Turkey
Entry requirements
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Turkey set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Turkey’s UK embassy or consulate.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Turkey.
Passport validity requirements
If you are visiting Turkey, 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 are a resident in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
If entering Turkey through a land border, make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before you leave the border crossing.
Visa requirements
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.
Applying for a visa
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.
Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro.
Travelling with children
If 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.
Customs rules
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:
- controlled drugs
- firearms
- offensive weapons, for example flick knives and self-defence sprays
- endangered animal and plant spices
- indecent and obscene material
Some items are restricted, with precise limits on the volume of goods you can take 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
You must declare anything that may be prohibited, or you believe may subject to any tax or duty.
The Turkish Ministry of Trade has full guidance for travellers and further information and guidance on customs procedures.
Taking money into Turkey
There is currently no limit on the value of foreign currency and Turkish Lira that can be taken into Turkey.
There are strict rules on the value of currency that can be taken out of Turkey.
More than 5000 US Dollars worth of Turkish currency cannot be taken out of the country.
Up to the equivalent 5000 US Dollars in foreign currency can be taken out of the country.
Travellers seeking to take up to 5000 US Dollars in foreign currency out of Turkey will need to make a declaration to Turkish Customs and show they have purchased the currency from authorised banks.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has further guidance.