Istanbul

Entering Turkey across the land border from Iran

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.

Passport validity requirements

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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

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.

Day trips to Greek islands 

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.

Travelling with children

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.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Turkey guide.

Customs rules 

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:

• controlled drugs
• firearms
• offensive weapons, for example flick knives and self-defence sprays
• endangered animal and plant species
• indecent and obscene material

Taking money into and out of Turkey

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.

Customs rules 

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:

• controlled drugs
• firearms
• offensive weapons, for example flick knives and self-defence sprays
• endangered animal and plant species
• indecent and obscene material

Taking money into and out of Turkey

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.

Emergency services in Turkey

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters
• dealing with a death in Turkey
• being arrested in Turkey
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• If you are affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Turkey on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Turkey-Syria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. If you are in Syria, follow FCDO Travel Advice for Syria. The FCDO cannot facilitate entry for British nationals into Turkey from Syria.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.

Support from the UK government

While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in areas where we advise against travel.

Regional tensions

The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June  in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. 

British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• follow advice from the local authorities
• monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice
• stay away from areas around security or military facilities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
• if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Do not approach or touch any drone or missile fragments or unusual objects

Wildfires in Turkey

There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

E-sims

Access to some e-sim services is restricted in Turkey. Check with your provider before travelling.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims in Turkey. The next Ramadan will likely begin between early February and early March in 2027 and will last for 29 or 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts. 

During this time, it may cause offence if you:  

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car  

• play loud music or dance  

• swear in public  

You should also:  

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  

• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens  

• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time  

• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk  

• be patient and show tolerance – fasting can cause tiredness, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening

Personal ID

It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. Always carry your passport or residence permit. In some busy areas, especially Istanbul, the authorities may stop people for ID checks. There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey. Cooperate with officials conducting checks.

Children and accommodation

There are some reports of hotels refusing to check-in children aged 17 and under who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian, unless written parental consent has been provided (and in some cases notarised). Check with your accommodation provider in advance.

Dress code

Dress modestly if you’re visiting a mosque or a religious shrine to avoid causing offence.

Personal injury claims

There are reports of tourists being encouraged to submit a claim for personal injury if they have experienced gastric illness in Turkey. Find out what you can do if you have suffered a personal injury on the Citizens Advice website. Only make a claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness. If you make a false or fraudulent claim, you may face legal proceedings in the UK or Turkey.

Smoking bans

Smoking is illegal on public transport and in all indoor workplaces and public places. Smoking is restricted in some outdoor areas where cultural, artistic, sports or entertainment activities are held.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long prison sentence of 4 to 24 years and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports.

Airports in Turkey have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Stray dogs

Most towns and cities have stray dogs. Packs congregate in parks and wastelands and can be aggressive. Take care and do not approach stray dogs. If you’re bitten, get medical advice immediately. Rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Turkey.

Sale of antiquities

Buying or exporting antiquities is illegal. You could be fined and receive a prison sentence of 5 to 12 years. Some historical items found at local markets and in antique shops can be sold within Turkey but are illegal to export. Confirm the status of antique items before you buy them.

Using cameras

Do not take photographs of or near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing people.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey. However, some parts of the country are socially conservative and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised.

Since 2015, authorities have banned or dispersed Pride events. Anti-LGBT+ statements by senior public figures have increased in recent years, and restrictions on LGBT+ organisations have increased. Turkish authorities have carried out operations against LGBT+ organisations and activists across the country.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Comments about the nation and flag

It is illegal to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag. Insulting the President or the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is also a criminal offence. These laws can apply to comments or images online no matter where you were or when you posted them. Defacing Turkish banknotes is also illegal. Offences under these laws are punishable by a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.