Holidaymakers issued Foreign Office warning over travel to Turkey

Brits heading to Turkey for a bit of summer sunshine have been issued a warning by the Foreign Office.

Between January and September 2023, the holiday hotspot welcomed 3.16 million visitors from the UK. Ahead of the summer holiday season, updates have been made to the information on support in areas where the FCDO advises against travel, visa requirements, customs rules, outdoor activities adventure tourism and health.

Below are some key points from the updates, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.

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Turkey visa requirements

For those visiting Turkey, it's important to note that your passport must:

If you're a resident of Turkey, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive. When entering Turkey via a land border, ensure your passport is stamped with the date of entry before leaving the border crossing.

Turkey allows visa-free visits for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for business or tourism purposes. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to secure a short-term residence permit before your stay ends. If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), it's advised to check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General prior to travelling.

Customs rules for Turkey

Turkey enforces strict rules regarding goods that can be brought into or taken out of the country. Certain goods are prohibited they cannot be brought into or taken out of Turkey. These include:

There are also restrictions on certain items, with specific limits on the quantity of goods you can bring into Turkey. These include:

If you're carrying anything that could be prohibited or potentially subject to tax or duty, it's crucial to declare these items.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism in Turkey

For those seeking a bit of adventure on their holiday, it's important to take safety precautions seriously. Extreme sports can be thrilling but they also carry risks - British nationals have been injured and even lost their lives participating in such activities.

Always ensure you're using reputable operators and receive full instructions and training before starting any activity. Also, check that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to do.

Jeep safaris can be a thrilling way to explore, but they've been linked to accidents in 2023. If you're considering joining a Jeep Safari, make sure you choose a reputable company with robust health and safety procedures and equipment.

And again, always check that your insurance covers such activities. Quad biking is another extreme sport that carries a risk of serious injury or death. You'll need specific travel insurance to cover quad biking.

Always read the details of your insurance cover carefully, especially the small print and exclusions on your policy. Insurance sold by hire companies usually only provides third-party insurance. Be aware that you'll likely be charged for any damage to the rental vehicle and could face arrest if you don't pay.

If you're planning to enjoy some water sports, book your activities at a licensed centre. Before you start, obey any warning signs and flags on beaches, follow instructions from lifeguards, and observe the flag indicators on beaches. Be sure to follow local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.

Health

At least eight weeks before your trip:

Check out the health risks you'll face in Turkey, including:

The UK Health Security Agency has detected a rise in gastrointestinal infections in travellers returning from Turkey, with over 200 cases of Salmonella detected since the start of 2023.

Support in areas where FCDO advises against travel

FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria due to ongoing conflict and an increased risk of terrorism. It also advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hakkari Province.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. The embassy staff cannot travel to areas where FCDO advises against travel to assist you in person. Staff can offer support by phone and email.