This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Turkey set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Turkish Embassy in the UK.
\n\nThe border remains open visa-free for people travelling on UK or Iranian passports (for stays of up to 90 days). If you are a British national intending to cross the land border from Iran into Turkey, you must request facilitation from the British Embassy in Ankara by contacting the FCDO before travelling to the border. You must state which border point you intend to use and provide personal details (name, date of birth, details of travel document used to enter Turkey). Also indicate whether you are contacting from Iran or from the UK on behalf of a relative.
\n\nThe Turkish authorities advise that the Iranians have closed the crossing point at Esendere-Serow on the Iranian side to daily traders entering and exiting over the course of a day.
\n\nThe usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
\n\nIf you intend to leave Iran overland, you do so at your own risk. In Iran, holding a British passport or having perceived connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.
\n\nRead more FCDO advice If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK.
\nTo enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.
\n\nIf you live in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
\n\nIf entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism.
\n\nIf you hold a British citizen passport, you can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism
\n\nIf you hold another type of British passport, you will need a visa and should check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.
\n\nTo enter Turkey for education, employment or medical purposes, or in other special cases, check the information on applying for a visa. If you plan to work in Turkey, make sure you have the correct permits.
\n\nIf you are considering a day trip to a Greek Island, be aware that Greece is in the Schengen Zone and has introduced the European Union (EU) Entry Exit System (EES).
\n\nThis applies to any non-EU national travelling from Turkey into the EU by land, sea or air (excluding airport transit). EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete, so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border.
\n\nRead Greece’s travel advice for further details.
\n\nIf leaving Turkey with a dual British-Turkish national child who is 18 or younger, you may need to show permission to travel from the Turkish parent.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Turkey guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Turkey. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to any tax or duty.
\n\nSome goods are prohibited – you cannot take them into or out of Turkey. These include:
\n\nThere is no limit on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish lira you can take into Turkey.
\n\nYou must not take Turkish lira worth more than 5000 US dollars out of the country.
\n\nIf you have other currency worth more than 5000 US dollars to take out of Turkey, you must declare it to Turkish Customs.
\n\nYou may need to demonstrate where the currency came from.
\n\n","safety_html":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Turkey.
\n\nThere 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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.
\nMost 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.
\n\nSee Regional risks for details about the areas in south-east Turkey where FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nThere have been several attacks involving knives, firearms and explosives. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nExamples of recent attacks include:
\n\nExtremist groups based in Syria, including Daesh and Al-Qaeda linked groups, have the capacity to carry out attacks in Turkey. Daesh has previously targeted border crossings and nearby locations on the Syrian side of the border.
\n\nRegular demonstrations and protests are currently taking place in Istanbul and other cities across Turkey. Demonstrations may become violent. The police response has included use of tear gas and water cannons.
\n\nEvents in Israel and Palestine have led to heightened tensions in the region and in locations across Turkey. Demonstrations continue to occur outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul.
\n\nAvoid all demonstrations and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.
\n\nStreet robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure.
\n\nBanks and money exchanges may not accept 50 or 100 US dollar bills, due to a reported surge in counterfeit banknotes of these denominations in Turkey. You should not accept these banknotes where possible.
\n\nBe wary of strangers approaching you to change money, or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub. If strangers offer you food and drink these could be spiked. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them.
\n\nThere has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
\n\nIn Turkey, including Ankara and Istanbul, people have died or suffered serious illness after drinking illegally produced local spirits and counterfeit bottles of branded alcohol.
\n\nEven small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nAmong the 4.27 million British travellers that visited Turkey in 2025, 29 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff. The majority of cases that have been reported took place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas. Often these crimes were committed by someone the victim may have met during the day, with a significant number being by hotel or spa staff. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.
\n\nTake extra precautions:
\n\nSee advice for women travelling abroad and information for British nationals affected by rape or sexual assault abroad
\n\nIf you experience sexual harassment or assault, or if you feel threatened or unsafe, report it as soon as possible to the hotel and to the Turkish police or gendarmerie. Call 112 for police. Contact your nearest British Consulate for Consular support.
\n\nAccepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky. Find a registered taxi, note the registration number before entering and ensure the fare is metered. App-based taxis and pre-booked taxis are also widely available.
