Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey and a number of terrorist groups remain active in the country. Terrorist attacks are regularly carried out against the security forces in the south east of the country by the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). We advise against all but essential travel in the provinces of Hakkari, Sirnak, Siirt and Tunceli and visitors should remain vigilant when travelling in other provinces in south eastern Turkey. Terrorist attacks have also taken place against both government and civilian targets in major cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, and tourist resorts on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Improvised explosive devices (IED's) have been placed in crowded areas, restaurants, refuge bins, outside banks and hotels and on dolmus mini-buses and trains.
  
  
• Al Qaida and other networks inspired by religious extremism have specifically targeted western interests in Turkey and there remains a global risk of attack from such groups.
  
  
• Around 2,170,000 British tourists visited Turkey in 2008 (Source: Ministry of Tourism).  Most visits are trouble-free. 323 British nationals required consular assistance involving serious cases in Turkey in period 01 Jan – 31 Oct -2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (81 cases); hospitalisations (144 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (55 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (537 cases).
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Turkey.  See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice .

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey and a number of terrorist groups remain active in the country.

Terrorist attacks are regularly carried out against the security forces in the south east of the country by the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Attacks consist of IED's and armed assaults and are carried out in both urban and rural areas. There are also occasional occurrences of violent public disorder in the region. The main provinces affected by PKK attacks are Hakkari, Sirnak, Siirt and Tunceli. There is a high level of security activity in these provinces and you risk arrest if you fail to comply with restrictions. We advise against all but essential travel to these areas. There is also a significant level of PKK activity elsewhere in the south east of the country (Van, Bitlis, Bingol, Elazig, Mus, Batman, Erzincan, Diyarbakir, Mardin and Agri). Vigilance is advised when travelling in these areas.

PKK bomb attacks have also been carried out on government and civilian targets in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Adana, Izmir, Mersin and tourist resorts on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts (these have included Kusadasi, Cesme, Marmaris and Antalya, Manavgat). Devices have been placed in crowded areas, restaurants, refuge bins, outside banks and hotels and on dolmus mini-buses and trains. See attached map (below).

Map showing areas with a history of terrorist insurgency and attacks [PDF, 1MB].

(This map is presented for information only. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) accepts no responsibility for errors or omission of any geographical features. Please read the FCO travel advice text for more detailed information).

International terrorist groups, including Al Qaida, and indigenous networks inspired by religious extremism have also specifically targeted western interests in Turkey.  Extremists have also on occasion attacked Christian targets.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. We advise you to remain vigilant in all public areas across the country and report anything suspicious to the authorities. 

Significant Terrorist Incidents

• 27 July 2008 - 18 Turkish civilians were killed in a double IED attack in the Gungoren district of Istanbul.
  
• 9 July 2008 - 3 police officers and 3 terrorists were killed in an armed attack on the US Consulate in Istanbul.
  
• 8 July 2008 - 3 German nationals were kidnapped by the PKK on Mount Ararat. They were later released unharmed.
  
• 22 May 2007 - 11 civilians were killed by a PKK suicide bomber in the Ulus district of Ankara.
  
• 18 April 2007 - 3 Christian missionaries were murdered in the city of Malatya.
  
• 29 August 2006 - 10 UK nationals were injured by a PKK device placed on a dolmus mini-bus in the resort of Marmaris.
  
• 16 July 2005 - 5 persons, including 2 western nationals, were killed by a PKK device placed on a dolmus mini-bus in the resort of Kusadasi.
• 20 November 2003 - Al Qaida carried out vehicle-borne IED attacks on the British Consulate and the headquarters of HSBC in Istanbul, killing 33 people. This followed similar attacks on two synagogues in the city on 15 November, which killed 23 people.
  

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Generally crime is low, but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul.  You should be wary of approaches from strangers offering to change money or offering food and drink, which may be drugged, or offering to take you to a restaurant or nightclub.

In 2009 45 cases of sexual assaults, including rape, were reported to our Consular staff in Turkey. The majority of these cases occurred during the summer holiday period in coastal tourist areas visited by British nationals in South Western Turkey.   For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad. 

You are therefore advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.  If you are going to drink, know your limit.  Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.  We advise lone visitors, in particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time. For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad. 

Political Situation

Turkey Country Profile

Turkey is a stable democracy.  Demonstrations occur regularly in major cities.  You are advised to avoid any areas where demonstrations are taking place.

Local Travel

Security Forces continue to enforce restrictions upon movement in areas bordering Iraq.  You risk arrest if you fail to comply with these restrictions.

Road Travel

You should take particular care when travelling by road throughout Turkey, as road conditions can be poor. Road traffic accidents are common and are mainly due to either poor or reckless driving, particularly at night.  According to the Turkish General Directorate of Security so far in 2009 there have been 199,159 road traffic accidents  which resulted in 2,554  deaths and over 122,529 injuries.

If you wish to drive in Turkey, you are required to carry either an International Driving Permit issued in the UK or a notarised copy, in Turkish, of your Driving Licence. Please note provisional driving licences are not recognised. An 'A' category standard motorcycle licence is required to hire motorcycles over 50cc in Turkey. An 'A1' category 'light motorcycle' driving licence is only suitable for motorcycles below 50cc. It is against the law not to wear a helmet.

Contravention of the above could result in a heavy fine.

