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Europe
Turkey |
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| Still current at: 26 November 2009
Updated: 25 November 2009 |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (removal of reference to Ramadan; consular assistance figures), the Crime section (be wary of approaches from strangers), the Road Travel section (update of accident figures) and the Health section (removal of reference to Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
Local laws and customs
There is now 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.
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Contacts
Turkey, Ankara, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
Şehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A
Çankaya
Telephone:
0312 455 3344
Fax:
0312 455 33 52
Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Fri: 0645-1530
Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0845-1700
Website: http://ukinturkey.fco.gov.uk/en
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