\n\nAccess to some e-sim services is restricted in Turkey. Check with your provider before travelling.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims in Turkey. The next Ramadan will likely begin between early February and early March in 2027 and will last for 29 or 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nDuring this time, it may cause offence if you:
\n\neat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car
\nplay loud music or dance
\nswear in public
\nYou should also:
\n\ncheck opening hours of shops and restaurants
\nbe aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
\nfollow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
\nbe aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
\nbe patient and show tolerance – fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening
\nIt 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.
\n\nThere are some reports of hotels refusing to check-in children aged 17 and under who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian, unless written parental consent has been provided (and in some cases notarised). Check with your accommodation provider in advance.
\n\nDress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine to avoid causing offence.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nSmoking 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.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long prison sentence of 4 to 24 years and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.
\n\nAirports in Turkey have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nMost 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.
\n\nBuying or exporting 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 status of antique items before you buy them.
\n\nDo not take photographs of or near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. However, some parts of the country are socially conservative and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised.
\n\nSince 2015, authorities have banned or dispersed Pride events. Anti-LGBT+ statements by senior public figures have increased in recent years, and restrictions on LGBT+ organisations have increased. Turkish authorities have carried out operations against LGBT+ organisations and activists across the country.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt is illegal to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag. Insulting the President or the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is also a criminal offence. These laws can apply to comments or images online no matter where you were or when you posted them. Defacing Turkish banknotes is also illegal. Offences under these laws are punishable by a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.
\n\nIf you do an extreme sport, check that adequate safety precautions are in place. 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. Always read the details of your insurance cover, especially the small print and exclusions on your policy.
\n\nParagliding is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. British nationals have died or been seriously injured whilst paragliding in Turkey.
\n\nMake sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity.
\n\nIf you are near where paragliding activities take place, be aware that the landing area may be in a public area. Keep a reasonable distance from potential landing zones for your personal safety.
\n\nQuad biking is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death. You need specific travel insurance to cover quad biking. Always read the details of your insurance cover, especially the small print and exclusions on your policy.
\n\nMake sure you are given full instructions and training before your activity.
\n\nInsurance 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.
\n\nIf you hire a moped you need a valid driving licence with at least category A1 - ‘light motorcycle’. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets. Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance. If police stop you, they will fine you and take your licence.
\n\nJeep safaris can be dangerous - there have been a number of reported accidents in recent years. If you join a jeep safari, use a reputable company who have adequate health and safety procedures and equipment. Always check that activities are covered by your insurance.
\n\nBook activities at a licensed water sports centre and before you start:
\n\nEvery year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Turkey. Always supervise children, even if they can swim or there is a lifeguard present.
\n\nTake care when swimming in the sea. Some beaches may have strong undercurrents.
\n\nHidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Do not dive into unknown water.
\n\nFollow local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present. See further information on the Turkish Marine Research Foundation’s page.
\n\nMany beaches have a flag system. Make sure you understand the system and follow any warnings (a red flag means you must not enter the water). Follow instructions from lifeguards. Take extra care and seek local advice if there are no lifeguards, flags, or signs.
\n\nSee further tips on ABTA’s swim safe pages and Water Safety on Holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Turkey, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. You must also carry a green card to show you have third party insurance.
\n\nIf you bring a vehicle registered in another country into Turkey, observe the Turkish customs regulations. Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nTake 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 the road surface can be poor in remote areas. Accidents are common – mainly due to poor or reckless driving.
\n\nIt is illegal to ride without a helmet on motorcycles and mopeds. You may get a severe fine if you are not wearing a helmet.
\n\nDo not drink and drive. The police fine drunk drivers and they could confiscate your licence for 6 months.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nMany parts of Turkey regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. These can be high magnitude, cause damage to infrastructure, and pose a risk to life.
\n\nA 6.2-magnitude earthquake which occurred in the Sea of Marmara in April 2025, was felt strongly in Istanbul. Be aware of the risk of aftershocks. See Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority’s (AFAD) earthquake page for the latest information about seismic activity in Turkey.
\n\nFollow advice from local authorities, tour operators and accommodation providers. See the US Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nExtreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months.
\n\nThe NHS has information on how to cope in hot weather.
\n\nWildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer.
\n\nYou could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited.
\n\nIf there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.
\n\nIf you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112.
\n\nSevere rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides across Turkey, damaging roads and bridges. Some routes may become impassable, making it difficult to travel and reducing essential services.
\n\nIf you’re in an affected area:
\n\n