Do not drink and drive.  The Police will breathalyse drunk drivers, fine them on the spot (currently 537 YTL) and immediately confiscate their licence for six months.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Rail Travel

The vast majority of train journeys in Turkey are trouble free.  However, there have been accidents. On 27 January 2007, nine people were killed and over 50 injured when a train derailed on the Istanbul to Denizli line near Kutahya.

Local laws and customs

There is a smoking ban on all forms of public transport (trains, ferries and taxis) and in outdoor venues (including stadiums, playgrounds, cafes, bars, and restaurants).   You risk being fined 62 YTL if you are caught smoking in a designated smoke-free area.
 Turkey has strict laws against the use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs.  If you are convicted of any of these offences, you can expect to receive a heavy fine or a prison sentence of four to 24 years.   The export of antiquities is prohibited and carries a prison sentence from five to ten years.   The use of metal detectors is against the law.   Dress modestly if visiting a mosque or a religious shrine.   It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey.  It is therefore advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.   Do not take photographs near military or official installations.  You should seek permission before photographing individuals.   Homosexuality is not illegal but is not widely tolerated:  public displays of affection could result in prosecution for public order offences.   It is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface or tear up currency.  For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas  
A visa is required for British nationals to enter Turkey unless they are cruise ship passengers who enter the country for a day trip and return to the ship the same day.  British citizens may obtain a multiple entry visitor's visa valid for 90 days at the port of entry on payment of ten pounds sterling in cash (Scottish currency is not accepted).  If you are a BN(O) passport holder and you arrive at Istanbul airport without a visa obtained from a Turkish mission abroad, you may be refused entry to Turkey.  If you take employment without the appropriate permission, you may be escorted from the country by the police authorities or, in some cases, deported.   If you stay in Turkey longer than your visa allows, you will be liable to pay a substantial fine upon departure.  This varies according to how long you have overstayed.  From the moment you have overstayed your visa the minimum fine is 98.40 YLT, rising incrementally each day to 193.20 YTL for an overstay of one month.  If you stay longer than one month the fine increases substantially.   Passport validity  Your passport should be valid for at least six months on entry into Turkey and have at least three months validity from the date you are exiting Turkey.  If you hold a Travel Document it must be valid for at least one year on entry into Turkey.   Travelling with children  If a parent travels on his or her own with a dual national Turkish child, written permission from the Turkish parent, certified by a notary, must be shown to the immigration authorities if requested upon departure, otherwise the child will not be permitted to leave Turkey.

Health

Please refer to the British Embassy, Turkey website for details of English speaking hospitals and doctors.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which concerns free medical treatment in EU countries, is not valid in Turkey.

Turkey can be very hot, especially in summer when temperatures can reach 30-40C. To avoid heat-related illness drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, use a high-factor sunscreen and avoid direct sunshine. Older, very young and some other travellers may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and should take extra care.

Outbreaks of diarrhoeal illness occur in Turkey. Travellers to Turkey should practice strict food and water hygiene precautions.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Turkey and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the  NaTHNaC and  NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

There are reports that illegal alcohol is circulating in Turkey and that this was responsible for the death of 2 German tourists.   If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your tour operator or with the Turkish local authorities.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Pandemic A (H1N1) Influenza Swine Flu

There are confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Turkey. You can check for updates on the number of cases at the World Health Organisation.

As a precaution, all passengers arriving in Turkey are required to complete a health declaration landing card, including contact details. Turkish authorities are also using thermal sensors to monitor the temperature of all passengers arriving in Turkey. Those with temperatures may be tested at the airport or transferred to a hospital for testing.  Results could take several days to become available and passengers may be asked to remain at the hospital or at their hotel during this time.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.  There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

In January and February 2008, Turkish Authorities confirmed a number of outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Zonguldak, Samsum and Sakarya provinces in Northern Turkey. In February 2007, Turkish Authorities confirmed a number of outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Batman and Diyarbakir provinces, South East Turkey. In January 2006 outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Turkey resulted in four deaths in eastern Turkey, believed to have arisen through close contact with infected poultry. Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam.   The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be low.  However, as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.   The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form, which is easily transmittable between people.   British nationals living longer term in Turkey should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.  You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Natural disasters

Many parts of Turkey lie on a major seismic fault line and are subject to earthquakes and tremors.  In August 1999 an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale resulted in over 17,000 deaths when it struck Izmit, a town 55 miles south of Istanbul.

General

Insurance

You should not travel without comprehensive medical insurance (including cover for medical repatriation), as private medical treatment is very expensive.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which concerns free medical treatment in EU countries, is not valid in Turkey.  For more general information see our Travel Insurance page.

As part of EU-wide measures to improve security, passengers flying to Turkey may be required by their airline to supply details of their date of birth, nationality, and passport number before flying. If in doubt you should contact the airline concerned.  Further information can be found at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

British diplomatic missions in Turkey

In addition to the Embassy in Ankarawe have a Consulate-General in Istanbul, a Consulate in Izmir a Vice Consulate in Antalya and Honorary Consulates in Adana, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris.  Full contact details are on the Embassy website.
 
Passports

The British Embassy in Ankara, the Consulates in Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya and Honorary Consulates in Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye can provide Emergency Passport services.  Full passport services are available at the British Consulate in Istanbul.   Passport applications can be sent to the Consulate General in Istanbul by mail or courier service (recommended) and fees may be paid by credit cards (see website for details).
 
Money
 
ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.  Local currency can also be obtained from banks and exchange bureaux, known as DOVIZ in Turkish.