiye:
biting insects and mites
malaria
The UK Health and Safety Executive has detected an increase in gastrointestinal infections in travelers returning from Turkey, with more than 200 cases of Salmonella detected since the beginning of 2023.
Support in areas where the FCDO has advised against travel
The FCDO advises against traveling within 10km of the border with Syria due to the ongoing conflict and increased risk of terrorism. It also advises against all but non-essential travel to the city of Şurnak and Hakkari province.
If you travel against the advice of the FCDO, your travel insurance may be invalidated. Embassy staff are not able to directly visit and assist in areas where the FCDO advises against travel. Staff will provide support by phone or email.
