Europe

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.

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 have 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.