Step away from the package-holiday coastal resorts and Turkey rewards the intrepid traveller richly with its spellbinding blend of East and West. With a history of invasion from all directions, it’s a rich cultural tapestry of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian influences. This can be seen in everything from its mouth-watering cuisine to its stellar cast of archaeological sites. And we haven’t even talked about its natural beauty yet! From the surreal plains of Cappadocia to the dazzling beaches of the turquoise coast, Turkey’s landscapes leave an impression that’s hard to shake. Combine that with some of the friendliest locals we’ve ever met, and you’ve got the trip of a lifetime in store.
There’s nowhere quite like Istanbul, with cultural fusion creating unique experiences, from history to food. The atmosphere is electric, with the bazaars a feast for all the senses. Soak up stunning panoramas of a skyline created from beautiful architecture, and immerse yourself in the culture as you wander through grand mosques and palaces.
Watching colourful hot air balloons flood the sky at sunrise - or hopping in one yourself - is the ultimate bucket list moment! Cappadocia feels straight out of a dream, with otherworldly rock formations and complex underground cities, plus mouthwatering meals showing off the best of Turkish flavours.
You’ll be pinching yourself as you set eyes on the naturally formed white mineral pools, filled with thermal waters for a spa-like experience. It doesn’t get more aesthetic than this, especially at sunset when the pools glow golden. After a relaxing dip, you can see the ancient ruins perched at the top of the terrace pools.
Calling all beach lovers! Get ready for a sun-kissed slice of the Turkish Riviera. From swimming in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea or sipping cocktails in the best bars of the Old Town, Antalya is a coastal hotspot. You can even trade a day by the sea for mountain adventures and hidden waterfalls.
Well-preserved ruins spread across the city of Ephesus, bringing to life ancient Roman stories as you walk the marble streets. A visit here on Turkey trips is truly memorable, as you see breathtaking remains from one of the Wonders of the Ancient World and the Great Theatre that once hosted gladiator fights
Foodies will be in heaven in Turkey, with a diverse cuisine influenced by Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian traditions. The Turks are as strong on meat dishes (kebabs, meatballs) as vegetarian foods (stuffed vegetables, mezze) and they’re no slouch when it comes to sugary things either (baklava, Turkish delight), so make sure you pack your eating trousers!
The coastal areas of Turkey which border the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters. In the Black Sea coastal regions, summers are warm and wet and winters are cool to cold. Some of the inland regions, especially those at elevation, can be cooler, even seeing snowfall in the winter. Although it’s typically seen as a summer destination, it’s always a good time of year to visit Turkey.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
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.
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
The usual entry requirements will apply, including that British nationals can enter without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
If 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.
Read more FCDO advice If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK.
To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.
If you live in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
If entering at a land border, make sure officials stamp and date your passport at the border crossing.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You 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.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism.
If 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
If 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.
To 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.
If 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).
This 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.
Read Greece’s travel advice for further details.
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.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Turkey guide.
There 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.
Some goods are prohibited – you cannot take them into or out of Turkey. These include:
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency or Turkish lira you can take into Turkey.
You must not take Turkish lira worth more than 5000 US dollars out of the country.
If you have other currency worth more than 5000 US dollars to take out of Turkey, you must declare it to Turkish Customs.
You may need to demonstrate where the currency came from.
While you’re enjoying yourself, it’s important to be aware of the risk of drink spiking and methanol poisoning, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with the steps you can take to help you keep safe. To learn more visit the FCDO Travel Aware page on spiking and methanol poisoning and visit FCDO Travel Advice for information specific to Turkey.
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